It's about time the Transportation Security Administration got something right. Ever since 9/11 pilots that fly the very airplanes we commute on have been subject to the bizarre security shenanigans of TSA. For example at one point pilots were prohibited, just as passengers, liquids such as shampoo in quantities over 3.4 ounces. Yet they had full access to the inside and outside of the airplane. The Pilot In Command (PIC) is fully responsible for the security of that aircraft, not TSA. For some unexplainable reason allowing that very same person with a bottle of shampoo through security was a national security threat. Despite TSA's best efforts in smoke and mirrors security they realized it's impossible to keep domestic aircraft 100% secure. Let's face it, if a pilot wants to crash a plane who's to stop them?

The "Known Crewmember" program now allows pilots to bypass the screening process altogether as long as they have the proper credentials and are listed in an online database. This program has a few benefits. General passenger screening rates would increase, pilots and crew members would experience less stress in dealing with TSA, and their exposure to radiation from the body scanners would be significantly reduced. All of this makes sense considering the extensive background checks pilots must go through in order to fly. It's important to remember that professional pilots have extensive backgrounds in aviation while TSA security screeners are average Joe's off the street, often having no aviation experience what so ever. A big thumbs up to the Airline Pilots Association for not accepting the status quo and to John S. Pistole for finally demonstrating some common sense.

TSA Press Release