[ QUOTE ]
TSA: "uhhh whats this..."
Student Pilot: "its my fuel tester..."
TSA: "it has a screwdriver on it though"
SP: "yeah, in case I need to tighten the rivets on the cowling..."
TSA: "you aren't PIC..."
SP: "uhhh, this is my flight lesson..."
TSA: "thats a weapon!"
[/ QUOTE ]
Sounds like the conversation I have going through security at MCO at least 4 times in a 6 month period. SWA issues us these little tools that slip into holes in the back of the cargo bin doors. Their whole purpose is to keep the door from unlatching, thus clocking us squarely on the head. From experience, this HURTS....a lot. It's happened to me twice, and both times I saw stars and got tunnel vision. One guy was knocked out cold. But, I digress....
So, this pin is L-shaped, with a key chain on one end. It's made of metal and very, very rounded at the tip. (tried to find a picture, but they aparently don't exist). TSA for some reason sees these as a threat to aircraft safety. How, I don't know. It's not like I can hold up the airplane with it. At best, I could gouge someone's eyes out in a matter of hours. They always have these serious face when they have to check your bag b/c the person watching the screen was confused. They pull it out, and say in a conspiritorial voice, 'What's this?.' I want to say 'You know damn well what it is. Every ramper that works at SWA has one. Delta and United probably use them, too. I work here, and I'm running late.' I could say that, but then the mean man would take my pilot's license and not give it back. So, I calmly explain what it is and what I use it for. Then I get the 'confused disbelief' face and an 'Uh, okay.' I finally get to go onto work after being detained for about 5 minutes. I get on the tram (those of you who have been to MCO know what I'm talking about) with my friend who was behind me. He then puts his hand in his pocket, gets this look on his face, and says 'Hey, I forgot I had this in my pocket.' Then he pulls out a box cutter. Yeah, real good TSA.
Sorry, I have a bit of a chip on my shoulder when it comes to them.....