Aviation Security: It is for the greater good...

Ever since 9/11/11, Aviation security has been a hot topic for all involved in the industry.  Some people are for it, others against it, and the technology just keeps getting better and more advanced.  I am going to write this post in a series of perspectives. One perspective of the pilot, the passenger, the airline, and the infrastructure of the the local, state, and federal governments. 


Before I begin, Lets talk about security devices that are currently in place...Three come to mind, and are the three that I am going to be discussing.  Airport security in its simplest form is done through a pat down.  A security officer, (TSA agent) will pat you down (male on male, female on female to prevent possible sexual embarrassment and harassment, along with possible title XIV santions against the person, and company).  and search for contraband, weapons, etc...  The second step up are metal detectors and x-ray scanners.  Metal detectors work by creating a magnetic field, and as a metallic item (CONTAINING FERROUS MATERIALS) pass through  the field, the field becomes distorted thus tripping the alarm.  X-Ray scanners, In my opinion are self explanatory.   The third, and most advanced detection method is the full body scanner.  The two main types of scanners are "millimeter wave" and "backscatter" machines. Millimeter wave units send radio waves over a person and produce a three-dimensional image by measuring the energy reflected back. Backscatter machines use low-level X-rays to create a two-dimensional image of the body. If any of you are wondering if the body scanner is invasive , you might be surprised just how wrong you are.

Now, lets talk about security measures based on different perspectives of people involved.

As I am going into aviation to be a pilot, I must start with that demographic first. 

Let us start by saying that the pilot is the one most concerned about the security of the flight.  Think about it, they are just doing their jobs, and are wanting to come home safely to their families each day. Personally I would make all passengers go through a body scan or pat down.. Metal detectors in my opinion are not safe enough.  Pilots should not have to worry about their door being kicked in, or a bomb going off while in flight.


Now passengers....Yes I know, as I have been one many of times...Security checks are annoying.  Maybe even frightful if you are getting a pat down (happened to me, and yes i was scared although I didn't have anything to hide).  But stop thinking about yourself.  People conducting security operations are just looking out for your safety along with the safety of others.  They are professionals and always have your privacy in mind.  And if you even think that the pat down is a violation of your rights....think again, you waived them when you bought your ticket. 

The airline also has a vested interest in airport security for the simple reason that it is their assets that they are protecting.  If a bomb gets through, and successfully detonated mid-air, the company would be out billions of dollars, and have negative PR relations through the media.  Something that they cannot afford in such a competitive market where bankruptcies and mergers are nothing new.


Lastly local / state / federal governments.  Airline hijacking will effect the local area where the incident occurred by potentially having local businesses close.  The state and federal government will have to put new policies in effect, and expend capital to research what happened, and how to prevent future occurrences.  Something the government currently does not have the money to do.

So airline security, although a nuisance to the everyday passenger, especially in busy airports such as Detroit, and O'Hare, is there to protect not just you, but the greater good.  Deal with the lines, show up early, and cooperate, and you will never have a problem with it.