FAA violation???

[ReLLiK75 0]

I'm sitting in the airport right now and had to go through the "special security screening" line. I made the comment that it's a good thing I wasn't carrying my rig with me and the screener replied that I would have had to have a discussion with the local law enforcement had I tried to carry a parachute onto my flight because it is now against FAA regulations.

Has anyone heard of anything like this or had any problems carrying a rig onboard a flight? Once I get my A license I plan on traveling quite a bit with my rig if I know I'm going to be near a DZ, but I don't want to have to check the thing everytime I fly.

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Have you Got Flare?

[CrazyIvan 0]

I checked Continental's website and it doesn't mention anything like that (assuming they update their website periodically)

Quote

Parachutes/Parasails
Continental accepts sport parachutes and parasails in lieu of one piece of free baggage. A parachute or parasail taken onboard the aircraft must meet carry-on size restrictions for placement underneath an aircraft seat. When checked as baggage, all excess, oversize and overweight charges will apply.

And the TSA doesn't mention rigs in this document either.

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Blue Skies and May the Force be with you.

[diverdriver 7]

Quote

Has anyone heard of anything like this or had any problems carrying a rig onboard a flight? Once I get my A license I plan on traveling quite a bit with my rig if I know I'm going to be near a DZ, but I don't want to have to check the thing everytime I fly.

This is another example of offering TOO MUCH INFORMATION while going through security. TSA is not there to be your buddy. You don't have to make idle chit chat with them. So don't. Now, this TSA guy may have it in his mind that you really can't take your rig on board. I have seen TSA personel boast about tough regulations just to feel self important. So don't play into that. When an actual rig is presented before him and he tries to deny passage then ask for a supervisor. They are supposed to know more. Print out whatever material you can about parachutes as carry-ons for your particular airline and carry that with you ready to show them. But don't offer it BEFORE they deny you access. Again, offering too much information can hurt you.

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

[Billy 0]

Don't forget to bring your Cypres card also... the one with the X-ray info on it.. especially if carrying the rig on.. it may help

Natural Born FlyerZ.com

[falxori 0]

like many people have said here, and in other threads.

you can prepare better with printed regulations and how you carry it, but in many cases it all comes down to one thing...luck.

O

"Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero."

[kallend 2,146]

"I'm from the government and I'm here to help you"

...

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

[riggerrob 643]

Ignorance is bliss.
Just asnwer questions - by security guards, border guards, etc. - with simple one word answers, then calmly wait for them to ask their next question. They are hoping that you will fill the embarrassing silence with incriminating evidence. I swear that it is all a waiting game. Many times I have been running low on patience, was about to "loose it", took one more deep breath and then they said "You are free to go."
Volunteering information only complicates the process.
So let's all do our part to keep guards ignorant and blissful.

[YahooLV 0]

"I made the comment that it's a good thing I wasn't carrying my rig with me"

Again, let those who lead ask the questions and do the investigations, while those who "look" are bypassed. Sometimes it's better not to say anything, until the questions has been asked. Then only answer the question. Most supervisors who deal with these rig packages will understand by your simple answers, not talking too much and blowing smoke. Smoke will only get in your eyes!

http://www.curtisglennphotography.com