The following comments were forwarded to APSA from TSA-disqualified FFDO applicants.  All commenters have been disqualified from the program.  APSA has received no ‘positive’ comments, so none are included.

(Names and contact info have been redacted except where the information was already public; emphasis is APSA’s). 

Most, if not all applicants, received the following email from TSA, when first disqualified:

“Thank you for your interest in the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program. We regret to inform you that you will not receive further consideration for the program in this application period.

The selection process in which you have participated is the process by which TSA determines if candidates meet the established standards and criteria for participation in the FFDO program.  Under the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act (APATA), the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has the authority to establish the standards and criteria pilots must meet to qualify as an FFDO.  APATA also gives the Administrator the discretion to select candidates for the FFDO program.

Based on TSA's evaluation during the selection process, you currently do not meet the criteria for participation in the FFDO program.  While you may not appeal this decision, you may re-apply for the FFDO program in the first application period that occurs one year from the date of this notification.”

__________________________________________

“…I was turned down for the initial class. [My Background:]  [UNION] Security Committee member and former chairman. Civilian Law Enforcement Experience: Chicago Police Department, [5 years], [4 years]. Uniformed patrol duties (beat car), plainclothes patrol duties (gang/tactical teams) aerial observer.  Military Experience: 27 years.  Military Law Enforcement Experience: 3 years Military Policeman (3 years), Military Police Platoon Leader [2 years] Executive Officer, [xxx]th MP Battalion ([2 years]), Security Clearance: TS (Interim), undergoing update….”

APSA Note:  A former DEA/US Customs Agent was also disqualified by TSA, one hour before FFDO graduation.  TSA refused to give him a reason.

“…TSA couldn't have had time to do any background checks let alone didn't contact any of my personal references, one of which is a retired Sergeant from the [CITY] Sheriffs Office…”

“…I have asked numerous Federal Air Marshals if they ever interviewed with a psychologist during their interview process. Every one of them, without exception, attest that they did not ever speak with a psychologist, even those coming straight out of college with no law enforcement experience. Yet the TSA insists that responsible airline pilots with years of experience in providing safety to their passengers be subjected to a contract  psychologist's evaluation…”

”…I am a retired Naval Aviator, Patrol Plane Commander and Mission Commander with twenty plus years of service to my country. I have held a top-secret security clearance and have spent many years in various nuclear weapons positions. During the past ten years I have served as a volunteer on both the Search and Rescue Team and the Sheriff's Advisory Board with the [] County …Sheriffs Office. During the past three years I have actively participated with the combat range operations of the annual "Best in the West" SWAT team competition sponsored by the Sheriff. I was trained by the U.S. Navy as an armed Nuclear Weapons Courier….”

“…The USAF trusted me for over 28 years to be responsible for several types of multi-million dollar jet fighters. They trusted me to use good judgment with 20mm canons, two thousand pound laser guided bombs, and deadly air to air missiles (in addition to my pistol which I carried in the aircraft). The USAF considered me psychologically sound enough to be directly responsible for nuclear weapons. They trusted me to lead and accomplish missions of [over 50] combat aircraft carrying a full array of very powerful weapons. Because I excelled in trustworthiness, dedication and accountability, senior military commanders selected me to the very responsible leadership positions of fighter squadron commander, fighter group commander, and eventually, fighter wing commander during my 28 year military career. As a full colonel and fighter wing commander I was responsible and accountable for leading and training [over 1000] warriors, maintaining…F-16 fighters, and thousands of tons of sophisticated weapons. I find it ironic that I was responsible for … jet fighters and training …pilots, and yet a TSA psychologist has determined I am unreliable to carry a weapon in my own airliner…”

“…I am an ex Air Force Officer and an Associates degree in Law Enforcement, I have been taking a martial arts course fro the last three years which specializes in self defense and personnel protection.

“…Does the TSA have higher requirements than the USAF has for their wing commanders? How does being a successful wing commander responsible for tons of extreme weaponry, multimillion dollar jet fighters, and [hundreds of soldiers], compare to the TSA's requirements to carry a small weapon in a commercial airliner?”

“…I have been an airline pilot (25 years).  My record is impeccable.  I retired from the USAF as a full colonel after [over 20] years.  I maintained a top secret clearance during my entire service.  I was scrutinized under the USAF Human Reliability Program as I was responsible for a wide range of tactical and strategic [nuclear] weaponry as well as leading combat aircraft on complex missions.   I always qualified as an "expert" USAF small arms training - pistol.  I taught small arms training. I supervised those that taught small arms training. I was a fighter squadron commander, fighter group commander, and for the last years of my career, I was the Commander of the [xxx]th Fighter Wing at [CITY, STATE].”

“…there wasn’t an approved Doctor on the list in my state.  Of course I only had ten days to try to make the appointment so at this point I decided to let it die.”  

