100% Inspection of Airline passengers

["R.C.Bailey" <cbailey@pop.dn.net>]

Maybe the real question is not 100% or no inspection of passengers, but
why must we depend on  inspection at all?

Currently inspection seems to focus on all ways a passenger can take
control of a plane.  I think there is no end to the list of things that
could be involved.  Hence no inspector can anticipate all potential
weapons.  Inspection is a method of intimidation (fear) that may keep
the honest person honest.  Inspection alone will not solve the problem.

Peter Huber in "Forbes" suggests one solution.  Eliminate the dependence
on the pilot from the system -use electronic guidance to keep planes on
course and allow override control from the ground.

If a passenger can't take control of the plane, then the main concern
would be bombs on  board or intrusion into the electronic system or
ground control.

This may not be the solution.  But it would be wise to examine other
approaches. That is examine the system.

Wild animal are put to sleep for transport.  This may not be acceptable
to the flying public but would also provide another approach.

R. Clifton Bailey