TSA and what the USPA is doing.

[quade 4]

It appears as if the USPA has, in fact, been doing a pretty good job up in D.C. fighting the good fight for your rights to travel with your rigs.

I just got an email from Ed Scott and he's outlined a few things that the USPA has been doing on your behalf.

Quote

Before 9/11, we worked with SSK in presenting information to the U.S. DOT that succeeded in their acknowledgement that the CYPRES is a non-dangerous goods, and should be allowed on commercial aircraft.

After 9/11 and the establishment of the TSA, USPA met with TSA officials and worked out an approach on how TSA could comfortably allow rigs and AADs on commercial aircraft. First I carried a rig to TSA headquarters and explained components and parachute deployment in detail. Then I took a variety of rigs and AADs to the TSA lab in Atlantic City, where we spent a day running the equipment through each type of x-ray and explosive detection device approved for use at airports. We had technicians take digital photos of the x-ray images. All agreed that no device alarmed due to an AAD.

Since then, we have been working with two divisions of TSA-the Screener Training Division and the Aviation Operations Division. The Screener Training Division is updating the screener training manuals and process to ensure the screeners are trained about parachute systems. The Aviation Operations Division is drafting guidance for all screeners. The guidance will reaffirm that parachutes and AADs are okay, and will address how screeners are to handle parachutes.

Completion of the project is imminent, though they can not give me a completion target date.

I don't know about you guys, but to me this is about as much as we can realistically ask of the USPA. They're out there working hard, but unfortunately for them, much of what they do is out of your view as well as out of their actual control and in the hands of government officials.

Get them a break and give them your support.

You can thank Ed Scott for his efforts by dropping him a note at the USPA; govrelations@uspa.org .

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[AggieDave 6]

You know, instead of saying "they forwarded the letter to the TSA" the USPA could have published that they are working hard to resolve these issues.

How are the members of the USPA supposed to know that their organization is working hard for them, when it appears they are hardly working due to a complete lack of information coming back from the USPA via their monthly newsletter (Parachutist).

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[freakydiver 0]

True true Aggie...

However, it's not like we are payin mad dollars for USPA membership either...

I'm such the devil's advocate.

-- (N.DG) "If all else fails – at least try and look under control." --

[quade 4]

Dave --

I can't answer that, but it's possible they weren't aware of the severity of the common misperception that they aren't doing enough.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[AggieDave 6]

Quote

However, it's not like we are payin mad dollars for USPA membership either...

To me its a good sum of money...

Eitherway, look at it like this: The structure for informing members of the USPA is already established with the monthly publication of Parachutist. It is further established with the DZ program they have and with the S&TAs. A letter to the DZs to be posted, and/or an article in Parachutist that explains these things would go a LONG way to show people that the USPA is working for our jumpers (which is why it was created in the first place).

When DZs question to be a USPA DZ or jumpers are trying to decide to become members or not (if they're near or jump at a non-USPA DZ), things like this would help prove that the USPA is a worth while organization that works hard to keep jumpers in the air and safe with their BSRs.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[AggieDave 6]

Quote

Dave --

I can't answer that, but it's possible they weren't aware of the severity of the common misperception that they aren't doing enough.

Aware or not, its common sense, really.

If you have an organization, you keep your members informed of issues like this, as well as much of anything else that is going on. Not just provide them cool pictures and a place to advertise.

Can you see where I'm coming from?

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[Clownburner 0]

This is great, but I do really wish we could get sport parachutes and AADs listed on the "TSA Yes/No List" as that would make a big difference right away, even before the screening monkies were 're-trained' or had to read the 'manuals.'

7CP#1 | BTR#2 | Payaso en fuego Rodriguez
"I want hot chicks in my boobies!"- McBeth

[quade 4]

I'm almost certain that this will be a near simultaneous event.

Ed Scott at the USPA is aware of the situation.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver

[Jessica 0]

Thanks for posting this, Paul. That's pretty eye-opening.

Skydiving is for cool people only

[Zenister 0]

thanks Q
good info and a good effort.

