autorotate Heliman Location: Northern California
| Wow! I must say that I have learned much more about life on this board than I have about my YS 61 problem., but ya know what? that's ok! It is interesting to see the concerns and hear the views of not just Americans but folks from all over the world on all kinds of topics.
After reading this post I could not pass it by. I, like a few others on here have chosen the profession of "professional pilot". I'm sitting in my company provided hotel room in Beautiful Spokane Washington writing this.
3 to 4 days a week up to 2 times a day, I submit myself to the security screeners at the cities we serve. It hurts!!! I know that if it hurts for me it must hurt for the traveling public!!! I feel bad that I go to the head of the line, but if I don't we could most likely push back late.
Security is eyewash! Period!!! and it's painful ...and It needs to change.
I don't agree with the rules and regs that flung from the toe of the leg of DOT/FAA when 911 caused It's knee to jerk (get what I'm saying), but I have to be a professional. I have to smile, say hi and go on through the metal detector. Take my hat off, take my shoes off, undo my belt and say "thank you".
The pilots in my profession that choose to make comments, complain to the screeners and refuse to comply hurt them selves, hurt the industry, and hurt our profession.
Point: (I bet you were all wondering when I would get to this)
There is a time and place to complain. Take your frustration out on the keyboard (or pen and paper) and WRITE YOU CONGRESSMAN AND SENATORS. Complain to them, get them off their butts and into action.
I was at 35,000 feet at 0900 September 11, 2001 directly over NYC. We looked out of the cockpit on this uncharacteristic sunny, clear morning and saw: Central Park, Empire State, The Statue of Liberty and The Twin Towers. Not more than 30 min passed when Air Traffic control told us with a choked up voice, "Guys... We are getting word down from NY Center (New York air traffic control) two jets just crashed into the world trade center... long pause carrier only.... I'd make sure those doors behind you are locked!
Nuff Said
Cheers
Bert Garrison |