Razor gangs hit Broome?
It's the ones that they know best that are the most danger 
Just put the wallet in the tray, walk through to the other side, pick the wallet up again and carry on with life. Think of it like going to the dentist, no one enjoys it but it's a part life. Move on. Nothing to get excited about.
Now let's talk about some thing interesting.....
Now let's talk about some thing interesting.....
wishiwasupthere,
We were all tourists but I'll remember that for next time. Thankyou.
mince,
In my case at Kal, I'd put my wallet; phone; keys and coins into the tray. I don't have any metal implants. But still the metal detector kept going off. The stupid operators became very serious about this and it was rather embarrassing for me. Quite a few people were in a queue behind me. Eventually they came to the conclusion that their doorway detector and wand must be somehow faulty. That was about the time that I removed my T shirt.
We were all tourists but I'll remember that for next time. Thankyou.
mince,
In my case at Kal, I'd put my wallet; phone; keys and coins into the tray. I don't have any metal implants. But still the metal detector kept going off. The stupid operators became very serious about this and it was rather embarrassing for me. Quite a few people were in a queue behind me. Eventually they came to the conclusion that their doorway detector and wand must be somehow faulty. That was about the time that I removed my T shirt.
Okay, where do I start?
I've come out of the closet as an Airport Security Screener and I've just spent many days trying to spread "the facts" and change attitudes on another thread ... but i guess I failed miserably.
Let's start with attitude. No names, no pack drill....
Gee whizz....and you wonder why you're met with a cool reception sometimes?
The job requirement of an Airport Screener is to ...detect and remove prohibited and dangerous items during screening. That is achieved by the use of various processes and requirements. One of which is that we need to ensure everything is ..out of pockets and on a tray, or in a bag. I don't care which...except for some requirements I'll talk about later. The request to remove such items from pockets is a lawful and reasonable request. It also gives you a better chance of successfully getting through the "walk through metal detector" without it alarming. You will not be permitted to enter the sterile area until you can either achieve that or be cleared by secondary, and more intrusive, screening. Do yourself a favour. here is a link to information on prohibited items: Prohibited items
No, it's not a Rocky focus, it's a National regulation. Here is a link: https://www.casa.gov.au/standard-pag...and-toiletries
And to ensure compliance with those Regulations, we need to see the cans.
Humorous indeed, however, the facts are...if you have an implant or prosthetic, you will normally set off the walk through metal detector. The majority of such passengers inform us as they approach the screening point and we arrange for secondary screening by one of our Officers of the same sex. It usually takes a few minutes and then life moves on...most people at my port have no problem with the process. However, if they tell us of an implant, walk through the detector and it doesn't alarm...on they go. End of story. No big deal and it happens quite often.
Well...yes. You're correct. They were never expected to be. in fact, show me a machine that is infallible.
I know the facts aren't as sexy as your warries...but I bet if you gave your local Screeners a little more respect, you may achieve a better outcome.
Consider...if the above posts are representative of the reception Pilots give Screeners, imagine what they have to deal with from passengers...who are supposed to be less informed than Pilots.
I've come out of the closet as an Airport Security Screener and I've just spent many days trying to spread "the facts" and change attitudes on another thread ... but i guess I failed miserably.
Let's start with attitude. No names, no pack drill....
....stupid operators......BOFFINS......the screeners will help themselves given half a chance....Even though I showed complete disdain to the 'goons', they didn't get who I was!
...chucking my wallet into a tray: "Go for your life. It will be a new experience for my wallet. I travel a lot and it has never been X-rayed before".
...RK focus was lids on spray cans : deodorants, hair sprays etc. if didn't have a lid it was confiscated. Under the counter of the checkin area were boxes of lidless spray cans. Only place in world that had such a focus!
And to ensure compliance with those Regulations, we need to see the cans.
But the last time when I was looking forward to meeting the security staff with the selfie stick, I was thwarted as the alarms and lights did NOT go off when the First Mate walked through the doorway that has no door.
I sometimes get the feeling that the current scanners aren't infallible
I know the facts aren't as sexy as your warries...but I bet if you gave your local Screeners a little more respect, you may achieve a better outcome.
