Revealed Identity Monday To Point Out Alleged Disparities In Security

A pilot who had posted videos on YouTube showing what he called lapses in security for ground crews at San Francisco International Airport has gone public, saying his only intent was to point out disparities in how flight crews and ground crews are screened.

The pilot's name is Chris Liu. He had been part of a program which allows pilots to carry handguns in airplane cockpits, but after the videos were posted, his federally-issued weapon and badge were confiscated. He also reportedly had his state-issued concealed carry permit suspended.

Media sources including television station KXTV and ABC News report that Liu said the reason for posting the videos is that pilots and flight crews are subjected to full security screening, but that ground crews can simply swipe a card to obtain access to restricted areas at airports. Liu sees that as a weak point in the system, and told the station that he was only trying to point out that disconnect.

Liu's flight status with his airline/employer has not changed, but he is reportedly no longer in the Federal Flight Deck Officer program.

FMI: www.tsa.gov/lawenforcement/programs/ffdo.shtm