This is what Eagle ALPA put out:
TSA Security Changes
Recently there has been some media attention surrounding the use of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) or “backscatter” imaging in airport screening. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced this new technology at a few airports across the country.
Last week’s events serve as a vivid reminder that civil aviation remains a desirable target for terrorists who would seek to harm Americans and to bring attention to their organizations. Although the Eagle ALPA MEC supports the TSA in its efforts to make our skies secure, the “one size fits all” approach to screening is obviously insulting to those of us who put on an airline uniform and daily perform our primary mission – flight safety. However, more importantly, it is still unknown what kind of long-term effects may result in frequent exposure to these levels of radiation. Studies have shown that airline pilots already face elevated radiation risks simply by virtue of their job environment.
We want to ensure every Eagle pilot is aware of their rights when clearing airport security. Every American has the right to request private screening. The following excerpts are from the www.TSA.gov Contact Center website:
Screenings using AIT are voluntary. Individuals who do not wish to be screened by this technology should inform the TSO of their desire to opt out of AIT. Passengers opting out of AIT will be required to undergo alternative screening, to include a thorough pat-down. If passengers are told they are not allowed the option of a pat-down or other screening, they should ask to speak with a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer….
…You may request a private area for your personal screening. The private area will either be a separate room or an area out of the view of the general public.
ALPA has long been pushing lawmakers to fully implement CrewPASS or biometric identification. Great strides have been made on this front and in fact, Alaska Airlines has already committed to providing CrewPASS access to its pilots. But until such time as this system is available, Eagle pilots may have no choice but to ask for private, alternate screening.
If you choose to exercise these rights please keep the following points in mind:
· As a uniformed airline pilot your attitude and demeanor must reflect the highest standard of professionalism and courtesy. All security checkpoints are videotaped and incidents reviewed.
• Once you begin the security screening process, you cannot withdraw. Individuals who withdraw (whether employee or not) are subjected to consequences ranging from a warning to detainment and criminal charges.
• Politely decline AIT exposure and request private, alternative screening, outside the view of the public.
• If these requests are challenged by TSA personnel, politely request to speak with a TSA Supervisor and remind them of your rights under United States federal law.
• If you feel that you have been treated with less than courtesy, respect and professionalism, please contact the Eagle ALPA MEC office. Please be sure to include the time, date, security checkpoint and name of the TSA employee who performed the screening.
• If you find yourself unreasonably delayed in the security screening process, please contact American Eagle Crew Scheduling to advise them of a delayed departure and when time permits, submit a Pipeline report, of which you should send a copy to your local ALPA representative.
TSA Security Changes
Recently there has been some media attention surrounding the use of Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) or “backscatter” imaging in airport screening. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has introduced this new technology at a few airports across the country.
Last week’s events serve as a vivid reminder that civil aviation remains a desirable target for terrorists who would seek to harm Americans and to bring attention to their organizations. Although the Eagle ALPA MEC supports the TSA in its efforts to make our skies secure, the “one size fits all” approach to screening is obviously insulting to those of us who put on an airline uniform and daily perform our primary mission – flight safety. However, more importantly, it is still unknown what kind of long-term effects may result in frequent exposure to these levels of radiation. Studies have shown that airline pilots already face elevated radiation risks simply by virtue of their job environment.
We want to ensure every Eagle pilot is aware of their rights when clearing airport security. Every American has the right to request private screening. The following excerpts are from the www.TSA.gov Contact Center website:
Screenings using AIT are voluntary. Individuals who do not wish to be screened by this technology should inform the TSO of their desire to opt out of AIT. Passengers opting out of AIT will be required to undergo alternative screening, to include a thorough pat-down. If passengers are told they are not allowed the option of a pat-down or other screening, they should ask to speak with a Supervisory Transportation Security Officer….
…You may request a private area for your personal screening. The private area will either be a separate room or an area out of the view of the general public.
ALPA has long been pushing lawmakers to fully implement CrewPASS or biometric identification. Great strides have been made on this front and in fact, Alaska Airlines has already committed to providing CrewPASS access to its pilots. But until such time as this system is available, Eagle pilots may have no choice but to ask for private, alternate screening.
If you choose to exercise these rights please keep the following points in mind:
· As a uniformed airline pilot your attitude and demeanor must reflect the highest standard of professionalism and courtesy. All security checkpoints are videotaped and incidents reviewed.
• Once you begin the security screening process, you cannot withdraw. Individuals who withdraw (whether employee or not) are subjected to consequences ranging from a warning to detainment and criminal charges.
• Politely decline AIT exposure and request private, alternative screening, outside the view of the public.
• If these requests are challenged by TSA personnel, politely request to speak with a TSA Supervisor and remind them of your rights under United States federal law.
• If you feel that you have been treated with less than courtesy, respect and professionalism, please contact the Eagle ALPA MEC office. Please be sure to include the time, date, security checkpoint and name of the TSA employee who performed the screening.
• If you find yourself unreasonably delayed in the security screening process, please contact American Eagle Crew Scheduling to advise them of a delayed departure and when time permits, submit a Pipeline report, of which you should send a copy to your local ALPA representative.
