Catsa, what a joke!

[Strega]

a little story,

While passing through security at YYC on Fri afternoon for a buisness trip, I witnessed something that really changed my opinion of these so-called security officers.

The gentlemen in front of me in the security line, who appeared to be some sort of technichian of sort (as he had a carry-on that contained some sort of complicated electronics equip) must have forgotten that he had an Olfa knife in his bag. Well it was picked up by the x-ray machine and he was questioned about it. His reply was the standard "oh shit, I forgot to take that out", to make a long story short, after all these CATSA people just kind of forgot about it, he put the knife (on the secure side of the metal detector) in his pocket, and continued to his gate without issue. Normally I would have made a stink about this at the scene, but I was already running late, and didnt want to go through the whole BS of everyone having to be run through security again.

Why do we tolerate these morons that could care less about your security and more about when they are doing after work? (this was the topic of discussion of the half dozen or so CATSA people that milled about as this all happened)

Why do we tolerate a security agencey that seems more concerned with 101ML of "fluid:" than an OLFA knife?

Something needs to be done, and quickly at that.

[flying4dollars]

a little story,

While passing through security at YYC on Fri afternoon for a buisness trip, I witnessed something that really changed my opinion of these so-called security officers.

The gentlemen in front of me in the security line, who appeared to be some sort of technichian of sort (as he had a carry-on that contained some sort of complicated electronics equip) must have forgotten that he had an Olfa knife in his bag. Well it was picked up by the x-ray machine and he was questioned about it. His reply was the standard "oh shit, I forgot to take that out", to make a long story short, after all these CATSA people just kind of forgot about it, he put the knife (on the secure side of the metal detector) in his pocket, and continued to his gate without issue. Normally I would have made a stink about this at the scene, but I was already running late, and didnt want to go through the whole BS of everyone having to be run through security again.

Why do we tolerate these morons that could care less about your security and more about when they are doing after work? (this was the topic of discussion of the half dozen or so CATSA people that milled about as this all happened)

Why do we tolerate a security agencey that seems more concerned with 101ML of "fluid:" than an OLFA knife?

Something needs to be done, and quickly at that.

Let me ask you this, having not made an attempt to advise security that the knife was replaced back in the gentleman's pocket, how would you have felt if that person ended up causing harm to someone in the gate area or worse, in-flight? All because you were in a hurry and didn't want to inconvenience other people.

Or you could a run up to the guy and said "hey, I guess they didn't notice you placing the knife in your pocket but you really cant be bringin that on board"

Either the person agrees and rectifies it, or he shuns you off, prompting you to notify security. CATSA might not have done their part in this situation, but by the sounds of it, neither did you.

$.02

[Cat Driver]

Tell me why we don't have all this paranoia when traveling on trains, buses, ships taxis????

[AuxBatOn]

Because it's easier to steer an airplane to a big building than a car and a train AND the damage potential is 1000X bigger? That's my guess

[Cat Driver]

Yeh, it is easier to steer an airplane into a building than a car or a train.....so tell me how is that guy is going to get into the cockpit with nothing but a small knife, is he going to carve a hole in the cockpit door?

[AuxBatOn]

Yeh, it is easier to steer an airplane into a building than a car or a train.....so tell me how is that guy is going to get into the cockpit with nothing but a small knife, is he going to carve a hole in the cockpit door?

You never know I guess... Why take the chance? Who needs a knife on a flight anyways...

[skywardbound]

Who needs a knife on a flight anyways...

Because the knife they give you to cut the steak with your meal is never sharp enough

[AuxBatOn]

Who needs a knife on a flight anyways...

Because the knife they give you to cut the steak with your meal is never sharp enough

Good point

[flying4dollars]

Who needs a knife on a flight anyways...

Because the knife they give you to cut the steak with your meal is never sharp enough

steak?!?!

i think those days are long gone..unless you're flying first class on something outside NA

[Invertago]

Yeh, it is easier to steer an airplane into a building than a car or a train.....so tell me how is that guy is going to get into the cockpit with nothing but a small knife, is he going to carve a hole in the cockpit door?

I think most attempts to 'steer' a train have resulted in frustration...

[mcrit]

Well....we pay these guys minimum wage.....you get what you pay for.