I agree with dave though, if the USPA wants credit for the things they are doing for us, they need to be more forthcoming about the direction of their efforts.

Would probably ease alot of minds, and its good PR.

____________________________________
Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed.

[rehmwa 2]

Good news, I travel a lot. THANKS

Now I wonder what they are doing on extending the reserve repack requirement????

...
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

[sducoach 0]

Hey Aggie,

You wand Ed doing his job or writing you a love letter? Come on dude, support, support, support, support.............................
If you want to know that bad, e-mail or a call. Ed always responds to mine.

Lead, follow, or get the hell out of the way.

( I feel your frustration......... squeeze something!)

Blues,

J.E.

James 4:8

[AggieDave 6]

See, I'm trying to lead in this situation.

I'm trying to get people to become active and think about the roll of the USPA in their daily jumping lives.

Really, I'm hoping that people will get involved enough to start e-mailing their RDs and BOD to try to get things accomplished.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[mjosparky 4]

Paul,
Good post.
Sparky

My idea of a fair fight is clubbing baby seals

[EricaH 0]

Thanks Paul & thanks for Ed's info... positive reinforcement is a good thing!

There is no can't. Only lack of knowledge or fear. Only you can fix your fear.

PMS #227 (just like the TV show)

[pkasdorf 0]

Quote

You can thank Ed Scott for his efforts by dropping him a note at the USPA; govrelations@uspa.org .

Done!

HISPA # 18 POPS # 8757

[tbrown 26]

USPA has been making a really good effort. The only problem is that in the real world, USPA can't say to TSA's face "you assholes are screwing up, nobody's reading this stuff, and look what the hell your goons did to this lady's two rigs (or whatever)". That's not playing by the rules, which is the limitation USPA has to work under. If they don't play by the rules (smooch, smooch), they're labelled by the Feds as anything from "rude" to "irresponsible".

The Feds have always given us the Sunday sermon about "communicating", and enunciating clearly. It's like when some dipshit shreds your bank account and their manager tells you to "calm down".

As long as they don't punish and make examples of some of these apes, nothing will happen. "Yo, do you realize this is a parachute ? This is in your training manual ? do you realize your stupidity could kill this lady ? You're suspended/fired !"

that's what it will take. And it's NOT gonna happen because the Feds will never admit to a mistake, not even if it kills one of us. Sorry folks, but we've got to take care of ourselves. That's just the way it is.

Your humble servant.....Professor Gravity !

[ltdiver 3]

More from Ed Scott and the USPA:

Quote

I saw your and Jan Meyer's note this morning on TSA problems.

I spoke extensively with TSA earlier last week, just prior to the board meeting. We are getting closer to completion on our rigs-on-airlines issue.

The end result will be that rigs (with and without AADs) will be
allowed as carry-on and checked items. Because I took a variety of rigs and AADs to TSA's testing lab in Atlantic City last winter, the TSA is completely comfortable with allowing them on the airlines. However, they still need to go through security. TSA is drawing up the process by which all screeners will be trained to handle rigs.

Here is a synopsis of how they are proceeding:

As a Carry-on Item

Screeners will be trained to recognize actual rigs and AADs, along with their x-ray images. If a screened rig causes concern, it will be swabbed with explosive trace detection equipment. If the ETD "hits," the rig will need to be opened for physical inspection, otherwise the rig will be allowed through as carry-on.

As a Checked Item

At airports equipped with explosive detection systems (all of the larger airports), all checked bags are sent through the EDS machine. Only if the EDS machine "hits" will a rig need to be opened. Otherwise the rig will not be opened and will be allowed on board as a checked item. At airports not equipped with EDS (smaller airports), checked bags are subject to ETD swabbing and random physical inspections. If the ETD "hits," the rig will need to be opened for physical inspection. If selected for a random physical inspection, a rig must be opened for inspection.

