Stop your bitching and do something

[LouDiamond 1]

This falls into the "if the shoe fits" category.

In light of the current mishaps and difficulties people have encountered while traveling with the TSA and the new regulations impossed, several people, myself included , have brought up the issue that if you want to see changes, YOU have to do something about it. Instead, I am seeing people post paranoid "the man is out to get me" and my sisters brothers cousin knew a guy who knew a guy whos friend had trouble with his rig or just out right un truths about traveling with skydiving gear.

The fact of the matter is that more people travel with their gear and don't encounter a problem then those few who do encounter a problem. Granted, some of those who have had a problem may not of handled the situation appropriately and brought undo attention to themselves or some had no say in the issue, as was the case that is currently in this months parachutist magazine. However, there is a major inconsistency in the way that TSA and airport security handles skydiving gear from airport to airport. This is the problem that needs to be fixed and YOU are the people that need to make it happen. If all you do is sit back, bitch and take the typical apathetic approach and post rants on the internet the problem will never be fixed. If people sent coherent, intelligent e-mails to the TSA and explained the issue instead of posting "the TSA sucks" on the internet, maybe, just maybe, something would be fixed in the system.

The way I see it, you as an individual have two options that can contribute to the fix the problem.

1. Write to the USPA and express your concern with this issue and the level of importance you place on it. That is why they are there and they are the sole body that really represents "us" to the powers that be in the government, like it or not. If you experience a problem traveling document it as thourghly as possible with specific details, dates,times, names of those involved and people you spoke with at the airport. This is ammunition that USPA can use to show that there is a problem with the machine and the increased responses from people will make it clear to the USPA that it's "body" places a high level of importance on the issue.Put the onus on them and make them work for you.


2. Write to the TSA in a professional manner and explain to them the problem you encountered while traveling, once again, specifics of the incident. Let them know that there are a large number of airline passengers who are also skydivers who are very concerned with the safety of their equipment while in transit and the inconsistencies from airport to airport with the inspection process.Even if you haven't had a problem, a educational type of letter would be better than nothing at all.


If all you do is post rants, misinformation and bitch and moan you are part of the problem and not the solution. Instead of dwelling on the negative do something positive and help yourself and others out by voicing your concern. Until you do that you have no one to blame but yourself for your inaction.

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING

[b1jercat 0]

What he said.
blues
jerry

[wmw999 2,583]

Ayup. If we, as individuals, bring non-performing employees to their attention, things will eventually happen in most cases.

Not immediately -- if someone were to complain about you to your boss, would you be summarily fired, or would they investigate first, and then give you another chance?

TSA is the same. But if folks keep talking, and are specific about both the good and the bad, the overall level will improve.

Wendy W.

There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown)

[flyangel2 2]

Well said.

Quote

The fact of the matter is that more people travel with their gear and don't encounter a problem then those few who do encounter a problem.

I've been one of the lucky ones

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. - Edward Abbey

[FliegendeWolf 0]

I agree! We could sit around here and discuss the matter and argue and complain but it's no good at all unless we actually do something about it.

A One that Isn't Cold is Scarcely a One at All

[LouDiamond 1]

*BUMP* for the sake of those who haven't seen it and those who just need to be told more than once (you know who you are, don't make me come after you)

"It's just skydiving..additional drama is not required"
Some people dream about flying, I live my dream
SKYMONKEY PUBLISHING