Wideroe Pilot Quits due to security checkpoint hassles
Join Date: Aug 1998
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I just love the daily merry banter as I'm being patted down. I have yet to get them to get the conclusion and realise the futility of their actions yet but it pleases me to keep trying.
Usually it goes along the lines of:
......so what are you actually searching me for?
It's our job sir (if you're lucky)
...... No, no I mean what are you actually looking for (you'd be amazed at how often we never get further than this)
............For prohibited articles
............Because you are worried I might do what with them (again another conversation "stumper")
............You might commit a terrorist act sir
............and you don' think that without this bottle of water or my swiss arm knife I will be able to bring down this plane?
Silence hopefully as penny eventually drop!
Quick breathe deeply and repeat twenty times to myself "I am a professional I will not let this get to me"
Usually it goes along the lines of:
......so what are you actually searching me for?
It's our job sir (if you're lucky)
...... No, no I mean what are you actually looking for (you'd be amazed at how often we never get further than this)
............For prohibited articles
............Because you are worried I might do what with them (again another conversation "stumper")
............You might commit a terrorist act sir
............and you don' think that without this bottle of water or my swiss arm knife I will be able to bring down this plane?
Silence hopefully as penny eventually drop!
Quick breathe deeply and repeat twenty times to myself "I am a professional I will not let this get to me"
...and just yesterday I watched a scientific report on German TV, saying that:
- it was never proven that the alleged "terrorists" from last year really had any dangerous substances on them
- it is practically IMPOSSIBLE to produce the explosives in less than 12 or 14 hours time on board, because the explosives that were intended to use are highly explosive as powder and drying them (for cristallization) takes that long.
Result: All these new rules are complete BS and useless. Luckily some countries allow us crews on duty to take again all our belongings, including liquids of any quantity, into the security area inside the airport buildings.
- it was never proven that the alleged "terrorists" from last year really had any dangerous substances on them
- it is practically IMPOSSIBLE to produce the explosives in less than 12 or 14 hours time on board, because the explosives that were intended to use are highly explosive as powder and drying them (for cristallization) takes that long.
Result: All these new rules are complete BS and useless. Luckily some countries allow us crews on duty to take again all our belongings, including liquids of any quantity, into the security area inside the airport buildings.
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Canada
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Worth mentioning 
UK 'plot' terror charge dropped
The alleged plot prompted a massive security clampdown
A Pakistani judge has ruled there is not enough evidence to try a key suspect in an alleged airline bomb plot on terrorism charges.
He has moved the case of Rashid Rauf, a Briton, from an anti-terrorism court to a regular court, where he faces lesser charges such as forgery.
Pakistan has presented Mr Rauf as one of the ringleaders behind the alleged plan to blow up flights out of London
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6175427.stm
UK 'plot' terror charge dropped
The alleged plot prompted a massive security clampdown
A Pakistani judge has ruled there is not enough evidence to try a key suspect in an alleged airline bomb plot on terrorism charges.
He has moved the case of Rashid Rauf, a Briton, from an anti-terrorism court to a regular court, where he faces lesser charges such as forgery.
Pakistan has presented Mr Rauf as one of the ringleaders behind the alleged plan to blow up flights out of London
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/6175427.stm
I was an eye witness today to a terrifying near miss at the crew security Ministry at London's Gatwick airport. A sharp-eyed and highly trained security operative (we will call him Bill to protect his family) sensed something suspicious whilst checking the contents of a GB stewardesses bag. As we were all told to hit the deck, Bill reached into the bag and with total disregard for his own safety removed a small can of peaches. With no hint of nerves he scanned the label, his training taking over under pressure, and his worst fears were confirmed. The innocuous looking tin of fruit was not 100ml in size but in fact a staggering 125ml - I saw it with my own eyes! As the offending crew member was frog-marched away for further questioning we all began to cheer as we realised how close we had come to disaster. Overcome with modesty Bill turned to me as I patted him on the back and said, with the gravelly voice of one who had seen combat: the real fear is that one day two or three of these might sneak through the net in different bags. The assailants could then meet-up on the aircraft and make a fruit cocktail. I for one will never again complain about the tightened security and finally; Bill I salute you! (As described by a certain LGW A320 skipper)
PPRuNe supporter
Join Date: Dec 2003
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That was great, 
, during a short period of time a few years ago I was based in Minneapolis, the National Guard was posted at security checkpoints in addition to the TSA personnel, while in line one early morning I observed a guardsman reporting for work, he was in full military attire (including an M-16), after alarming the metal detector, you guessed it, they forced him to be wanded to check for concealed weapons? 
