Missing FAA inspector badges give access to flight deck

[Eboy]

"Aviation expert Denny Kelly says "the FAA badge of all the badges is probably the most dangerous of any other."

An NBC5 investigation reveals over the past 5 years, 112 FAA aviation inspector badges have been stolen or lost.

Denny Kelly says "with that badge you can get in the cockpit in flight.""


http://www.wcbd.com/midatlantic/cbd/news.apx.-content-articles-CBD-2008-03-06-0012.html

[RetroFire]

Whilst in flight:

"Captain, there's a passenger back here who says he's an FAA inspector and would like to come up to the cockpit. He has a badge."

Don't think so...

[411A]

Ain't gonna happen. FAA form 110A's have the photo of the actual inspector on it....unless of course the perp has actually gone to a plastic surgeon...a stretch at best.:rolleyes:

[jetjackel]

To my recolection, FAA personnel must identify themselves when boarding. Asking to enter the cockpit during a flight would be a great opportunity to have security meet the aircraft on arrival.

Based on the news article, I would ask for multiple identification if informed one was boarding, before departure, and wanted into the cockpit. Maybe even a passport.......maybe not, but other ID or maybe ask security to check him before opening the door when still at the gate, but that's just me.

Considering the corrupting in the FAA I wouldn't be surprised if some of the 100+ ID's supposedly lost, where "sold".

[DingerX]

Yeah, reminds me of the famous "thousands of missing secret documents" at US national laboratories. Gee, those wouldn't be the same secret documents procedure required be destroyed after a few decades, would they?

Oh, they are, are they?

never mind then.
Two rules come to mind:
1. never attribute to foul play what can be explained by incompetence.
2. never attribute incompetence to many workers what can be explained by the incompetence of a single bean counter.

[Teal]

I suspect that a fair portion of the so-called lost or missing badges have in fact been 'souvenired' by FAA staff prior to retirement or employment termination. Same thing happens in police forces. It's a sentimental souvenir (but may come in handy one day too...) :bored:

[Speedbird48]

The losses over a 5 year period are wrong. There are probably some missing, but in the last few years the 110A was changed from a horizontal card, with picture, to a vertical card with picture. The new cards have not been around for 5 years.

The newer vertical 110A has the inspectors picture and a halogram over it to prevent changing the picture. So the forgery or stolen card needs serious changes to the inspectors looks?? As 411A says, not likely to happen.

If they are doing and en-route inspection in the cockpit they will identify themselves to the check-in staff and present a form of boarding pass from a book that they carry. They then bring that same boarding pass form to the airplane, identify themselves to the cabin crew and request to go to the cockpit. Normally the cabin crew will then take the boarding pass and the inspectors ID to the cockpit to clear it with the captain. The boarding pass form is kept by the captain.

If they are doing an en-route inspection of the cabin they will do the same procedure.

If only doing a ramp check they will present the 110A for entry to the airplane, and carry out the inspection and leave. They will not be on an airplane without a crew on board, nor will they open any cabin door to gain entry.

If they are in the back travelling on business using a ticket they will not necessarily identify themselves and will only surface if they see an issue that needs discussion with the crew. Normally after landing unless it is a serious issue.

That should clear the air??? Any questions??

Speedbird48

[recceguy]

Any chance to have one of those badges scanned here, in order to have an idea of what they look like ?

[Speedbird48]

Probably not a good idea for anyones career expectancy.

There was a Fed' that used to come and talk to the new hires and show his credentials for their education, but the FAA would not let the airline put a copy in their manual.

They all have a, shortly to be changed, light Green badge with a picture. That is used by all from the janitor to the top man/woman and only gets them access to FAA property.

The 110A credential is nearly 4in. tall and 2 wide with the holders badge number, and an expiry date. There is a picture of the inspector with a hologram across it to prevent copying. That gives them access to any airport or airplane.

The actual badge is just like a cops badge, as seen in TV, and Gold in colour with the inspectors badge number engraved on it. This badge is rarely seen as they are told not to wear it other than at accident scenes, so I believe.

Please note that the original story was from a journo'?? Enough said regarding accuracy getting in the way of a good story!!

[joeflyguy]

No way in hell am I taking anyone who pokes an FAA badge in my face, to the F Deck without him being identified pre-takeoff and me knowing exactly who he is.

[Farrell]

Is it really wise to give the running order on the FAA procedures for gaining access to the flightdeck, regarding forms and new ID cards etc.

The less these feckers know about how it's done, the better - in my book.