Totally OT, sorry; was (Re: Lack of Security)

Thu Sep 13 12:55:51 UTC 2001

Leo Bicknell wrote:

> On Thu, Sep 13, 2001 at 07:34:00AM -0400, Robert Hough wrote:
> 
>>Yes, just like the tragedy that occured on Tuesday. They used a well
>>known exploit in our system. Could we have stopped them with better
>>security? It doesn't matter - preventing from happening again, is what
>>matters to me.
>>
> 
> The problem I have with all of the FAA action is that anyone with
> a valid rating can rent a plane, even planes this large if they
> have enough money.  I would guess the hijackers wanted a plane full
> of people for additional shock value, but obtaining an empty (but
> full of fuel) plane would be even easier for them, and almost no
> FAA security measures would stop them.  Additionally, on a private
> plane they could load on it explosive cargo without too much effort,
> adding even more punch to the process.
> 
> I do believe we need to figure out how these planes were hijacked,
> and take steps to prevent it from happening again.  That said, I
> find it highly unlikely that eliminating curbside checkin will have
> any effect other than to inconvenience travelers.
> 
> 

Interesting comments on radio today in the UK. An editor for a 'flight' 
magazine who specialises safety and ops says that the US you guys tend 
to treat getting on an internal flight a bit like us Brits treat getting 
on a bus. ie quick and last minute.

Also he said that you can carry legally a 7 inch knife in your luggage 
on internal flights.

Now from various reports I've seen the hijackers where armed with knives 
and 'claimed' to have bombs - no mention of firearms.

I think that this will change and the 1997 recommendations on flight 
safety could well be implemented on domestic fights too.

What impact could this have....less travelling and more electronic 
(video) meetings perhaps, which IMO is could 'cos long distance travel 
can be a real drag.

just my 2 pence worth...

-- 
Martin Hepworth
Senior Systems Administrator
Solid State Logic Ltd
+44 (0)1865 842300

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