The TSA's potential to revive General Aviation

was concerned when I started hearing the entire hullabaloo surrounding the new enhanced security screening measures being implemented throughout the US this Thanksgiving. I had witnessed these machines in action out in Phoenix three years ago when they were initially testing the technology.

If you’ve followed the news about this program you already understand the TSA’s believes that this technology will help them differentiate which among us is travelling on vacation/business or is a terrorist with nefarious intent.   

But let’s say you haven’t heard any of this? Seems that the backscatter radiation scanner gives the TSA the XRAY SPECS we used to see advertised in the backs of comic books growing up. Essentially it allows security personnel to see right through our clothes.  Undoubtedly the public’s reaction suggests that most folks have seen the images produced by this equipment. Supplied by the TSA the released pictures depict people who have concealed weaponry under their clothing. They’re detailed too; with nothing left to the imagination-all the splendor of the naked human form displayed to an anonymous security officer behind a screen somewhere.

Fortunately, we’ve been informed that people’s faces and ‘the details’ are blurred making them undistinguishable so it’s highly unlikely your airport nudes will sold on the internet along with Paris Hilton or Pamela Anderson’s movies.  

About the outcry, well it turns out most folks are rightly horrified about choosing between a virtual strip search or a rubdown of their intimates by security personnel and paying for the privilege. Air Travel now has all the panache of checking into jail through central booking. Stranger still is that the industry and the government never anticipated their customers/citizens lack of enthusiasm about the proposition. I mean everyone wants to feel safe when they travel, right?  

Well may I suggest how to avoid the whole mess; get you where you need to go, all the while keeping your dignity intact?  How about General Aviation?  I’ve been in many airports around the country and have yet to see a Signature Flight, Landmark Aviation or Jet Center that consistently had a metal detector in use nonetheless the new “advanced, make you naked, in front of former Argenbright temp’s”  scanning equipment.  Plus you’ll never been touched anywhere by anyone in a FBO except your wallet.

If you’re reading this you likely have a pilot’s license or are on the journey to acquire one.  That being the case, fly yourself if you can. Leave some leeway in your vacation plans to make the use of a light airplane a reasonable expectation. Set aside a few days on the front and back of the trip to allow for flyable weather. If you absolutely have to be there call one of the charter operations at your local airport. If you’ve got a few people going chances are the cost will be close to what several airline tickets,  and lost time saved is considered. Parking is usually free, you can bring as many bags as you can carry and the people in the FBO’s usually are pleasant and generally happy to have your business.   

The fashion industry rightly understands that past our 20’s a large majority of us look less than ideal without clothes on. If you’ve ever ventured on to a nude beach you quickly realize that it’s always a better idea on paper.   

If that none of this works for you then try flying out of smaller airports. I don’t know for sure but I doubt that White Plains has this equipment yet and once you’re in the system it’s unlikely you’ll have to clear security again.  

Safe travels and Happy Holidays

Sean