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United States Pilots Association |
I was conversing with Don Smith of The Texas Pilots Association this week about the current aftermath of the underwear bomber incident. Don used an expression that I thought was a classic description of the TSA. He called it Security Theater.
We are subjected to ID checks upon entering security prior to being admitted to the waiting areas for our flights. We must show our boarding passes. Then we have to remove belts, shoes, all metal objects (jewelry), change, and liquids not contained in small plastic bags. Our cell phones, laptops and carry ons are subjected to X-ray machines. In many cases we are wanded and then sent on to our gates.
If I were a terrorist, why would I even try to go through security? The best place to set off an explosive device (backpack) is in the lines prior to going thru security. You would get the maximum killing effect on the greatest number of people.
I have seen elderly people subjected to all kinds of indignities in the name of security. This week an eight year old boy was denied boarding because his name appeared on a "no fly" list. Generally speaking the TSA people who work the lines are three steps below a security guard at a landfill.
All this having been said, I look at this as an opportunity for General Aviation. The flying public is not stupid. They see these numerous security breaches where their lives are put at risk. Eventually the airlines are slowly going to be put out of business due to the inconveniences put up by TSA. GA is the best source to then be able to move people at reasonable cost without all of this "feel good nonsense" to go through.
Think about this. Airline fares will continue to rise. Using my home city of Odessa, TX as an example, were I to try to fly to Dallas, it would take me half an hour to drive to my airport (MAF), two hours to check in and go thru the above mentioned gyrations, about one hour plus to make the flight, and about a long half hour to get baggage and find ground transportation. I will be crammed into a very uncomfortable seat on a regional jet and not allowed to use the restroom or have anything on my lap for the flight.
Is it any wonder that I will take the extra half hour, drive directly to my destination from Odessa, and arrive in a whole lot better frame of mind. BTW, this does not take into account the notorious DFW conga line which can and does add a half hour to your ground time until you arrive at your gate.
My other option is to use a Cessna 172XP, fly direct from Odessa airport (KODO) to the nearest airport in the metroplex, land and be on my way all in less than three hours. I can even return home before dark. Try that with the airlines.
Plug this into your computer as well. My plane burns eight gallons per hour. Assume 4.5 hours of flight time with fuel at $4.50/gallon. It will cost me $162. You cannot fly one way to DFW for that figure.
Eventually the short haul and regional airlines will lose so much of their passenger loads the number of flights will be cut and you can see the inevitable result.
This is why I feel that no matter how low Vref or blue book values go, my airplane makes/saves me money every time I use it for a flight of 500 miles or less. Do the math with your bird. I'll look forward to seeing you at your local airport in the future.
Steve Uslan, President
United States Association