"Rumor versus fact"

In modern aircraft (that is to say from dawn of glass cockpits), pilots have been taught to reference FMAs (flight mode annunciators) as depicted on the PFD rather than switch positions. As to what mode is selected, a button push is a rumor, an FMA is a fact. Classic example: most Airbus have an electric switch that selects the parking brake and a triple gauge that shows brake pressure. There have been numerous occasions where pilots set the switch to "on" but failed to check the gauge resulting in unintended aircraft movement. Just as in this case, injuries or death can result.

I've worked with people who don't drink and have bad attitudes. I think you're concluding that alcohol use equate to "bad attitudes and also caused discord in the workplace". You'll have little success substantiating that opinion with real data.

I've lived under random drug testing requirements for 29 years. A positive result for any substance not explained by a doctors prescription has been grounds for immediate termination- no recourse. Only a positive test for alcohol could could be salvaged- if one admits to being an alcoholic and subsequently abstains for the rest of ones employment and successfully completes treatment. Guess I'll have to wait for retirement to lower my standards of sobriety.

For the record, I am an airline pilot (previously military), subject to DOT regulations governing safety sensitive public positions. I think truck drivers, rail, public transit, etc are subject to these regulations: https://www.transportation.gov/odapc/

I can understand the policy to which I'm subject. As for other types of employers, they might be trying to "weed" out (sorry for the pun) candidates that actuarially could represent greater risk of health care or reliability issues, but I wouldn't really know. Might be justifiable for hiring, but not retention in my view.

This article has been up for over six hours and only 17 posts- half of which are poop jokes. :(

When c-diff infections become more widespread, I'm guessing this topic will get greater attention. With increasingly absurd amounts of antibiotics entering the food chain leading to epidemic levels of obesity, MRSA, and other resistant bacteria, it might be time to get to know better what microorganisms our bodies are hosting.

As an alternative one could read the statement prior to the date the payment is debited. If there are questions about charges clear it up right then and there. Not paying your bill just to be obstinate (as much as AT&T and Comcast deserve to be deprived of the revenue) is asking for a bigger headache.

What you cite as an example would be true anywhere crowds gather, which is why i avoid crowds whenever practical.

BTW, HSA is on the phone for you. They want more details on your plans and your current location.

Not sure I'm ready to believe that. You aren't required to consent to the search- you could decline but you would be denied entry.

As for "security is a joke," are you advocating that there be complete and unqualified access to gate area and aircraft? That doesn't sound like a good idea. But I'm willing to entertain any ideas you might have that might make security more effective as it is me- the guy flying the plane for you, whose neck they wish to slice open. Sixteen of my fellow employees paid with their lives for lax security. Could have been me as I flew the routes and indeed 2 of the very aircraft that were later converted to suicide bombs. Where do I sign up for improved security..?

I think the idea is to limit the ability to mix your own explosive. Presumably, someone bothered to figure out that limiting the amount of 3oz containers to not more than a quart would minimize the damage to a survivable detonation if they succeeded in getting it through.

The crash axe exists primarily to provide a means to access fires hidden behind paneling. It is not intended, nor is it capable of penetrating the cockpit door, which are constructed with Kevlar and will stop a bullet. Incidentally, next time you are next to the door note the sign on it that reads "Access prohibited inflight- Deadly force authorized...". Some pilots are armed and some flights carry armed air marshals.

Not true: https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=attempted+cockpit+breach

While this may not have required "reinforced doors", it nonetheless makes complete sense to fortify the means of exclusion to the cockpit as that is precisely what the terrorists want to get access to in order to maximize the "terror" part.

I recall logging in first in 1999. Slashdot itself was founded in 1997. I'd say you also logged in first in 1999. While my UID dates from 1999, I'd been a reader for about a year or so before I ever wanted to post anything.

Anyone recall the Toyota driver whose accelerator got stuck (for whatever reason) and he reported he could not turn the engine off because it had a keyless ignition. Family of three lost their lives. Car makers need to avoid creating a paradigm that offers no benefit.

Drivers still depress the accelerator to the floor thinking they're stomping on the brakes. When it comes to designing automobiles for the masses, the consequences of every possible mistake should be anticipated. Then budget for the inevitable liability.

I too am a certificated airman. While I don't know about aircraft owner registrations, an airman can remove the address information from the publicly releasable airman database here: http://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/airmen_certification/change_releasability/

In fact you can firewall it. All modern (since about the '80s) engines are computer controlled. The firewall position produces thrust as a function of mode. TOGA for takeoff and climb for, well, climb and cruise. Even idle thrust is a function of configuration- if the flaps are out or not, on the ground or not, is anti-ice on, is there a high demand for bleed air.