Pilots unions push for biometric identification system
17 November, 2010
category: Biometrics, Government
Union officials representing pilots for cargo and passenger planes have entered into talks with the Obama administration over the backlash surrounding the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) new security guidelines involving enhanced pat-downs and whole-body imaging machines, according to a National Journal article.
Specific to the pilot unions’ involvement in the talks are that the new security guidelines may result in new biometric IDs for airline crew members that would enable them to bypass the now longer security lines.
The TSA has expressed an interest in helping create a better way for airline pilots to move quicker through lines that won’t compromise security standards but make security check-points easier on the low-risk group.
Beyond simply frustrating pilots, a sense of immediacy has been brewing as unions such as the APA, which represents 11,500 pilots, have recommended their members opt for the pat-downs which can take upwards of 15 minutes each.
Read the full story here.