Consider...if the above posts are representative of the reception Pilots give Screeners, imagine what they have to deal with from passengers...who are supposed to be less informed than Pilots.
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... if the above posts are representative of the reception Pilots give Screeners ...a
I and every other pilot I have witnessed walk through security exhibit nothing but courtesy with security screeners, usually a mutual friendly "good morning" and a smile and a knowing nod as the passenger in front tries to walk through wearing a studded dog collar and holds up the whole show for everyone.
There would be numerous occasions when we are forced to delay flights and annoy passengers for various reasons that don't make much sense to us on the day either, but it is our job to adhere to similar policies of rules and procedures as you do, many of which are also written by government bureaucrats with little to no positive impact on actual safety.
Thank you for helping us keep the skies safe, my friend.
Thread Starter
Quote:
...chucking my wallet into a tray: "Go for your life. It will be a new experience for my wallet. I travel a lot and it has never been X-rayed before".
The job requirement of an Airport Screener is to ...detect and remove prohibited and dangerous items during screening. That is achieved by the use of various processes and requirements. One of which is that we need to ensure everything is ..out of pockets and on a tray, or in a bag. I don't care which...except for some requirements I'll talk about later. The request to remove such items from pockets is a lawful and reasonable request. It also gives you a better chance of successfully getting through the "walk through metal detector" without it alarming. You will not be permitted to enter the sterile area until you can either achieve that or be cleared by secondary, and more intrusive, screening.
...chucking my wallet into a tray: "Go for your life. It will be a new experience for my wallet. I travel a lot and it has never been X-rayed before".
The job requirement of an Airport Screener is to ...detect and remove prohibited and dangerous items during screening. That is achieved by the use of various processes and requirements. One of which is that we need to ensure everything is ..out of pockets and on a tray, or in a bag. I don't care which...except for some requirements I'll talk about later. The request to remove such items from pockets is a lawful and reasonable request. It also gives you a better chance of successfully getting through the "walk through metal detector" without it alarming. You will not be permitted to enter the sterile area until you can either achieve that or be cleared by secondary, and more intrusive, screening.
I have been through the security screening three times in the last two days - once leaving my regional home town, once at Brisbane domestic and once at Sydney domestic.
Same wallet, in same pocket, on all three occasions - not a problem!
Can't remember the last time I have set off the metal screening alarm ( I get screened at least twice a week)!. I find it interesting that I can wear my RMW top boots, large metal belt buckle, metal framed sun glasses and a mostly metal biro in my pocket and not set off the alarm - anywhere!
Home town screening got excited about a biro refill in my carry on bag until they found it - then gave it back to me. Brisbane and Sydney didn't bother about it.
Its the inconsistency of procedures that bug an INTJ like me!
Dr
Last edited by ForkTailedDrKiller; 26th Nov 2015 at 09:15.
Don't fight it FDK!
The only reason they ask for your wallet is because it usually sets off the alarm..
in combination with pens, glasses, belts, watches and shoes!
I normally just put everything in my briefcase to prevent the inevitable 'do not pass go'!
I have a pair of RMW's with Kevlar Shanks, so my shoes don't set off the alarms.
But if the alarm does go off, it's back to the start with belts, shoes and everything else off! Just not worth the hassle if you can get through the first time unscathed!
The only reason they ask for your wallet is because it usually sets off the alarm..
in combination with pens, glasses, belts, watches and shoes!
I normally just put everything in my briefcase to prevent the inevitable 'do not pass go'!
I have a pair of RMW's with Kevlar Shanks, so my shoes don't set off the alarms.
But if the alarm does go off, it's back to the start with belts, shoes and everything else off! Just not worth the hassle if you can get through the first time unscathed!
Thread Starter
Capt, you don't need kevlar shanks to get your RM's through screening without having to take them off - you just need to take one large step through the screening machine so that one boot goes through well ahead of the other! 
peuce,
No offence was meant to you and the many competent Airport Security Screeners that perform their jobs in a professional way. And I always cooperate with them, as I obviously should. So it is usually never a problem. But the two that I encountered at Kal that day were clearly incompetent. I'd put all items that had metal in them into the tray and that passed OK. But the walk through the doorway metal detector kept going off. And the two security staff were rather rude to me which I didn't appreciate.
