I am absolutely convinced that the current security fiasco is negatively affecting the "S" and "E" in "IMSAFE" (the well-known fit-for-flight checklist: Illness, Medication, Stress, Alchohol, Fatigue, Emotion). Therefore I wholeheartedly agree with Mick:
Originally Posted by
Mick Stability
If there’s one thing that this problem is, it’s that it’s worldwide. We need to achieve different treatment for pilots that recognises our unique position as front line guardians of safety and not convenient objects of ridicule and humiliation, or subject to the whimsical interpretation of rules by any and every security official.
We could start by raising the profile of our profession in the press and media.
What about an international day of action where we all demonstrate? Marches in London, NY, Brussels etc all coordinated to tell the World that we’re fed up? Surely at least it would send that message that we’re not going to bend over and take it without a fight.
We need to convey this message to the rulemakers, and we need to show the stupidity of it all. Once upon a time, safety was supposed to be paramount; I'd like to think it still is.