Just a small point here but from my experience of going through US/Canadian security Security ask for shoes to be removed if they cause the detector to beep. (I wear steel toe caps for work) Perhaps this hapless pilots' shoes caused the dreaded beep a metal buckle perhaps and upon being asked to remove his shoes replied in faltering english 'what you think there is a bomb in there?' Where upon he was clapped in irons. Easily done you know!!!