“…In a time of trying to save money and have armed guards on airplanes it is unbelievable that the TSA is trying to prevent pilots from having guns.  I spent 7 years in the Navy with a top secret clearance and have been with the airline for twenty-six years without so much as a speeding ticket and yet some of the air marshals I see getting on my airplane I wouldn’t give a ride to the corner store in my car.” 

“…We need to be deputized just like a federal officer and allowed to carry our firearm just like all the federal people that get on my airplane when I am flying.”

“…I was initially turned down for the FFDO program following the MMPI  testing and just after the psychological interview.  Without given any explanation I was told that there were other better qualified candidates.  After about 2-3 weeks I got an e-mail from the TSA stating that I was back in the consideration for the program.” 

“…In the test I was asked "would you like to be a fighter pilot?"  It just so happens that I was a fighter pilot in the US Navy for over 15 years caring a large variety of weapons excluding nuclear weapons.  Evidently, if this and other "risk taking" questions did scare the TSA away from my application.”

“…the "road" to qualification [HAS] been very long…”

“…after 3 ½ months I still have not gotten approval. It is still in the "background check" phase. Never mind that I had a TS/SCI clearance "top, top secret" in the Air Force.  I even had to fax them pay stubs of previous employers. Is not that THEIR job to confirm what I say is true? What a bunch of bumbling idiots…”

“…I went to sign up for the psych 3 hour test and there were ZERO slots available
in SFO to take the test…” 

“…Filled out online questionnaire (late May). Then told I had to do computer testing within 10 days (Early June). Then told had to meet with psychiatrist within 10 days(Early June). Then told “no longer being considered for the FFDO program due to the availability of more qualified volunteers” (Mid June). Then a week later I get an email that says to ignore the last one and I would be notified by July 4, 2003 (Late June). After waiting and a few phone calls later I was sent the [rejection] email on August 4, 2003! (Over a month after they promised)…” 

“…I feel like what a waste of time for all I've gone through to get to this point only now to be turned down and have to wait a year to start all over and next year go through this again to problably be turned down again…” 

“…As a former LEO and a 'commuter', I'm not going to fill out the application until the 'carry' rules are modified to allow pilots deadheading/jumpseating to carry the weapon on their person. No other federal law enforcement officer is required to comply with such cumbersome and unsafe rules. Furthermore, all federal law enforcement officers and most state/local law enforcement officers (with appropriate permission) are allowed to fly armed on commercial aircraft, regardless of their recency of marksmanship training or experience. There is no defensible reason to deny FFDO's the opportunity to transport their weapons on their persons.”

“…I was turned down after the psychological written test. Then about six weeks later I was informed that I could then interview with the shrink. A week after the shrink interview I was rejected again…”

 “…It seems that I am a victim of the TSA's ongoing efforts to thwart and stonewall the intent of Congress and desires of the American citizens…”

“…After a brief interview with a psychologist contracted by the TSA to determine the psychological suitability of potential FFDOs, it was his determination that I was not psychologically adequate to protect my passengers and aircraft…”

“…Contrary to the TSA psychologist's opinion, senior commanders of the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard, inspectors from the FAA, and chief pilots of [XXX] Airlines have had a very positive opinion of my reliability and responsibility without exception!…”

“…the same administration that is dragging their feet in executing the will of Congress to arm airline pilots is hysterical about the possible dangers of armed pilots, yet find it common sense to direct a jet fighter to shoot down an airliner in a situation that an armed pilot could have prevented in the first place…”

“…The TSA has proven that they are more anxious about what a responsible airline captain "might" do with a weapon than what terrorist have "proven" to do when they hijack an airliner....four times…”

“…Parallel to my military career I have accumulated over 25 accident free years as a commercial airline pilot with [XXX] Airlines. I have clearly proven to be worthy of a captain's responsibilities for carrying thousands of souls every year safely to their destinations. My record with the company and the FAA in flawless…”

“…The fighters that I [flew] were responsible to the protection of [our country] yet I don't measure up to the TSA requirements to protect my single airliner…”

”…If I am not psychologically suitable to defend my passengers and aircraft then I am not suitable to be an airline captain nor do I deserve the trust of those to whom I am accountable. My passengers deserve no less than the most secure and safe journey possible…”

“…There are 75 federal agencies that allow their agents to carry weapons on airliners without restriction, along with state, county, and local law enforcement officers. The TSA has even allowed an armed dogcatcher to attempt to board on a Continental aircraft. The TSA trust these officers yet airline pilots are considered irresponsible and must be psychologically evaluated and then must transport their weapons in a lock box. Airline pilots deputized as federal law enforcement officers don't even deserve a badge. Even the dogcatcher had a badge…”

“…some quick background on myself:  Ex-USAF-10years  UAL- 1989-present:  Federal Firearms Licensee  [STATE]: Notary Public [STATE]:  CCW (concealed carry weapons permit)  District Captain [COUNTY] Co. Republican Party…”

