TSA question...No really, an actual question.

esa17

esa17

Well-Known Member
Lets say someone got hired to fly for a 135 carrier who operated out of major airports like DFW. Would a pilot who is also an A&P be allowed to pass through security with a small tool kit? I've learned over the years never to board a plane without the proper tools to effect at least minor repairs.

These are the thoughts that kept me out of the good schools.
 
From what I've seen, no. But that may or may not have changed recently. It also may or may not vary from airport to airport or agent to agent.

In other words, it's the TSA... I have no damn idea!
 
As a passenger on flights out to a testing area I sometimes bring tools in my luggage. The TSA gets real skittish on tools over a certain length, something like 10 inches or so. I don't know if a flight crew badge would help you out.
 
I wouldn't see the problem if you were at an FBO at the airport. DFW is kind of the odd child of International airports. There isn't really an FBO there. Other ones like ATL, ORD ect. have atlantics or something like that and there really isn't a TSA agent there. So you could get through no problem without them even asking what it is.
 
you won't get through the checkpoint with it.

If you worked for a "135 airline" a la Cape Air you would have a DFW SIDA badge, there would be airport specific procedures in place.

If you are talking corprate jet 135, you would be able to bring it to the plane. (or just leave the tools in the plane)
 
OldTownPilot said:
you won't get through the checkpoint with it.

If you worked for a "135 airline" a la Cape Air you would have a DFW SIDA badge, there would be airport specific procedures in place.
Click to expand...
This is exactly the question I am asking. I guess I'll just have to show up and find out one of these days.
 
OldTownPilot said:
you won't get through the checkpoint with it.

If you worked for a "135 airline" a la Cape Air you would have a DFW SIDA badge, there would be airport specific procedures in place.

If you are talking corprate jet 135, you would be able to bring it to the plane. (or just leave the tools in the plane)
Click to expand...

To my knowledge, Ameriflight pilots based in DFW don't have a DFW specific SIDA badge. They have a UPS badge, another badge from a "specific airline" to access the hangar, and the company SIDA badge.
 
If you are in an area that is under the TSA's search and seizure guidelines, as an employee of an airline, there really isn't any exceptions. If you are a pilot, you are a pilot, if you are a mech, you are a mech. There really is no, "but I have an A&P, but I'm not a mech so it's ok". I know if you are a 121 pilot, you can't bring tools through the checkpoint, just because you have an A&P. Mind you this is more for passenger ops.
 
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