, during a short period of time a few years ago I was based in Minneapolis, the National Guard was posted at security checkpoints in addition to the TSA personnel, while in line one early morning I observed a guardsman reporting for work, he was in full military attire (including an M-16), after alarming the metal detector, you guessed it, they forced him to be wanded to check for concealed weapons?
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When Jules Verne wrote From the Earth to the Moon , nobody would have suspected how fast Science would make his vision come true.
When “Airplane II” was released, I would have never suspected that our politicians would make this satire true in my lifetime. (remember: the security dumboes let terrorists pass with bazookas etc., and right next to them they brutally manhandle a poor old granny with her handbag)
When “Airplane II” was released, I would have never suspected that our politicians would make this satire true in my lifetime. (remember: the security dumboes let terrorists pass with bazookas etc., and right next to them they brutally manhandle a poor old granny with her handbag)
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Apparently the authorities in Norway aren't quite done yet making asses of themselves. It seems that rather than lying low for a while, they are now demanding background checks as well as security training for the police officers working airport passport control.
(don't know why they need cops to check passports, you'll have to ask them about it)
If I were Osama I'd be rotflmao.
(don't know why they need cops to check passports, you'll have to ask them about it)
If I were Osama I'd be rotflmao.
Join Date: Jan 2006
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Paxed last week from LHR to EDI and back. On the way through T1 security the righthand queue was being required to remove shoes, the lefthand queue was not. Being of an age when putting shoes on and off is a hassle, I selected the "keep shoes on" security check.
Not just pilots. While going through phx my mother was instructed to remove her socks. My mother stated"I'm not wearing socks I'm wearing Nylon's" again instructed to remove her socks after a about 5 minutes arguing with the security ninny, she removed her pants and walked thru wearing sheer nylons sans underwear." she's no shrinking violet" We all should be resisting this idiocy, and demanding satisfaction. I've already had 1 screener removed from the aircrew side for being overbearing and combative. Ask to talk to a supervisor, and follow up with letters, also cc your airworthiness authority, and your MP
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Regarding scanning everyone on trains, it won't happen because it's not practical, though there may well be random checks.
Incidentally, sharp items are permitted on Eurostar, though I've heard stories about security staff forgetting on occasions that they work in a railway station and not an airport and taking them anyway.
Incidentally, sharp items are permitted on Eurostar, though I've heard stories about security staff forgetting on occasions that they work in a railway station and not an airport and taking them anyway.
Join Date: May 2003
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Jobs worth (The Golden Scanner award!)
I too have had various run in with jobs worths at check in and security screening never from the crew who still are my favourites in the industry! Nearly always pleasant, helpful and courteous, well nearly always.
One such episodes saw my young son's aged 3 & 5 in tears all because of jobs worth check in staff at Sandford Orlando
(What a crap airport, well the facilities are and some of the staff are rude arrogant and totally without feeling).
My two young sons had tiny and mean tiny sandwhich box size shoulder bags and two meduim size cuddly toys (Before the security scare of late) the Check in staff demanded that they either had to give up their bags which held personal medicines and sweets for the trip or give up their toys. I have seen lots a people carry on far more than my two sons on many a fllight up until the recent security. There was no barganing not even for small children in fact the staff got quite abusive and reduced the childern to tears not to mention held up the queque severely while we tried to re-arrange our carry on.
How un-feeling and autocratic is that!!!!!
I hope they feel ashamed of their selves?
Perhaps we ought to start the 'Golden Scanner award' or a more generic award for staff like this and name and shame them on a monthly post.
U never know service all round may improve???
Then it might not!
