FrankTalk.org

I am starting a new post to The TSA airport search that Shadow raised with us.

The Director of our area got back to me with the following information on the process that should have been followed for our guy with an implant at the airport.

The training for this type of special issue is under the Special Circumstances and Disabilities section of the TSA out of Washington DC. There had been general training on the topic of Implants but it was proving insufficient for the circumstances presented to TSA screeners. On April 24, 2011 special training materials were distributed for training male TSA screeners on Implants. It was much more detailed. The Director took the time to review the materials himself and found them quite specific. As he stated, they even included pictures of males with an implant. And NO- Shadow did not pose for any of those pics. (or he should have charged more for his work. . .). The training was conducted for the men only in the TSA and was sensitive in the way a male was to be approached if the topic came up. (ah, no pun intended)

I have asked him to ask the DC folks to understand the need for additional training and again strongly suggested that Paul be engaged to assist them in understanding the various issues facing both the screeners as well as the male bionic traveler. He understands and is encouraging them (DC) to reach out to us. We will see.

I must extend my thanks to the Director for his openness and willingness to assist the Foundation. He worked quickly and thoroughly in exploring our issues. He is, by any standard, a GOOD public servant.

Glad I could be of service to our bionic brothers and will keep you posted as to any further developments.

Regards,

Dick

I am confused why this is an issue unless you are being violently frisked. I have gone through airport security with no problem. And I am fairly certain they do not set anything off, at least the titan doesnt.

Colin:

You are very correct that the abuse should have never happened. In airports like Minneapolis and Indy it almost certainly wouldn't. But this is a big country with lots of airports. The situation began with the joint replacement setting off the machine as expected and during the further "search" the bulge in the groin became, to the TSA agent, a weapon. Things for our bionic brother went from bad to worse when they would not believe that he had an implant and called him a lair. Really, they did! The end result was a private room and even when he took his pants down the bulge in his underwear seemed to reconfirm the agent's thoughts; so the agents required him to lower his his underwear and show them his penis/implant.

You are also correct, the implants will not show on either screening device. We decided to contact the TSA and pursue a conversation since so many of you do fly. Some guys would probably just drop pant at the site and shout "look and be amazed"! That would stop the line for a bit. . . . But, others here are much more modest and it becomes a significant intrusion and emotional event. None of us need that. So the Erectile Dysfunction Foundation took action.

Thanks for asking. (Ah, good luck with the "educational" movie project!!!!!)

Dick

I did have a very interesting thing happen the other day.
I was selected for jury duty and need to go through a securty area at the court house.
I had removed all coins and metal objects pens ect.
I set off the alarm and the deputy came with the wand to scam me.
Since I am a retired police officer and just happened to know this officer
he asked if I was wearing a belt, which I was. He scanned the belt and didn't go
the extra step. Since I have the semi-ridged malleable implant I figured
this could be very interesting. They did make me lock up my weapon
which is SOP. I have done that for years. I do not fly with it even though I can.
It is just not worth all the hassell.
I am going to see my doctor next week and find out what (if anything) I should do
about flying with this thing. I really don't want anyone crabbing it but the dear wife.
She has enough problems (all good) keeping her hands off of it.
I'll let you all know just what my doctor tells me.

Dick. Thanks for keeping on top of this and for keeping us informed. It has been an interesting read. It almost makes me look forward (not) to using the airlines again soon.

Best, Keith