More TSA fun: pilot punished for pointing out flaws in airport security

Remember when telling the truth and trying to fix problems was expected - and appreciated?

From a report by George Warren at News 10 in Sacramento, Calif. (complete news report/video at end):

SACRAMENTO, CA - An airline pilot is being disciplined by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for posting video on YouTube pointing out what he believes are serious flaws in airport security. The 50-year-old pilot, who lives outside Sacramento, asked that neither he nor his airline be identified. He has worked for the airline for more than a decade and was deputized by the TSA to carry a gun in the cockpit.

Hard to believe...but then, it is the TSA.

Three days after he posted a series of six video clips recorded with a cell phone camera at San Francisco International Airport, four federal air marshals and two sheriff's deputies arrived at his house to confiscate his federally-issued firearm. The pilot recorded that event as well and provided all the video to News10.

At the same time as the federal marshals took the pilot's gun, a deputy sheriff asked him to surrender his state-issued permit to carry a concealed weapon.

A follow-up letter from the sheriff's department said the CCW permit would be reevaluated following the outcome of the federal investigation.

The bottom line - the pilot is punished for pointing out flaws in security that could lead to future incidents.

The YouTube videos, posted Nov. 28, show what the pilot calls the irony of flight crews being forced to go through TSA screening while ground crew who service the aircraft are able to access secure areas simply by swiping a card.

"As you can see, airport security is kind of a farce. It's only smoke and mirrors so you people believe there is actually something going on here," the pilot narrates.

Video shot in the cockpit shows a medieval-looking rescue ax available on the flight deck after the pilots have gone through the metal detectors. "This looks a little more formidable than a box cutter, doesn't it?" the pilot asks rhetorically.

It is a bit of a farce, isn't it?

Giving thanks...

...and getting an aggressive pat-down?

In preparation for Thanksgiving Day, many around the nation will be making their way to loved ones' homes, via - yes - "trains, planes and automobiles." And much like the hapless characters from the movie of the same name, starring Steve Martin and the late John Candy, holiday travelers will be facing all sorts of challenges.

Especially if they choose to fly.

By now, we've heard countless stories of invasive pat-downs, "porno scans" and other assaults on the dignity of the American flying public...all in an effort to quash terrorism!

Now, along with having to deal with TSA's play on the administration mantra, "Grope and Change," fliers - frequent and otherwise - now have to contend with a list of "no-nos." The list (supplied by The Folks Who Feel You Up), doesn't cover sharp objects, items that can be used to club people with, or anything remotely construed as a possible weapon.

Here's the TSA's list of "Foods That Don't Fly." (Man, I am so glad Uncle Al Qaeda won't be bringing his lousy cranberry sauce again this year!)

Traveling with Food or Gifts

How to Pack Food and Gift Items

When it comes to bringing items through checkpoints, we've seen just about everything. Traveling with food or gifts is an even bigger challenge. Everyone has favorite foods from home that they want to bring to holiday dinners, or items from their destination that they want to bring back home.
Not sure about what you can and can't bring through the checkpoint? Here's a list of liquid, aerosol and gel items that you should put in your checked bag, ship ahead, or leave at home.

• Cranberry sauce

• Cologne

• Creamy dips and spreads

• (cheeses, peanut butter, etc.)

• Gift baskets with food items

• (salsa, jams and salad dressings)

• Gravy

• Jams

• Jellies

• Lotions

• Maple syrup
• Oils and vinegars
• Perfume
• Salad dressing
• Salsa
• Sauces
• Snowglobes
• Soups
• Wine, liquor and beer

Note: You can bring pies and cakes through the security checkpoint, but please be advised that they are subject to additional screening.

Remember! – do not wrap gifts you're taking on the plane. Security officers may have to unwrap gifts if they need to take a closer look. Please ship wrapped gifts ahead of time or wait until your destination to wrap them.