sundevil777 102 #1 February 18, 2004 The TSA supervisor there tells me that a new std operating procedure (2-3 weeks old) requires (not optional) that unpack it for them. He tells me that the August TSA letter is no longer the latest. Of course I am not allowed to see it. Have I missed this issue in earlier threads? I hope someone has more information about this. Of course this new policy sucks and it will hopefully be revised shortly, but I would like to know whether I should not even try to take it through security at LA and Phoenix this week. Having to go back to check in and back again through security is lousy. CliffPeople are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mjosparky 4 #2 February 18, 2004 This is what the TSA web page says as of today. Travelers & Consumers Printable Version Transporting Special Items Parachutes Skydiving rigs with and without Automatic Activation Devices (AAD) are permitted as a carry-on or as checked luggage. Typically, a rig will move through the checked luggage or carry-on security screening process without need for physical inspection. However, TSA screeners have a duty to thoroughly inspect any item that raises suspicion. If screeners determine that it is necessary to open a rig for complete inspection, then the owner of the rig must be present and will be allowed to assist. For this reason, skydivers are advised to add at least 30 minutes to the airline's recommended arrival window when traveling with their parachute. The following recommendations are provided to assist skydivers traveling with parachutes: Check the Parachute as Luggage Pack the rig separately without any other items in the bag. Additional items, if suspicious, could trigger an inspection of the entire bag. Screeners will not unpack a parachute without the owner present to provide assistance. This means that the passenger will be paged and asked to return to the ticket counter, so they can be present for inspection. Depending on the size of the airport and passenger volume, it is likely that the checked rig will be screened within 30 minutes. Remain in the area of the air carrier ticket counter and pay close attention to airport announcements for up to 30 minutes after checking in. If TSA cannot locate the parachute owner, the uncleared parachute will not be transported on the flight. Parachute owners may assist TSA screeners to unpack and repack the rig. Carry the Parachute on the Aircraft Pack the rig separately without any other items in the bag. Additional items, if suspicious, could trigger an inspection of the entire bag. If a further search is required, all efforts will be made to search the item without out opening the chute(s). If a chute is opened, the owner can assist. The search may be done in a location away from the checkpoint to provide adequate space for the search, and space for the owner to repack the rig. Parachutists should thoroughly inspect their parachutes at their destination to ensure that it has not been tampered with or damaged in a manner that renders it unsafe.My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sundevil777 102 #3 February 18, 2004 Thanks for checking their site. They certainly didn't satisfy their stated policy to see that "all efforts will be made to search without opening the chute". I will print out their web page site on this subject and stuff it in the face of the jerk at Columbus. Well, I would like to do it that way. Has anyone else encountered this bullshit about a new SOP?People are sick and tired of being told that ordinary and decent people are fed up in this country with being sick and tired. I’m certainly not, and I’m sick and tired of being told that I am Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #4 February 18, 2004 QuoteThanks for checking their site. They certainly didn't satisfy their stated policy to see that "all efforts will be made to search without opening the chute". I will print out their web page site on this subject and stuff it in the face of the jerk at Columbus. Well, I would like to do it that way. Has anyone else encountered this bullshit about a new SOP? Contact Ed Scott at USPA to see if any changes have been made. Make sure you have the date/time of when you went to the airport._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
falxori 0 #5 February 18, 2004 damn, i really hope its not a new policy. i'm flying to NYC/Vegas and LA in april, and i really dont feel like getting 4 reserve repacks over 2 weeks O "Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Remster 30 #6 February 18, 2004 QuoteContact Ed Scott at USPA to see if any changes have been made. And please let us know what he has to say!Remster Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jmpnkramer 0 #7 February 18, 2004 Like I have said before TSA has their head stuffed up their ASSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They have no standards to which they train. It is the biggest Joke yet and a good waste of our tax dollars. 