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Pilot Screenings To End Amid TSA Privacy Clashes

Adriana Padilla

Pilot Screenings To End Amid TSA Privacy Clashes

Airplane Landing - Pilots No Longer Screened By TSATransportation Security Administration (TSA) chief John
Pistole confirmed on Friday that U.S. airline pilots will not be required to
undergo physical checks at security checkpoints starting next year.  

In an interview with Bloomberg News, Pistole told reporters that the exemption
of pilots from security checks was a common-sense decision and that federal
screeners would save time by focusing on passengers.

The plan, which will be implemented in the first quarter of next year, will
allow pilots to be able to pass through airport security checkpoints with proof
of identity. Pistole says the agency is working on a deal with flight attendant
organizations to grant a similar exemption.

One of the main goals of this new measure would be to ease checkpoint
congestion, which has become a concern after the TSA rolled out new, more
time-consuming security procedures earlier this month.

The new procedures also include full-body scanners that emit small doses of
radiation. Though the Food and Drug Administration has attested to the safety of
these devices, the nation’s two biggest pilot unions have told members that body
scanners could be harmful to pilots’ health.

Learn more: Pilot Unions Opt Out Of New TSA Technology Citing Safety
Concerns 

The Allied Pilots Association, which represents American Airlines pilots, and US
Airline Pilots Association, which represents and US Airways pilots, have
recommended that members decline to use the scanners and ask for a pat down in a
private area with a witness.

TSA's ProVision X-Ray ScannerThe TSA have been meeting with the airlines and the pilot
unions for the last few weeks to negotiate a compromise.

Today’s announcement was a victory for U.S. pilots, who have lobbied for faster
checks for years. Pilot unions have argued that their members already go through
security background checks, so further screening is unnecessary.

Unions also argue that screening pilots for weapons or bombs does not improve
security, since pilots have the lives of passengers in their hands every flight.

TSA Chief Pistole reiterated the union’s claim in his statement today, saying,
“We should trust pilots who are literally in charge of the aircraft.”

The new security procedures for pilots will allow the TSA to focus on those who
are potential terrorist and ease the pressure on the already overtaxed resources
of the TSA, Pistole said.

Next year, pilots would be required to show airline-issued passes and have their
identities confirmed in a computer system.

Despite the outcry from passengers, Pistole did not say that screening rules for
passengers would change. U.S. travelers and lawmakers have protested the new
security regulations because of health and privacy concerns.

By Adriana Padilla for PeterGreenberg.com.

Related links: Bloomberg, Reuters

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