rehmwa 2 #26 January 20, 2004 QuoteOnce again - a lot of these agents are on a power trip, or just are trying to keep their job by not letting anything odd on the plane. Treat them with more respect than they deserve. I don't understand what "more respect than they deserve" means..... If these guys are just trying to do their jobs as best they can, then they deserve respect just like you do. Sorry, I have no extra info, she can deal with it with USPA. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EricaH 0 #27 January 20, 2004 Yes, AirTran use to be ValuJet, however, before the new company was formed ValuJet sold most of its planes to South West.... There is no can't. Only lack of knowledge or fear. Only you can fix your fear. PMS #227 (just like the TV show) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,992 #28 January 20, 2004 >I don't understand what "more respect than they deserve" means..... I think it means "treat them with respect even if they're being dicks." Most aren't dicks, but I've met a few who were. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LoudDan 0 #29 January 20, 2004 This might be helpful, go to the TSA home page at www.TSA.gov, put "parachute in the search box and then choose the top choice, it reads: Travelers & Consumers Transporting Special Items Parachutes Skydiving rigs with and without Automatic Activation Devices (AAD) are permitted as a carry-on or as checked luggage. Typically, a rig will move through the checked luggage or carry-on security screening process without need for physical inspection. However, TSA screeners have a duty to thoroughly inspect any item that raises suspicion. If screeners determine that it is necessary to open a rig for complete inspection, then the owner of the rig must be present and will be allowed to assist. For this reason, skydivers are advised to add at least 30 minutes to the airline's recommended arrival window when traveling with their parachute. The following recommendations are provided to assist skydivers traveling with parachutes: Check the Parachute as Luggage Pack the rig separately without any other items in the bag. Additional items, if suspicious, could trigger an inspection of the entire bag. Screeners will not unpack a parachute without the owner present to provide assistance. This means that the passenger will be paged and asked to return to the ticket counter, so they can be present for inspection. Depending on the size of the airport and passenger volume, it is likely that the checked rig will be screened within 30 minutes. Remain in the area of the air carrier ticket counter and pay close attention to airport announcements for up to 30 minutes after checking in. If TSA cannot locate the parachute owner, the uncleared parachute will not be transported on the flight. Parachute owners may assist TSA screeners to unpack and repack the rig. Carry the Parachute on the Aircraft Pack the rig separately without any other items in the bag. Additional items, if suspicious, could trigger an inspection of the entire bag. If a further search is required, all efforts will be made to search the item without out opening the chute(s). If a chute is opened, the owner can assist. The search may be done in a location away from the checkpoint to provide adequate space for the search, and space for the owner to repack the rig. Parachutists should thoroughly inspect their parachutes at their destination to ensure that it has not been tampered with or damaged in a manner that renders it unsafe use the printer friendly button to print and it will include the TSA seal on the paper. I've never had problems, but I know some do. Coming soon to a bowl of Wheaties near you!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiveelis 0 #30 January 20, 2004 ha!!!!!! good to know ________________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimbo 0 #31 January 20, 2004 QuoteAirtran used to be Value Jet, same sh...... different name Not quite the SS, if you ask me. AirTran has gone out and purchased almost all brand new Boeing 707 aircraft. I've flown them several times, with rig in tow, and never had a problem. Question to the original poster: Was it ATA that refused the rig, or was it the TSA agent at the terminal? There's a pretty significant difference between the two. - Jim"Like" - The modern day comma Good bye, my friends. You are missed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FallingILweenie 0 #32 January 20, 2004 hey Andy, I'm flyin ATA to go to Florida in late feb...and I'd love to know how it ends up working out for ya just so I can avoid any potential problems. blue skies Tomas Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiveelis 0 #33 January 20, 2004 you're right !!!!!! I didn't mean to say that they were bad , i should use the right words next time________________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,992 #34 January 20, 2004 > . . . and purchased almost all brand new Boeing 707 aircraft. Can you _get_ new 707's? Aren't those things like 50 years old at this point? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydiveelis 0 #35 January 20, 2004 I think he was trying to say 717 ________________________________________ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #36 January 20, 2004 QuoteQuestion to the original poster: Was it ATA that refused the rig, or was it the TSA agent at the terminal? There's a pretty significant difference between the two. - Jim I don't know. See post number 4 in this thread. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jimbo 0 #37 January 20, 2004 D'oh! I meant 717s, my bad. They had an old 707 at the museum yesterday, apparently it made an impression. - Jim"Like" - The modern day comma Good bye, my friends. You are missed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zenister 0 #38 January 20, 2004 Quote> . . . and purchased almost all brand new Boeing 707 aircraft. Can you _get_ new 707's? Aren't those things like 50 years old at this point? well there are a few that have been stripped 9+ layers, given a complete wiring overhaul and mounted with the largest engines the wings can take... of course they dont call them 'Thunder Pigs' for nothing.....and everryone the AF is flying is older than i am..including the one that used to haul cattle...____________________________________ Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diverdriver 5 #39 January 20, 2004 QuoteYes, AirTran use to be ValuJet, however, before the new company was formed ValuJet sold most of its planes to South West.... Ummm...it did? I thought Southwest only flew 737s and ValueJet only flew DC-9s....Hmmm... news to me. What I am trying to remember here is....ValueJet had the one crash and everyone freaked. It was bad and tragic but not unheard of in the airline industry. So...there happened to be this little start up airline out of Orlando or some place south called AirTran. I think they did even have 737s. ValueJet bought them and changed their name to re-establish operations. Still using DC-9s and got Boeing 717s soon after. I will never forget "Critter 592". I've read that report several times and thought what would I do in that situation. Those pilots didn't have a chance. I also have listened to the ATC audio tapes several times. It is a chilling reminder of what can happen when these metal objects we choose to ride in fight back.Chris Schindler www.diverdriver.com ATP/D-19012 FB #4125 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #40 January 20, 2004 Quote>I don't understand what "more respect than they deserve" means..... I think it means "treat them with respect even if they're being dicks." Most aren't dicks, but I've met a few who were. Exactly. Don't forget this - these guys are standing for hours on end in a customer service intensive environment. I've flown to Florida a lot in the last 6 months and have stood in line listening to some very ignorant people that verbally attack the TSA agents when it is their time to be scanned. Think of what this would do to your mood after 5 or 6 hours, now add in the idea of "Level Orange"....I think you get the point. My Dad has worked for one of the major airlines for over 40 years - I have heard some incredible stories over the years....the two positions he had that dealt with customers were his most stressful (working the boarding desk and Customer Service Representative - the guy that deals with the upset customers and high profile cusomters). There are very few people that treat those workers with respect, esp if their poor planning has them running late or weather has made them miss a flight. Therefore, most of these people have no patience and won't listen to stories and excuses. Now here you are with something that they believe is suspect - do you think being stern with them is going to win them over?_________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobsled92 0 #41 January 20, 2004 Airline employees & TSAs are doing "the best THEY can". A lot of stress from the daily masses and standing at the same place for a living. A person that does NOT like their job comes across something beyond their understanding and adverse behaviour of responses come to the surface of a frustrated person with authority over a "carry-on". How their day has been when you step up with a rig= "doing the best they can". p.s. Ray Kaiser was Former Head of U.S. Border Patrol & Customs/Im. The petty, counter-productive methods and plans from D.C. were enough that he couldn't wait to retire and live abroad. He is also my God-Father and my Dad's former partner for 12 years._______________________________ If I could be a Super Hero, I chose to be: "GRANT-A-CLAUS". and work 365 days a Year. http://www.hangout.no/speednews/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #42 January 20, 2004 QuoteAirline employees & TSAs are doing "the best THEY can". A lot of stress . . .come to the surface of a frustrated person with authority over a "carry-on". How their day has been when you step up with a rig= "doing the best they can". I don't understand your post. Are you agreeing? asking a question? Disagreeing. My apologies, my English isn't so, how you say, elegant. Earlier post was misread about a comment of respecting someone who doesn't deserve it, I only noted that everyone 'deserves' respect for doing their job and not just agreeing with someone's decision isn't really grounds for not respecting them. Turns out CBSKY and I were on the same page and he was just making a point. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bobsled92 0 #43 January 20, 2004 People get jobs, then are surprised that is is not fun. They have a little bit of authority and take it out on people they feel they can abuse. If they deserve respect, they should understand what they are dealing with rather than making your friend's experience a bad one. This issue has gone like this too long and I wish your friend did not have to go through that trouble. Best of luck. -Grant_______________________________ If I could be a Super Hero, I chose to be: "GRANT-A-CLAUS". and work 365 days a Year. http://www.hangout.no/speednews/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FallingILweenie 0 #44 February 17, 2004 ok, so i am flyin out to FL tomrorow (tues night)...gonna have the TSA letter and cypres card on me...anything else that anyone can suggest i have with me when i go through security in case i have any problems? blue skies Tomas Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #45 February 17, 2004 QuoteIt really isn't the airline anymore - it used to be before 9/11 (everyone remember the issues with Southwest and the Cypres batteries?) These days, it is the TSA that is the huge hurdle, and there isn't anything we can do about it. Actually....WRONG. The TSA may question the rig the first time but only the AIRLINE has the right to deny boarding. You don't really think some crappy little agency like TSA can compete with the airline industry's lobby in Congress do you? Actually....the TSA has just about NO legal authority. All they can do is call a cop if they find a weapon or a GSC (Ground Security Coordinator) if they have a "questionable" item. If you have a problem with a rig ask to speak to the airline's GSC. They make the final call. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hazarrd 1 #46 February 17, 2004 QuoteQuoteIt really isn't the airline anymore - it used to be before 9/11 (everyone remember the issues with Southwest and the Cypres batteries?) These days, it is the TSA that is the huge hurdle, and there isn't anything we can do about it. Actually....WRONG. The TSA may question the rig the first time but only the AIRLINE has the right to deny boarding. You don't really think some crappy little agency like TSA can compete with the airline industry's lobby in Congress do you? Actually....the TSA has just about NO legal authority. All they can do is call a cop if they find a weapon or a GSC (Ground Security Coordinator) if they have a "questionable" item. If you have a problem with a rig ask to speak to the airline's GSC. They make the final call. So you are telling me that if I get stopped at security and they say I can't bring my rig on board, I can say "too bad I'm walking through because you can't tell me what to do?" .-. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #47 February 17, 2004 QuoteI can say "too bad I'm walking through because you can't tell me what to do?" You could.....but they will call a cop and it'll be a big hassle. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sweetjava77 0 #48 February 17, 2004 I am a supervisor for the TSA and I am a skydiver. The TSA will only hassel a person if they come through the checkpoint or check their rig (which I would not suggest-you don't want it thrown around by aircrew) if your rig hits for explosives. Otherwise it will come through the x-ray normally. You need to understand that every rig with a cypres has an IED(improvised explosive devise) in it. There is no way of knowing whether this is a real explosive or not. For more information, it is on the USPA's website. You probably can also find the AVOs (aviation operations) on the FAA website. What needs to be understood is that the normal screener is not a skydiver, so and IED found in a rig can cause commotion. Stay calm. Its really no big deal. The worse that will happen is that they will open your rig. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,992 #49 February 17, 2004 >Actually....WRONG. The TSA may question the rig the first time >but only the AIRLINE has the right to deny boarding. Are you saying the TSA has no power to stop people from bringing items onto a plane? May be true in theory, but I have observed the opposite happen in practice. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #50 February 17, 2004 QuoteAre you saying the TSA has no power to stop people from bringing items onto a plane? In a "legal" since....yeah. They really have shit for authority. They are there for "administrative" searches. They have NO authority to arrest or charge anyone with anything. That's why local cops are always near the check points. That being said all the "legal" stuff is pretty transparent to most people. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