No offence was meant to you and the many competent Airport Security Screeners that perform their jobs in a professional way. And I always cooperate with them, as I obviously should. So it is usually never a problem. But the two that I encountered at Kal that day were clearly incompetent. I'd put all items that had metal in them into the tray and that passed OK. But the walk through the doorway metal detector kept going off. And the two security staff were rather rude to me which I didn't appreciate.
FTDK....Yes, inconsistencies do occur...human nature. I get treated differently by a certain Airline's check in staff at Sydney than I do in Canberra. You'd think it would be the same, but the same request always gets a different response...depending on the port. Human Nature. Having said that, different ports have different screening procedures due to their particular "challenges"...and, according to the Government, that's fine...as long as the outcome is the same.
As for the wallet, there's two aspects to that. First, to expect every screener to notice your wallet in your pocket, every time...without frisking you, is probably unrealistic. Secondly, the xray screening is for ALL your carry on baggage...and that includes all the contents of your pockets...be it metal, plastic or kyryptonite ! We need to have a captain cook at what you're taking onboard...for all sorts of reasons. The walk through metal detector is to examine the amount of metal on your person or clothing.
As for Screeners getting 'excited' over certain items. You will just have to accept that you will not always be privy to the why.
P.S. Don't try a John Cleese walk through my metal detector
Gerry111.....there's no excuse for rudeness...on either side. But that old chestnut, human nature, can do some strange things when people are tired, frazzled or frustrated.
As for your detector going off. Unless it's broken, they don't alarm unless the parametres are met. If they alarm, the Screeners HAVE to find and remove the source. There's no latitude. But they should do it professionally.
I would be interested in hearing why you decided they were 'incompetent' though.
As for the wallet, there's two aspects to that. First, to expect every screener to notice your wallet in your pocket, every time...without frisking you, is probably unrealistic. Secondly, the xray screening is for ALL your carry on baggage...and that includes all the contents of your pockets...be it metal, plastic or kyryptonite ! We need to have a captain cook at what you're taking onboard...for all sorts of reasons. The walk through metal detector is to examine the amount of metal on your person or clothing.
As for Screeners getting 'excited' over certain items. You will just have to accept that you will not always be privy to the why.
P.S. Don't try a John Cleese walk through my metal detector
Gerry111.....there's no excuse for rudeness...on either side. But that old chestnut, human nature, can do some strange things when people are tired, frazzled or frustrated.
As for your detector going off. Unless it's broken, they don't alarm unless the parametres are met. If they alarm, the Screeners HAVE to find and remove the source. There's no latitude. But they should do it professionally.
I would be interested in hearing why you decided they were 'incompetent' though.
One day I was watching my bag on the screen as it went through the scanner.
As it went through I could clearly see the outline of a pistol in what looked like my bag. The screener didn't lift a finger and it went sailing on through.
Turns out it was an electronic training aid. My heart returned to normal operations shortly after.
As it went through I could clearly see the outline of a pistol in what looked like my bag. The screener didn't lift a finger and it went sailing on through.
Turns out it was an electronic training aid. My heart returned to normal operations shortly after.
Thread Starter
As for the wallet, there's two aspects to that. First, to expect every screener to notice your wallet in your pocket, every time...without frisking you, is probably unrealistic. Secondly, the xray screening is for ALL your carry on baggage...and that includes all the contents of your pockets...be it metal, plastic or kyryptonite ! We need to have a captain cook at what you're taking onboard...for all sorts of reasons. The walk through metal detector is to examine the amount of metal on your person or clothing.
As for the "John Cleese walk", unless a rule is passed that you must bunny hop through the metal detector, I will continue to put one foot after the other!
You see, it can be a bit hard for someone who isn't a Pilot to understand what we have to put up with sometimes.
Often I am walking through the terminal, resplendent in my crisp uniform, the click claking of my RMs making a perfect beat to the song playing through my head (often Staying Alive by the Bee Gees).
As I swing past a pretty girl, I can see her posture change as she glimpses me striding past. Time seems to slow down as she flicks her hair, blonde locks bouncing across her face in slow motion, pupils dilating and lips
ever so slightly parting as she exhales softly in admiration.
My spell is broken as yet another little boy yells and tugs at his mothers jumper, babbling and pointing at me in excitement.