There have been lots of complaints in recent times concerning the United States and the way it handles it passengers.
Our family has lost lots of customers because of complaints about airlines, staff and security but have praised or hospitality and what we offer!
So guys your not just ruining your business!
One such episodes saw my young son's aged 3 & 5 in tears all because of jobs worth check in staff at Sandford Orlando
(What a crap airport, well the facilities are and some of the staff are rude arrogant and totally without feeling).
My two young sons had tiny and mean tiny sandwhich box size shoulder bags and two meduim size cuddly toys (Before the security scare of late) the Check in staff demanded that they either had to give up their bags which held personal medicines and sweets for the trip or give up their toys. I have seen lots a people carry on far more than my two sons on many a fllight up until the recent security. There was no barganing not even for small children in fact the staff got quite abusive and reduced the childern to tears not to mention held up the queque severely while we tried to re-arrange our carry on.
How un-feeling and autocratic is that!!!!!
I hope they feel ashamed of their selves?
Perhaps we ought to start the 'Golden Scanner award' or a more generic award for staff like this and name and shame them on a monthly post.
U never know service all round may improve???
Then it might not!
There have been lots of complaints in recent times concerning the United States and the way it handles it passengers.
Our family has lost lots of customers because of complaints about airlines, staff and security but have praised or hospitality and what we offer!
So guys your not just ruining your business!
I'll mak siccar
Join Date: Aug 2000
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QUOTE
and right next to them they brutally manhandle a poor old granny with her handbag)
UNQUOTE from GMDS.
Alas, such nonsense goes back much further than Aeroplane II. Try Jacques Offenbach, 1819-1880:
We're public guardians bold yet wary
And of ourselves we take good care
To risk our precious lives we're chary
When danger threatens we're not there
But when we see a helpless woman
Or little boys who do no harm…
We run them in, we run them in
We run them in, we run them in
To show them we're the beaux gendarmes (bis)
When young men like to make a riot
And punch each other’s heads at night
We are disposed to keep it quiet
Provided that they make it right
But if they do not seem to see it
Or give to us our proper alms…
We run them in, etc.
Sometimes our duty’s extramural
Then little butterflies we chase
We like to gambol in things rural
Commune with nature face to face
But when we go back to our duties
Refreshed by Nature’s holy charms…
We run them in, etc.
and right next to them they brutally manhandle a poor old granny with her handbag)
UNQUOTE from GMDS.
Alas, such nonsense goes back much further than Aeroplane II. Try Jacques Offenbach, 1819-1880:
We're public guardians bold yet wary
And of ourselves we take good care
To risk our precious lives we're chary
When danger threatens we're not there
But when we see a helpless woman
Or little boys who do no harm…
We run them in, we run them in
We run them in, we run them in
To show them we're the beaux gendarmes (bis)
When young men like to make a riot
And punch each other’s heads at night
We are disposed to keep it quiet
Provided that they make it right
But if they do not seem to see it
Or give to us our proper alms…
We run them in, etc.
Sometimes our duty’s extramural
Then little butterflies we chase
We like to gambol in things rural
Commune with nature face to face
But when we go back to our duties
Refreshed by Nature’s holy charms…
We run them in, etc.
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I still think Manchester are the best.
I was 'reprimanded' last week for placing my lip salve (4.8ml) in full visibility in the security box along with my phone, keys, etc.
It had to go through the scan again, but this time in a plastic bag.
You couldn't write a script for these goons 
I was 'reprimanded' last week for placing my lip salve (4.8ml) in full visibility in the security box along with my phone, keys, etc.
It had to go through the scan again, but this time in a plastic bag.
You couldn't write a script for these goons
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What is becoming more worrying is the insistennce (Dublin and Frankfurt last week) that passports go into the xray machine as well. SO whilst you're walking through the metal detector your passport and wallet are not in your possession.
Let's face it folks, just like we all get great satisfaction from doing a Greaser in a crosswind, the screeners get their satisfaction from screwing those who earn more than the do. I expect they keep a league table of how many pax they can reduce to tears per hour.
