Can Pilots Refuse TSA Security Screening?
Can Pilots Refuse TSA Security Screening? An ExpressJet pilot who refused a full body scan at Memphis International Airport recently, was denied boarding and may now be fighting for his job. Pilot Michael Roberts, a four-year ExpressJet veteran, also refused what is called an ‘enhanced pat down,’ which may be substituted for a scan. Should flight crews be held to a different standard and bypass traditional airport security? Answer: The simple answer to the question is no. Everyone, including pilots and all other airline and airport employees, must be screened. Pilots have resented airport security screenings for a long time. In the past, they have argued that, as professional and highly skilled workers, they should not be subjected to invasive security procedures similar to passengers and other workers. Supporting that argument, pilots have maintained that they are in positions of trust, thoroughly vetted due to extensive background checks and other pre-employment testing. TSA and othe