Then, as I approach the security screening point my mood changes. The guards look up and I notice their eyes squint, knowing glances
are passed among them and I steel myself for a confrontation.
Chucking my flight bag on the belt and throwing my aerosol can in the tray I mutter something about "Mall Cops". Getting through the other side the woman with the wand deliciously replaces her swab licking her lips and eyeing me with a snarl at the anticipation of ordering me to undergo a test.
You see, I am Pilot.
And I don't like feeling like I don't have control.
I have an ego and it hurts me to feel like I am not that little bit more superior and important than everyone else so I whinge and complain at the gate. Sometimes I just make rude comments, sometimes I chuck a tantrum and begin to undress while ranting about the crash axe and how many tons of fuel I can carry.
Other times I find great comfort in complaining on anonymous forums and it is so important Gentlemen that we share our stories and experiences.
It helps with the healing process.
Stay strong Gentlemen
Often I am walking through the terminal, resplendent in my crisp uniform, the click claking of my RMs making a perfect beat to the song playing through my head (often Staying Alive by the Bee Gees).
As I swing past a pretty girl, I can see her posture change as she glimpses me striding past. Time seems to slow down as she flicks her hair, blonde locks bouncing across her face in slow motion, pupils dilating and lips
ever so slightly parting as she exhales softly in admiration.
My spell is broken as yet another little boy yells and tugs at his mothers jumper, babbling and pointing at me in excitement.
Then, as I approach the security screening point my mood changes. The guards look up and I notice their eyes squint, knowing glances
are passed among them and I steel myself for a confrontation.
Chucking my flight bag on the belt and throwing my aerosol can in the tray I mutter something about "Mall Cops". Getting through the other side the woman with the wand deliciously replaces her swab licking her lips and eyeing me with a snarl at the anticipation of ordering me to undergo a test.
You see, I am Pilot.
And I don't like feeling like I don't have control.
I have an ego and it hurts me to feel like I am not that little bit more superior and important than everyone else so I whinge and complain at the gate. Sometimes I just make rude comments, sometimes I chuck a tantrum and begin to undress while ranting about the crash axe and how many tons of fuel I can carry.
Other times I find great comfort in complaining on anonymous forums and it is so important Gentlemen that we share our stories and experiences.
It helps with the healing process.
Stay strong Gentlemen
Last edited by Compylot; 27th Nov 2015 at 07:03.
OK Peuce, time for a truce!
Perhaps I was unfair calling the two Kal Airport Security Screeners incompetent? But I still don't think that they handled the situation particularly well. They eventually allowed me through to the sterile area without ascertaining what was causing the false alarms. There were a whole lot of RPT passengers in the queue who were then screened using the same equipment that appeared to me to be faulty.
Perhaps I was unfair calling the two Kal Airport Security Screeners incompetent? But I still don't think that they handled the situation particularly well. They eventually allowed me through to the sterile area without ascertaining what was causing the false alarms. There were a whole lot of RPT passengers in the queue who were then screened using the same equipment that appeared to me to be faulty.
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Compylot; Whatever you're trying to do; It isn't working!
G'day gerry111.
G'day gerry111.
I worked there as well, Peuce, but these days it seem they are starting to head in a TSA direction.
Contents of my tray in Perth on Thursday arvo, a cap in which was my sunnies, wallet, keys, phone, ASIC, bars, $2.30 in change, a small torch, two cigarette lighters (warning!!!! I SHOULD have been read the riot act for that one) and half a pack of durries. Placed a second tray inverted over the top to stop the curtains dragging loose items out (as the "guard" feeding the belt usually does, but this dickywhacker decides to ask why I did it. He then proceeds to wave his hand around in the cap, scattering everything through the tray, tipping all the cigarettes out and breaking half of them in the process (at $1 a pop nowdays, onya buddy) which then means I now have loose tobacco everywhere.
Grabbed it back off him, saying "What are you doing?!? Do you REALLY have to do this?!? Look what you're doing!"
Reply, "The x-ray can't see through it when it's all piled up."
"You idiot. I used to do this job. I TRAINED people to use the screening gear. It CAN see it. You don't know ****."
"Sir, it can't see..."
"YES IT CAN. Just put the bloody thing through..."