“…I have been turned down at least twice by the TSA boys.  But have been “reinstated” now twice as well.  My last dealing with them was around the beginning of July when I saw the “shrink”.  Then in less then 3 days they told me to reapply next year.  Two weeks latter they said ignore the last email.  What a great system!…” 

“…Apparently, the only psychologist contracted to test all applicants knows my son. This presents a conflict of ethics. Therefore, I'll have to travel out of State to receive the next step in evaluation process. Concurrently, I receive an E-mail from TSA with a four day suspense.   This is an indication of willingness to work with me?…”

“…I've been a staunch conservative Republican.  Now, I'm just a staunch conservative who pragmatically believes the best we can do is grid-lock in the Fed.  I'm pretty well done voting for Republican legislators.  We need a balance of ideology to make the 500# gorilla sit down & eat bananas…”

“…i was rejected after the psyche interview. no reason given (of course) but told i could reapply in a year. yeah, that'll happen..”

“…the program as it is is total bullshit and i'll not be reapplying unless i'm guaranteed to be accepted…”

“…In light of their press release about not being able to fill up classes, I am wondering why this background investigation should take so long.  In my case, which is pretty typical, I held a Top Secret clearance for many years and my background is well documented…” 

“…is any progress on the concealed carry issue?  I once lost luggage that I personally loaded into the cargo bay!…”

“…I was turned down for training following the psych eval.  in the USAF I held a Top Secret-SCI
clearance and was in the PRP program for over five years without a blemish.  Apparently, the military believed that I could be trusted with the country's most valuable information and our most lethal weapons…”

“…I do have an aerospace engineering degree from MIT, so I think I can handle the mental rigours of the FFDO training program…”

“…I was stunned that they didn’t have ONE approved psychologist available in all of Florida for these interviews and only ONE in the whole state of Texas? I don’t think I’ll be going through that hassle again.  My background is military, former Navy with typical weapons training and experience.  I’m married to the same gal for over 20 years now, with two teenage daughters. I figured I was an average airline pilot volunteering for a viable cause, but I found the cause was a hoax. I don’t want any part of it as long as TSA is running the program.  It’s not what Congress wanted, it’s not what the public supported, and it’s certainly not what the pilots wanted…”

“..As you can see the USAF thought that I was highly qualified to defend America and lead those who do. The USAF thought I was qualified enough to be responsible for nuclear weapons. The USAF thought I was psychologically sound enough to lead a fighter wing with F-16 fighting falcons with a wide range of sophisticated weapons for years before I retired with high honors.  YET, the TSA thinks there are so many more qualified applicants that I can't apply for at least a year. I seriously doubt it…”

“Who's on first? TSA sends me an Email three hours after my shrink interview you are no longer being considered ... apply again after one year. Today I get an Email stating that I have successfully completed all phases to date and that a background investigation is in process.   I logged on to the TSA website and discovered that I am suddenly psychologically fit as of July 7. Are they really that screwed-up ? (Sorry, I guess that was a redundant question.)…”

“…Only hours after I got home from seeing "Dr. Phil" Trompetter the TSA Shrink in Modesto, Ca., I got the "standard" rejection E-mail. My background is clean as a whistle. I have never been arrested, only had one traffic ticket ever in my life. I guess my true and I thought logical answers to the standard 17 questions didn't meet the TSA's warped sense of how I was supposed to respond…”

“…The attached automated standard TSA FFDO rejection Email was received in less than 20 hours after I submitted my FFDO application.  I am at a loss and surprised at why I was rejected so soon - US Air Force Retired Colonel, Was an F-16 Fighter Squadron Commander in Germany;  Retired from Pentagon working for the Secretary of the Air Force;  Had Top Secret, Top Secret-Crypto SCI clearance in the Air Force.   12 years with [XXX] Airlines;   and for the last six and a half years--as an international B-777 First Officer.   I carried a firearm in the F-4 and the F-16.  I routinely qualified as Expert in both the .38 Revolver and the M16 Rifle…”

“…I wrote you previously about the TSA's not acting on my application that has been background check complete since sep. 03.  Now I think I know why. I did a Freedom of Information Act request, and my file has concerns about a comment I had made calling the TSA a bunch of bumbling idiots.  They even blacked out one section. Can't tell the truth now can we…”

“…I have not been rejected by the TSA and have not received any emails. That's the problem. They refuse to talk to me and will not return phone calls…”

The TSA rejected my application for reasons not given, I fly contract for the US Marshall's. I've been through every background check, every poke and prod a pilot can get. I have a concealed weapons permit and also fly missions for the US military on a daily basis. My background is clean. I hold the standard flight licenses, an Engineer and A&P license. What could they not like about my application? My work buddies doing the same job had no problem getting accepted. They won't tell me…”