90+% are MORONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! On a lighter note Michelle (PeachSouthern) Just got on a plane out of La Guardia with no problems at all. She is on her way here to Fl to have a blast. Seriously though we all need to ban together against TSA. There either needs to be a standard operating procedure set or just get rid of the bums!!!!!!!!!!!! Laters, .The REAL KRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMER! "HESITATION CAUSES DEATH!!!" "Be Slow to Fall into Friendship; but when Thou Art in, Continue Firm & Constant." - SOCRATES Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CrazyIvan 0 #8 February 18, 2004 A clicky straight to the TSA's website showing that letter.__________________________________________ Blue Skies and May the Force be with you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kris12 0 #9 February 18, 2004 I flew out of Tampa 2 weeks ago yesterday and while the TSA didn't initially want to let me carry on my rig, after showing them the TSA letter, I was let through with no problems. But, I did have to wait extra time because they recently had a new "procedure" and weren't sure what to do. It didn't seem any different than what people had been previously reporting about traveling with their rigs. Good luck and keep us informed please. kristen swooo #3 MB #3587 P.M.S. #66 "so let go, jump in...what're you waiting for? it's all right 'cause there's beauty in the breakdown" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhreeZone 20 #10 February 18, 2004 Cliff are you on the road now? I might go over at lunch and talk to the TSA and see if I can't clear things up since I plan on traveling with my rig a lot this summer.Yesterday is history And tomorrow is a mystery Parachutemanuals.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChasingBlueSky 0 #11 February 18, 2004 QuoteI flew out of Tampa 2 weeks ago yesterday and while the TSA didn't initially want to let me carry on my rig, after showing them the TSA letter, I was let through with no problems. But, I did have to wait extra time because they recently had a new "procedure" and weren't sure what to do. It didn't seem any different than what people had been previously reporting about traveling with their rigs. Good luck and keep us informed please. What was the new procedure? I have had a few issues in St Pete's and will be flying out of Tampa soon. Usually at St Pete I am told I cannot bring it on the plane, I have to ask for a supervisor, then they do the swab test and let me on (plus I show them the letter). Also, anyone know where I can get one of the new color Xray cards for my Cypres? I still have one of the old ones._________________________________________ you can burn the land and boil the sea, but you can't take the sky from me.... I WILL fly again..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LoudDan 0 #12 February 18, 2004 I wouldn't worry about it. I can say that from experience, I would look up whatever airline you are flying on the web, and look intheir customer service policies under special items/ luggage, and print out the airline policy as well. I would also recommend printing out the "Prohibited Items" list available on the TSA website. If its not on the prohibited ites list, it goes. The "Prohibited Items list is public domain, and not a classified document. Most airlines allow parachutes as carry on baggage, and this is a favorite fall back line from the TSA if you show them the TSA letter. ie: If they say no, you show them the TSA letter (there is no secret squirrel letter, that's bullshit), they then say that the airline won't allow it, so then you show them the airline policy. If the TSA person does not give a satisfactory answer, ask to spek to their supervisor, generally they will either state that they are, or that the supervisor is not available. In this case I would say to look up the TSA contact information (before you go to the airport) for the state/ part of the country you are in (TSA.gov), give 'em a call right there on the spot, and take up your problem with them. Be sure to get the badge number of the individual that is fucking with you. Information is the weapon dude. I work in corporate safety for an airline, and we address TSA issues all the time. This may sound like a lot, but you will actually educate the ass clown who is harrassing you, and isn't that what we all want in the end, TSA agents who are educated. Just my 2 cents. Coming soon to a bowl of Wheaties near you!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
falxori 0 #13 February 18, 2004 Quotegenerally they will either state that they are, or that the supervisor is not available. In this case I would say to look up the TSA contact information (before you go to the airport) for the state/ part of the country you are in (TSA.gov), thats what i'm afraid of. a person who is sure he is the god of the terminal will not call his supervisor, unless he has to. what do you do? walk away, and look for a phone, risking additional delay? argue and risk further trouble with someone who can fuck up your trip? btw, where on their site can i find a list of reginal contacts? thanks O "Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HRHSkyPrincess 0 #14 February 18, 2004 That's what we need from USPA, a list (Updated on USPA's website) of the names and contact numbers for the TSA regional supervisors! We could print the list before traveling and have one more avenue that will allow us to travel, safely, with our rigs! I agree, we need to 'educate' the TSA agents on skydiving equipment. They are only as good as the information/training they have been given. At this point, it's not impressive. :)***************** Attitude is everything! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kris12 0 #15 February 18, 2004 QuoteWhat was the new procedure? I have had a few issues in St Pete's and will be flying out of Tampa soon. Usually at St Pete I am told I cannot bring it on the plane, I have to ask for a supervisor, then they do the swab test and let me on (plus I show them the letter). Also, anyone know where I can get one of the new color Xray cards for my Cypres? I still have one of the old ones. That's what they did. I don't think it was a new procedure so much as some new paperwork that included pictures of what rigs look like under X-ray. And to get a Cypres card, email Karen Dean (Karen@SSKinc.com) and she will send you another one. That's how I got mine, but I didn't even show it. Just the TSA letter. They swabbed the rigs and let us go. Good luck. kristen swooo #3 MB #3587 P.M.S. #66 "so let go, jump in...what're you waiting for? it's all right 'cause there's beauty in the breakdown" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cHoDaBoY 0 #16 February 18, 2004 "Parachutists should thoroughly inspect their parachutes at their destination to ensure that it has not been tampered with or damaged in a manner that renders it unsafe. " This quote came straight from the TSA website. This is not only true in this case, but for anyone touching your equipment. Always check to see that everything is okay. This is a little off topic so ill say sorry right now. But whats really bothering me is, I keep hearing of airport inspectors cutting cables and in once case poking a reserve with a screw driver. I just want to give a heads up to these inspectors, IF YOU DO SOMETHING AS STUPID AS THIS YOU JUST MIGHT BE GOING TO JAIL FOR MURDER Q. Why do birds sing? A. Because they dont have to pack when they land Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #17 February 18, 2004 QuoteAlso, anyone know where I can get one of the new color Xray cards for my Cypres? I still have one of the old ones. Here: ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GravityGirl 0 #18 February 18, 2004 I just brought some gear over to Sweden two weeks ago. Oakland to Seattle to Amsterdam to Copenhagen. I always check the gear. One leg at a time. It's a bit more work, but it has been working for me so far. No mention of any changes. The gear bag was opened and inspected in Oakland, but the rigs were not touched. I also print up a little note to TSA and tuck it into the reserve closing flap. Include my name and cell phone number. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Peace and Blue Skies! Bonnie ==>Gravity Gear! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
a97virago 0 #19 February 18, 2004 Without getting in the CYPRES vs. Astra debate... Does anyone know if there is similar documentation for bringing an Astra equipted rig through security? I'll be flying out on the 19th and would like to have all my documentation in order! Larry A-43434 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bmcd308 0 #20 February 18, 2004 >>IF YOU DO SOMETHING AS STUPID AS THIS YOU JUST MIGHT BE GOING TO JAIL FOR MURDER<< Probably not. Government employees in the good faith execution of their duties are immune from many types of criminal and civil liability. It would be quite difficult to prove that a TSA person intended to kill you. ---------------------------------- www.jumpelvis.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,150 #21 February 18, 2004 You can always do like I do: Fly your own plane.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,119 #22 February 18, 2004 >IF YOU DO SOMETHING AS STUPID AS THIS YOU JUST MIGHT BE >GOING TO JAIL FOR MURDER. Nope. You're responsible for making sure your gear is safe to jump. He's responsible for making sure there's nothing in your bag that will kill 300 people in an aircraft. He may make mistakes in carrying out that duty, but if such a mistake results in your death, it's still your fault. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chrisky 2 #23 February 18, 2004 The TSA letter states AAD, not Cypres...The mind is like a parachute - it only works once it's open. From the edge you just see more. ... Not every Swooper hooks & not every Hooker swoops ... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrogNog 1 #24 February 18, 2004 Oof, is SSK going to fix the typo in the doc? I don't want a particularly literate TSA worker seeing "cabel" (should be "cable") and trusting the card a lot less... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #25 February 18, 2004 QuoteOof, is SSK going to fix the typo in the doc? I don't want a particularly literate TSA worker seeing "cabel" (should be "cable") and trusting the card a lot less... mweyedunno whydohnchuaskem? ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
