New Law for Pilots

[TAG2]

I have heard about the new law. It empowers TSA to take your ticket. My understanding is that it actually gives TSA more power than the FAA.

From now on when I airline, OFF with the "crew" tags on my bags. That way they won't know I'm a pilot if i get a little lippy .

 

[Lindy]

Recent post

This was discussed about two months back. Since then there has been certificate action taken against several pilots. I believe two didn't respond to the certificate action and two are fighting the certificate action.



I'm not sure where I read the story -- if it was an ALPA FastRead or an email from a friend w/ a news link, etc. If anyone else has seen the story, please post-it (I'm still looking).


Another topic: I was recently ramped and the FAA Inspector had his credentials on, i.e., he was wearing the badge. I did present my certificate and medical for inspection by laying it down on the counter in front of him. It wasn't intended to be confrontational, just easier as I was digging in my purse.......the end result was achieved. For an inspector to be out at 0215am, it was an (almost) pleasant experience.

 

[metrodriver]

This issue has been on several airline business websites and in magazines. AOPA an ALPA are fighting it, so maybe AOPA has it on their website.
In short: TSA has made it into law (without going through congress!) that it has the right to confiscate a pilots license if they deem this pilot a security risk. The pilots name has to be on a list of people suspected of terrorist activities. Here comes the scary part: everybody can call the TSA, FBI or other law enforcement agency and tell them that they suspect someone. This person comes on the list and if you're a pilot, they can take your ticket. Of course you want to fight it, which is your right, but this list is a secret list, and nobody has access to it, not even a lawyer. In other words: you can't defend yourself.
This is as it was published in January. I've heard they have changed the appeal process a little. I don't think they have changed the way how you get on the list. So watch out for people who really hate you....

 

[skyward80]

This bulls*** (and, mind you, that is exactly what this whole matter is) reminds me of two things. 1) The Salem witch hunts/"trials", and 2) the rise of McCarthyism and the hunt for communists in Post-WWII America. I have no doubt that eventually this new law will be exposed for all of its idiocy and the pendulum will swing the other direction. However, until that time comes about, this is a truly scary development.

Skyward80