[silentivan]

Olfa knife, quasi-steak knife, a spork, juniors game-boy, a pen....

Really, anything can be used as a weapon. Or maybe I watched too much Macgyver when I was younger.

[bmc]

Why do we need airport security?

[Strega]

Well....we pay these guys minimum wage.....you get what you pay for.

Do we?

This is from their website:

CATSA Oversight Officer - Calgary - 6 Positions - CATSA 2008-49

Closing Date July 17, 2008

Duration Full-time indeterminate position.

Salary $ 60,595 - $ 77,235

Language(s) English Essential and Bilingual (French/English) positions are available.

[x-wind]

http://www.cbc.ca/world/story/2008/07/1 ... ml?ref=rss

I'm indifferent to to this thread... We're human.

[Guido]

Well....we pay these guys minimum wage.....you get what you pay for.

Do we?

This is from their website:

CATSA Oversight Officer - Calgary - 6 Positions - CATSA 2008-49

Closing Date July 17, 2008

Duration Full-time indeterminate position.

Salary $ 60,595 - $ 77,235

Language(s) English Essential and Bilingual (French/English) positions are available.

That's management.

When I worked in airport security, I started at $8/hr (2001) and, once CATSA was in place it went up to maybe $12. When we finally got tired of our company (subcontracted by CATSA, as is the case everywhere) and got a union, we went up to $15/hr. This is in Sarnia, where the cost of living is pretty low. In places like Toronto, they were around the $18-20 mark when I left in 2006. It's not a bad way to learn a living if you don't have any actual skills... but it's not the goldmine you might imagine, either.

[MUSKEG]

Isn't it sad that common sense has been replaced by hysteria and knee jerk reactions. All this "what if this and what if that happens" is for the most part fear mongering. Sad.

[mduffy]

QUOTE "In places like Toronto, they were around the $18-20 mark when I left in 2006. It's not a bad way to earn a living if you don't have any actual skills... but it's not the goldmine you might imagine, either. "

I can't help but chuckle at that statment considering that $18-$20/hr is what new-hire FO's make at AC! They should welcome folks to flying schools with that opening statement!

[sky's the limit]

Why do we need airport security?

Ditto.

[ScudRunner]

I think we should here from Ali G on this one
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDQNpr2RnFI

[Strega]

QUOTE "In places like Toronto, they were around the $18-20 mark when I left in 2006. It's not a bad way to earn a living if you don't have any actual skills... but it's not the goldmine you might imagine, either. "

I can't help but chuckle at that statment considering that $18-$20/hr is what new-hire FO's make at AC! They should welcome folks to flying schools with that opening statement!

if you look in the job ads page, there is a certain company that flys beech 1900s that wants to pay this for the left seat!

I think its really sad the professional pilot earns the same money as the lackey that tells you to put your liquids in a plastic bag.......

[Tim]

Debate about the stupidity of the rules aside, this guy was negligent in his duty. He saw the knife, he ignored it.

[2R]

Why do we need airport security?

Ditto.

It should be called airport insecurity

[SkyWolfe]

As a small, normal looking, white, 5'5 120 lbs female, why is it I ALWAYS have a random search on domestic flights? The scary guy in front of me that kept shaking nervously walked through, and I got a full "random" search... Can't we "randomly" search someone that actually looks like they have potential to blow shit up?

PS Canpilot (an average white male that looks completely normal) also suffers from extensive searches by CATSA....

Sorry, as normal everyday Canadians... why are we being searched like we have some bizarre need to blow up our own country...

Wolfie

[Guido]

QUOTE "In places like Toronto, they were around the $18-20 mark when I left in 2006. It's not a bad way to earn a living if you don't have any actual skills... but it's not the goldmine you might imagine, either. "

I can't help but chuckle at that statment considering that $18-$20/hr is what new-hire FO's make at AC! They should welcome folks to flying schools with that opening statement!

if you look in the job ads page, there is a certain company that flys beech 1900s that wants to pay this for the left seat!

I think its really sad the professional pilot earns the same money as the lackey that tells you to put your liquids in a plastic bag.......

Y'know, some days I read these forums and it reminds me why exactly I'm not flying professionally. I really don't enjoy Kraft Dinner that much. I really feel for you guys (and gals).