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It is only because it sometimes causes so much annoyance to the victims (crew etc) that the below average security person does this, so if you do not respond, they get no satisfaction, therefore you 'win'! Eventually they'll get bored. ......... On a bad day of course we can all be tired and respond.
At a certain Uk airport we now check our suitcases through a handling agent to circumnavigate the below average intelligence security staff, they are then delivered to our aircraft where we have full access to them as we only carry cargo. (now sometimes that includes shampoo bottles over 100 ml in size!)
In truth its a lack of education of these individuals that allows this to go on,therefore the companies employing them and the airport authorities employing these companie that are responsible. Its no good trying to reason with a neandathol, take their name and report them( if you want some fun ask them to spell it!) to everyone who would have an interest in it (manager,airport manager,your company manager,your union,mp,mep.) If the same names keep coming up then it will highlight a problem individual,shift,airport,etc.
with email this wouldn't be too time consuming.(for some of you wizz's out there)I guess it could warrant a web site? answers on a postcard please
T2
At a certain Uk airport we now check our suitcases through a handling agent to circumnavigate the below average intelligence security staff, they are then delivered to our aircraft where we have full access to them as we only carry cargo. (now sometimes that includes shampoo bottles over 100 ml in size!)
In truth its a lack of education of these individuals that allows this to go on,therefore the companies employing them and the airport authorities employing these companie that are responsible. Its no good trying to reason with a neandathol, take their name and report them( if you want some fun ask them to spell it!) to everyone who would have an interest in it (manager,airport manager,your company manager,your union,mp,mep.) If the same names keep coming up then it will highlight a problem individual,shift,airport,etc.
with email this wouldn't be too time consuming.(for some of you wizz's out there)I guess it could warrant a web site? answers on a postcard please
T2
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I'm glad I no longer work at EGPD tower which is also airside and the controllers had to go through the same type of shennanigans mentioned here.
You had to drive through the checkpoint.....a bottle of water was not allowed in your bag...but a full tank of screenwash beneath the bonnet was fine..along with a full tank of petrol etc etc. I heard one of my ex colleagues called their bluff eventually when he was refused to take through his lunch (pasta and sauce)... He ate some sauce in front of them but they still refused him access with his food. So he drove home...ringing ATC management on the way telling them his disgust. Management argued with security but were met with the "rules is rules" line!
Since then I have heard that marmalade has been refused entry...and you are not allowed more than two pieces of fruit with you either..serious!
It will only take one or two pilots to start the process..and a short staffed ATC unit as controllers turn round and head home. See what the response from the powers that be are then!?
There are some sensible security people out there. I was being searched at YYZ when the officer came across my controller ID and license which I had on me for some reason. When he asked what they were and what my job was he stopped the search there and then....thanked me for my patience, thanked me for the job we do and let me through! That guy probably has been sacked by now! If only the respect was there all the time!
You had to drive through the checkpoint.....a bottle of water was not allowed in your bag...but a full tank of screenwash beneath the bonnet was fine..along with a full tank of petrol etc etc. I heard one of my ex colleagues called their bluff eventually when he was refused to take through his lunch (pasta and sauce)... He ate some sauce in front of them but they still refused him access with his food. So he drove home...ringing ATC management on the way telling them his disgust. Management argued with security but were met with the "rules is rules" line!
Since then I have heard that marmalade has been refused entry...and you are not allowed more than two pieces of fruit with you either..serious!
It will only take one or two pilots to start the process..and a short staffed ATC unit as controllers turn round and head home. See what the response from the powers that be are then!?
There are some sensible security people out there. I was being searched at YYZ when the officer came across my controller ID and license which I had on me for some reason. When he asked what they were and what my job was he stopped the search there and then....thanked me for my patience, thanked me for the job we do and let me through! That guy probably has been sacked by now! If only the respect was there all the time!
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this was the last straw for me. i am looking to change career in the very near future. i only see things getting worse in our industry. the fun has been removed from flying and its not getting better.
i would also vote for a down day a few large ads in the papers could do the trick or maybe balpa could ramp up a gear.
i would also vote for a down day a few large ads in the papers could do the trick or maybe balpa could ramp up a gear.