Posted on 11/17/2010 3:43:35 PM PST by jessduntno
I am a Usairways pilot with hip replacements. I am unable to successfully pass through a metal detector. For approx. 5 years I have been questioned, wanded and patted down every morning each day I report for work. Ive asked for help with a solution, I’ve been through all the company and union channels to no avail. Approx. 1 year ago, I encountered something new called a groin check. This is where they run the back of their hands down your fly from top to bottom 1 inch to eother side. I said I would allow this if they dont touch my stuff. The screener accused me of being a “homophobe” and said he cant guarantee he wont touch me in this area. I said then I can’t go through the check. I called the airline for direction and they agreed to assist me in finding a solution if I would JUST take the flight out. I allowed him his groin check and was so humiliated and enraged that I was pretty much useless in the cockpit, I was self absorbed. Fortunately my Captain could see this and just picked up my duties also and never said a word. I called the union about this and they informed me that I NEVER have to let someone touch me there, that that is wrong. They also reminded me of my obligation to remain fit for duty in our flight ops manual as well as federal aviation regulations and should I find myself in a similar situation again, dont fly. Well, I noticed that this groin check kept popping up more and more often until I forced myself to accept it and block it out. [i.e. go to work on the flight deck of an airplane full of passengers -ed.]
(Excerpt) Read more at fedupflyers.org ...
I arrived at the aircraft and the Capt and I both agreed I was not fit to fly. I was red faced and sweating profusely (every swear word I ever new was being silently mouthed). For the first time, it occured to me that it’s humiliation, not embarrassment, that causes anger. We advised the agents, the company and the union. They were unable to locate a replacement at the time so susequently, the flight cancelled. I followed the letter of the law in every way and yet, I have risked my career, reputation and the well being of people around me who depend on my support.
Rest assured folks, Michael Roberts’s view of this “land grab” of the last of our precious rights is right on. I’ve watched the screening system get progressively worse for 5 years. I estimate I’ve already endured over 700 pat downs. It’s as if they plan some new hideous procedure, try it on us for awhile and if they get away with it, they go further. It HAS to stop here. We own our bodies, not the goverment. It occurs me me that a groping does not reveal a pound of explosive in someone’s rectum. So, if this is how TSA approaches its mission to prevent airplanes from blowing up, has anyone thought what’s next? If we go along with this I can see cavity checks around the next corner. They believe just using ” in the name of safety” makes it so and makes it right. IT DOES NOT!!!!!
Thanks, Howard Pinkham
US Airways First Officer
I’d say that is a hostile work environment.
“I’d say that is a hostile work environment.”
He’s called a homophobe. Are you allowed to ask if the TSA goon is gay/lesbian? Nope. Who IS feeling you up? Are they getting off on it?
I say we all buy tickets, force our way through the lines refusing the pat downs and that is that.
TSA takes STUPID to a whole new level
Dictionaries all over the World are weeping as they are no longer current
(Lame ... but I had to type something Family Friendly)
TT
There are a courageous few who won’t bow down in submission. This makes the government-paid nazis very mad.
It never ceases to amaze me that the person who has control of the airplane has to be searched for possible explosives. Its not like he can’t just fly into the ground or something. I heard they even took away a pilot’s fingernail clippers. What was he going to do, hold it to his throat and make himself crash the plane?
I would imagine it's also a form of "conditioning."
Just tell them, “If you grope me, I get to grope you.”
What’s the point of checking the pilot for a bomb or whatever? He can always fly the plane into a building anyway.
Remember TSA’s new motto: “You don’t get on, Until we get off.”
I guess I'd better not eat at Taco Bell before my next flight....
“What was he going to do, hold it to his throat and make himself crash the plane?”
“Stay back or the pilot gets it!”
“Oh mercy, can’t someone help that poor man?”
HAHA Blazing Saddles!
“Under 18 U.S. Code Section 2244, “ ‘sexual contact’ means the intentional touching, either directly or through the clothing, of the genitalia, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh or buttocks of any person with an intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade.”
Tell them “If you grope me, I’ll physically harm you.” And then do so. Have it taken to trial. Get 12 people on the jury and have your defense attorney make sure that all 12 on the jury are patted down the same way. Then they get to make the decision.
“There are a courageous few who won’t bow down in submission. This makes the government-paid nazis very mad.”
This guy should be getting a medal.
He’s calling attention to the absurdity of this by making us look at who he is (able to bring the plane down anyway) and how he is treated by the TSA. Like a peon. Or pee-on.
“HAHA Blazing Saddles!”
Yep. That movie explains our predicament pretty well, unfortunately.
"I'm afraid for my life" "You'll not rape ME" Then wack 'em.
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