Pilots urged to avoid body scanning

[bugler]

I found this interesting, thought it made sense in news, but apparently I can't post there (even though the sticky in there says I can?). Anyway, it's often discussed here in security too.

So, seems the unions find the body scans AND enhanced pat downs a problem. Which is bigger though? They say the scans are "needless privacy invasion and potential health risks". At the same time "the enhanced pat-down is a demeaning experience".

I guess the choice comes down to if you are trying to hide herb in your undies, you take the "sexual molestation". If not you just have to decide if you and/or your family are better off being groped, irradiated, or photographed naked. Gotta go catch a flight, wait, screw that....ALL ABOARD....trains here....

As a security measure though, note the unions suggest their pilots choose lines that don't have scanners. Which implies that they know which lines have the scanners and which don't. Looking to avoid the scanner if possible? FOLLOW THE PILOTS! Of course it's not fool-proof, but it's at least one more thing to edge the odds over in your favor. Also, if there is no scanner to decline, there is no enhanced pat down to be forced into. Just a good ol' metal detector....

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/11/11/pilots.body.scanning/?hpt=T2

Pilots' unions for US Airways and American Airlines are urging their members to avoid full-body scanning at airport security checkpoints, citing health risks and concerns about intrusiveness and security officer behavior.
"Pilots should NOT submit to AIT (Advanced Imaging Technology) screening," wrote Capt. Mike Cleary, president of the U.S. Airline Pilots Association, in a letter to members this week. USAPA represents more than 5,000 US Airways pilots.
"Based on currently available medical information, USAPA has determined that frequent exposure to TSA-operated scanner devices may subject pilots to significant health risks," Cleary wrote.
American Airlines pilots have also received guidance from their union, the Allied Pilots Association, to decline full-body scanning. APA represents 11,000 pilots.
"It's safe to say that most of the APA leadership shares my view that no pilot at American Airlines should subject themselves to the needless privacy invasion and potential health risks caused by the AIT body scanners," APA president David Bates said in a letter to members.
Both unions are concerned about the effects of repeated exposure to small doses of radiation emitted by the backscatter technology used in some of the Transportation Security Administration's full-body scanners.
In the course of their daily duties, pilots are routinely exposed to elevated levels of naturally occurring atmospheric radiation, which increases at higher altitudes.
The unions urge members to choose security lines that use standard metal detectors whenever possible. When faced with AIT screening, pilots should opt for enhanced pat-downs, although this security procedure also concerns the unions.
Unions are encouraging pilots to request private pat-downs. USAPA urges members to make sure a witness is present during the procedure.
USAPA refers to incidents where Transportation Security Administration officers may have implemented the screening technique inappropriately.
One pilot described his experience as "sexual molestation," according to Cleary's letter. Bates wrote, "There is absolutely no denying that the enhanced pat-down is a demeaning experience."
Both unions are looking for long-term solutions to airline crew screening.
"Pilots really should never have been subjected to this type of screening, ever. Because when we walk through these machines, within a few hundred yards we get into what potentially could be the biggest weapon on the airport, and that's the airplane," said James Ray, a USAirways captain and spokesman for USAPA.
Pilots are well screened with security background checks and regular medical and mental health checks, he said. The union suggests implementing alternate identity verification technology that would allow pilots to bypass regular passenger screening.
The TSA said it welcomes further discussion with pilots and emphasized the agency's role in addressing security threats.
"We are frequently reminded that our enemy is creative and willing to go to great lengths to evade detection. TSA utilizes the latest intelligence to inform the deployment of new technology and procedures in order to stay ahead of evolving threats," the TSA said in a statement.

 

[Euphrates]

I've never like TSA, but now I can't even put into words ... Disgusting. FUCK TSA, OMG. ehhhh

Bunch of worthless pieces of shit. I am sure as fuck not going to go through there scanners. I wonder if I'd get in trouble if I or someone where to induce sneezing while their groping and just empty out a good amount of spit onto them via sneezing, trying to not make it to obvious that you did it on purpose. I am sure they would sue and detain you or some gay shit like that. If I could, I would induce vomiting, all over the agent, and just say their actions make me that sick, I can’t help it.

I highly encourage anyone who knows a TSA agent to treat them like utter shit, degrade, humiliate, make them hate who they are and what they do, which is legally molesting people. It makes my blood boil knowing their doing this to children. ehhhh, what a way to start out your vacation, and I feel sorry for the people who have to fly regularly

As for the people trying to get their little stash through, I think that’s a bit pathetic, get fucking real, I guess I don't care one way or another what you do, but we are being raped of our rights, and its getting worse, yet your worried about that ? ? ? huh

 

[whodair]

pilots should get pat downs from the flight attendants and passengers should frisk flight attendants next... the deep groin search should be done from behind in a reach around fashion to maintain modesty and privacy...

 

[BiG H3rB Tr3E]

They tried to make me go through a full body scanner and i made a big fucking deal about it and refused. Then i had to go through 2nd security and they pulled my bag to have to be searched by TSA causing me to miss my flight and sit in the airport for 9 hours waiting for another flight. 9 hours at airport bar left me nearly $400 broker and very angry + belligerent. Im so fucking done flying commerical. If i ever go on another flight, its going to have to be for a great vacation and im flying private. no tsa. no bag checks. no security lines. fuck that nonsense. its lear or nothing from here on out...