Notes

We are reasonably confident that rigs and AADs will not produce positive hits by any of the explosive detection devices. However, if the skydiver handles firecrackers, fertilizer, or power bars (yes, the snack) and other items prior to packing for the trip, those items may trigger a hit. If so, the screener may feel the need to physically inspect the rig if it is part of the packed bag that triggered the detection machine.

All screeners will be informed that no rig may be opened without the owner being physically present. The good news is that this will prevent damage to rigs and components. The bad news is that this may mean a missed flight for the rig owner. It appears that carry-on will provide the least potential for TSA hassle, after all screeners are trained. (I personally believe most skydivers want to carry their rig on anyway.)

All of the above should minimize problems. There will still be occasional problems, but hopefully they will be few and far between.

Finally, the TSA will provide a write-up of the above, which they will provide to USPA for distribution to the skydiving community and posting on our web site.

TSA could give me no estimate on project completion, but they are actively working on it.

Ed

Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon

[Zenister 0]

very nice.

thanks for the info, i hope they publish a synopsis of the effort and progress in the next Parachutist for those who dont live on the internet...

____________________________________
Those who fail to learn from the past are simply Doomed.

[kallend 2,146]

Quote

We are reasonably confident that rigs and AADs will not produce positive hits by any of the explosive detection devices. However, if the skydiver handles firecrackers, fertilizer, or power bars (yes, the snack) and other items prior to packing for the trip, those items may trigger a hit.

I believe that cheese and Christmas fruitcake can also trigger "hits".

...

The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one.

[freakyrat 1]

When I got home last night there was a message on my answering machine from the Deputy Airport Director for TSA at Palm Springs-PSP. As you all recall from my previous posts, I had a problem getting my rig through security last January but in the end prevailed.

Some good news. The proposed travel policy on parachute rigs and Cypres that was worked on extensively by Ed Scott from USPA and Cliff Schmucker of SSK , John Andrus of Southwest Airlines and others in cooperation with TSA and posted here is finally getting to the field for comments. Mr. Gorman who is the Deputy TSA Director for this airport remembered my correspondence with his boss and looked up my file and asked for my FAX number so he can send a copy of it to me for my comments. He was fully aware of all the efforts that were put into this and basically agrees with the proposal. I mentioned that Paul had posted it here and that I would take a look at it and as he requested to see that it matched up. I also asked him to FAX a copy of it to Cliff at SSK and Ed Scott at USPA We had a conversation on the phone about the new Cypres card that comes with the Cypres2, pictures of which were posted in this forum on a different thead. This is all part of this extensive communication effort to get the TSA screeners educated on this issue. He was fully aware of all this, The x-ray pictures that TSA has of our rigs pretty much match those on the new card.

Incidentally I just travelled back from the WFFC through BMI-Bloomington-Normal on AIRTRAN back to HOU-Houston Hobby. The security screeners knew it was a rig an all it's components and I had no problems. I showed one of them the new Cypres card which they were aware of. Maybe it was that for the last two years they seen rigs come through there but I think all these cooperative efforts by some hard working dedicated people on our behalf have finally started paying off. I think it's just nice to get this feedback from the TSA, both in January and now. It shows that when people put in the effort and when skydivers are polite to the screeners, who have a hard job anyway, things do pay off.

Chris

[diverdriver 7]

I would like to also mention that it seems that due to a certain electronic communications medium (www.dropzone.com) that many people were able to stay in close contact to coordinate some (not all) of their efforts. Debate was made and suggestions made on how to approach the problem. USPA HQ in conjunction with other sport jumpers were able to get TSA to move on education for screeners. I'd just like to say thank you Sangiro for making DZ.com a place where jumpers can cut through some of the noise and make good things happen.

Chris Schindler
www.diverdriver.com
ATP/D-19012
FB #4125

[freakyrat 1]

Chris

Agree with your comments about dropzone.com. I'm going to read my Fax when I get into work today and find some way to Mr. Gormans FAX up here on this forum. I may post the gist of it or copy it to a disc and post it as an attachment.

Chris

[quade 4]

Very, very good news!

If anyone questions the value of the USPA, please point this episode out to them.

quade -
The World's Most Boring Skydiver