FBI: TSA TAT Probe Climb Not a Criminal Act

By: Matt Thurber

August 27, 2008
Maintenance and Modifications

According to the FBI, federal laws against tampering with aircraft do not apply to the bizarre situation that occurred at Chicago O’Hare Airport on August 19, when a zealous Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspector decided to “test” the security of unoccupied American Eagle ERJs. After Eagle mechanics saw the TSA inspector trying to climb onto a jet bridge using the ERJs’ TAT probes as hand- and foot-holds, the airline delayed 40 flights and tested probes on nine airplanes for damage.

“If not observed by vigilant Eagle employees in Chicago,” American Eagle noted, “the actions of this inspector would have been unknown and could have jeopardized the safety of our customers and crew. According to a spokeswoman in the FBI’s Chicago office, “We are not investigating this matter.

The damage was accidentally done by a TSA inspector. It was determined to be not intentional nor was it a criminal act in any way.

On August 21, American Eagle and the TSA issued a joint statement, assuring the public that the “TSA and American Eagle are working together to achieve the right security results and resolve any security gaps that have occurred.”

Back

Jet Aviation Vnukovo Is Open 24/7 July 01, 2009 Jet Aviation today announced that its maintenance operation at Moscow Vnukovo International Airport, one of the largest air transportation hubs... [more]
Aviall’s Dubai Service Center Now Online July 01, 2009 Aviall Services’ new customer service center in Dubai, UAE, officially opened last Thursday. The new aircraft parts facility, located in the... [more]
Heliproducts Acquisition Expands Dart’s Helo Tools July 01, 2009 Dart Helicopter Services (DHS) on Monday acquired a division of Heliproducts Industries, further expanding DHS’s portfolio of helicopter tools.... [more]
G20 Cites U.S. over Proposed Foreign Repair Rules July 01, 2009 The Aeronautical Repair Station Association notes the U.S. could be in violation of international rules because of language pertaining to... [more]
Australian PMA Parts Could Soon Be Shipping to U.S. July 01, 2009 Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) recently reached an agreement with the FAA that extends an existing aviation treaty-level... [more]