Supervisor watching this shaking her head quietly says she'll have a word to him as I collect my stuff...
Other fun one I had was a guard who after asking and being shown what the (empty) leatherman pouch on my belt was, decided to stuff her fingers in there to check it was empty.
Contents of my tray in Perth on Thursday arvo, a cap in which was my sunnies, wallet, keys, phone, ASIC, bars, $2.30 in change, a small torch, two cigarette lighters (warning!!!! I SHOULD have been read the riot act for that one) and half a pack of durries. Placed a second tray inverted over the top to stop the curtains dragging loose items out (as the "guard" feeding the belt usually does, but this dickywhacker decides to ask why I did it. He then proceeds to wave his hand around in the cap, scattering everything through the tray, tipping all the cigarettes out and breaking half of them in the process (at $1 a pop nowdays, onya buddy) which then means I now have loose tobacco everywhere.
Grabbed it back off him, saying "What are you doing?!? Do you REALLY have to do this?!? Look what you're doing!"
Reply, "The x-ray can't see through it when it's all piled up."
"You idiot. I used to do this job. I TRAINED people to use the screening gear. It CAN see it. You don't know ****."
"Sir, it can't see..."
"YES IT CAN. Just put the bloody thing through..."
Supervisor watching this shaking her head quietly says she'll have a word to him as I collect my stuff...
Other fun one I had was a guard who after asking and being shown what the (empty) leatherman pouch on my belt was, decided to stuff her fingers in there to check it was empty.
Make it Happen....I'm trying not to seem like an apologist for all my colleagues, just trying to give some background to what happens, with a hope of some more understanding being exhibited.
As I said before...there's no place for rudeness or discourtesy, from either side...so if you have been treated badly, I'm sorry.
You said you've been there, done that. You, of all people, should be aware that, in Security, the only constant is change. What was, or wasn't done a month ago, may be done or not done now...due to the constantly shifting threat environment.
As many agree on here...the system has its deficiencies, and there always will be. The only chance we have of ensuring risk reduction...to the greatest extent possible, is to enact the current regulations, to the letter. The powers-that-be can then be assured they know what is ACTUALLY happening in the field, and develop improved processes based on that. There needs to be a datum.
The trouble with this process is that the Passengers (and some Pilots) see it all as an embuggerance, conducted by over officious goons.
That, we have to accept. We decided to take on this career and its just part of the deal. Some people cope better than others.
As for the specifics you discuss, I too would spread your contents over the tray, as is the requirement, to get the best possible x-ray picture. As to breaking cigarettes...I've never seen that done...
But I, too, would check the pack for cigarette lighters etc. I've been counselled for NOT doing that.
I dare-say that, since you were doing it...baddies have developed new ways of concealment...which, in turn, leads to new ways of detection.
I also have no problem with a Security Officer searching inside your letherman pouch. Better safe than sorry...and I bet it didn't hurt a bit and took about 10 seconds.
As I said before...there's no place for rudeness or discourtesy, from either side...so if you have been treated badly, I'm sorry.
You said you've been there, done that. You, of all people, should be aware that, in Security, the only constant is change. What was, or wasn't done a month ago, may be done or not done now...due to the constantly shifting threat environment.
As many agree on here...the system has its deficiencies, and there always will be. The only chance we have of ensuring risk reduction...to the greatest extent possible, is to enact the current regulations, to the letter. The powers-that-be can then be assured they know what is ACTUALLY happening in the field, and develop improved processes based on that. There needs to be a datum.
The trouble with this process is that the Passengers (and some Pilots) see it all as an embuggerance, conducted by over officious goons.
That, we have to accept. We decided to take on this career and its just part of the deal. Some people cope better than others.
As for the specifics you discuss, I too would spread your contents over the tray, as is the requirement, to get the best possible x-ray picture. As to breaking cigarettes...I've never seen that done...
But I, too, would check the pack for cigarette lighters etc. I've been counselled for NOT doing that.I dare-say that, since you were doing it...baddies have developed new ways of concealment...which, in turn, leads to new ways of detection.
I also have no problem with a Security Officer searching inside your letherman pouch. Better safe than sorry...and I bet it didn't hurt a bit and took about 10 seconds.