Like Tan said "The inmates are running the insane asylum…". Very recently my fleet manager and one of our training captains were going out to the aircraft to do a training flight, at the check point the security guard would not let them through because they were in civies( They had all the valid IDs and security clearances). The guard said that since they were not in uniform they could'nt go pass the check point. When asked why other airline employees could go through and not them they were told that those were passanger service employees and not pilots and as such need not wear uniforms. When asked why they should be in uniform were told that recently a person impersonating a Continental Airlines pilot tried to jump seat on World Airways but was found out,so all pilots had to be in uniform. This person was in uniform with a fake ID. When this was brought the guards attention he said that if you are a pilot you should dress like one, my boss said that if he went home and dressed would they let him through. The guard said "yes" . Shows that if you have all the requirements but dont "look the part" you are in trouble. By the way, since I joined my company 26yrs ago it has been our policy that we train in civilian clothes, since when do you have to look the part to be a pilot, thought a valid ID,company, airports authority and licence were good enough. Since 9/11 I've gotten the feeling that the security personel have taken great delight in putting airline staff in their "place". Yes I do have a crash axe and other stuff that I wouldn't be allowed through security. In other word I can cut off my fingers but not trim my nails.
