I don't think the TSA could have designed a more ineffective, backwards system if they had tried.
Let me get this straight- Pilots- the ones with the control of the aircraft behind the kevlar door with the axe and a personal stake in getting the aircraft safely from point A to B- TSA says- search their bags but don't check out 'WHO' they are (and no, the two finger wavethrough is not a valid ID check!) . I am told the terrorists are super geniuses thus the need for all the security. Its not very hard to dress like a pilot, make a fake ID, and bring as much liquids through security as possible and then change into a civilian on the other side and to start mixing.
Gate agents, fuelers, baggage handlers etc- the ones with no personal stake in what happens to the airplane, TSA says no search and let them bring any kind of bag or backpack to be left behind with a swipe of a card and no accountability. These people would be very easy to compromise (leave this bag under 4F or else) or they could be the bad guys themselves.
Is it just me or is the FFDO program relegated to being a hassle to the TSA? I watch the TSA parade the pilots to a very public place and let them through in plain sight of the public. Not even an effort of keeping things on the down low.
I have done the known crew a couple of times and it is a step in the right direction. I fear that as long as there are people under the wing with easy access, it is only a matter of time before something happens.
