It has come to my attention that now in addition to confiscating or pudding and soda pop the TSA has decided to target our tools as well.

Tools have been confiscated inside the aircraft as well as at the nose of the aircraft recently. Both times it was the TSA's determination that even though we are in a sterile controlled area that you must have all tools within your sight at all times. They state this is a security issue.

It has long been our practice to take tools with us to the work site, leave them in a central location for convenience, and then take them with us when finished. I am suggesting that this practice be halted until the TSA can sort this out. In the mean time if a delay is incurred because of this, inform the company of the reason.

The problems I see with the government confiscating our tools, beyond the inability to service broken aircraft, are that no receipt is given, and no contact has been given to arrange for the return of our tools.

I have included in this post the links for the Chairmen of both the Senate and House Committees on Homeland Security. In addition I have included Senator John Warner and Representative Tom Davis of Virginia's 11th District. I would suggest writing to these Gentlemen and ask if there is an approved method for tool usage and placement when performing line maintenance on aircraft, as well as if there is an approved list of hand tools, which we may use in accomplishing this task.

If anyone needs help crafting a letter please feel free to contact me.

Joe Lieberman, Chairman Senate http://lieberman.senate.gov/
John Warner, Member http://warner.senate.gov/public/

Bennie Thompson, Chairman House
http://benniethompson.house.gov/HoR/MS02/Home/Home.htm
Tom Davis, Member http://tomdavis.house.gov/default.aspx

That's all for today,
Bob