Boston airport (non-commerical side) "security"

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JacksonBrowne
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Boston airport (non-commerical side) "security"

Post by JacksonBrowne »

As a corporate pilot I frequent a lot of airports all over the country. The terminals we use are called F.B.O.s, or fixed base operators. One of the biggest joys of our travel is that we skip the TSA business altogether. Our passengers' names have to be run through their database, but I've never gone through any screening on the GA (general aviation) side of the airport.

Last night on arrival at Logan Int'l I noticed a metal detector and 24/7 privately contracted security guard hard at work listening to his iPod. I always carry (lately a P7) and was thinking about running over to Vermont for a couple of days. Aware of the terms/provisions for out-of-state CHL holders to transport firearms (and unwilling to pay $100 to apply for a temporary Class A LTC) I asked about how I would go about brining a firearm unto the ramp and into our aircraft.

Apparently one has to fill out a form and the state police are called. When I asked what exactly they do after the bags are screened he had no idea. I asked, "so we go through the metal detector and then you hand me the firearms to load, or are we escorted to the aircraft - where you then hand me the firearms?"

My co-captain opined that it was probably due to the 9/11 aircraft which originated here. It is the only municipality in the continental U.S. I've decided it wasn't worth the hassle and potential "mandatory minimum eighteen-month ...sentence" to carry. I am amazed by the degree to which the carriage of firearms is hampered here.
07/02 SOT
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JacksonBrowne
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Re: Boston airport (non-commerical side) "security"

Post by JacksonBrowne »

Have any of you been deputized solely with the intent of carrying under 18 USC 926B (Law Enforcement Officers Protection Act)? It would be so nice to have reciprocity everywhere in country.
07/02 SOT
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silencertalk
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Re: Boston airport (non-commerical side) "security"

Post by silencertalk »

Not sure how hampered it is. You need a carry permit - but that is true of most states.
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JacksonBrowne
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Re: Boston airport (non-commerical side) "security"

Post by JacksonBrowne »

From what I've read it would be relatively easy for me to get a non-resident LTC that is unrestricted and almost impossible for most Bostonians. It seems ridiculous to be effectively penalized for being a resident. I suppose it could be easier in a suburb, though.
07/02 SOT
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silencertalk
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Re: Boston airport (non-commerical side) "security"

Post by silencertalk »

Getting an unrestricted carry permit is totally easy in most of MA. My town told me that they never turn down anyone unless there is a legal reason (criminal record, etc).

In Boston and no doubt a few other cities, you need a reason (have to be a doctor, lawyer, or NRA instructor). For $300 anyone can become an NRA instructor though.
underwhere
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Re: Boston airport (non-commerical side) "security"

Post by underwhere »

silencertalk wrote:Getting an unrestricted carry permit is totally easy in most of MA. My town told me that they never turn down anyone unless there is a legal reason (criminal record, etc).

In Boston and no doubt a few other cities, you need a reason (have to be a doctor, lawyer, or NRA instructor). For $300 anyone can become an NRA instructor though.
That's not true in the least.
Getting an unrestricted permit is at the discretion of the town licensing officer (differs per town).
I can name specific towns that refuse to give unrestricted permits regardless of reason, others that will give them if you give documented proof that you are a victim of crime, carry cash for a business and have documentation supporting this on company letterhead etc etc.

MA is not carry friendly.

Several of my close friends and family from Massachusetts are restricted. One is the wife of a town police officer...she is restricted in that same town.

In Boston, in order to get a license you have to take a test on Moon island (yes you need to take a boat out to an island).
Once you pass this test you still will be restricted unless you have a "legitimate" (based on the licensing officer) need. Being an NRA instructor is not one of those as far as I have heard.
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DesertRat
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Re: Boston airport (non-commerical side) "security"

Post by DesertRat »

I've never seen a metal detector at an FBO. I do almost all of my flying West of the Mississipi, though. Hope this isn't the beginning of a trend.

One of the main reasons I fly Part 135 instead of 121. Couldn't deal with that bullshit every day.
Give a man a gun and he can rob a bank.
Give a man a bank and he can rob the entire world.
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JacksonBrowne
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Re: Boston airport (non-commerical side) "security"

Post by JacksonBrowne »

This particular FBO is within 100 yards of the international ramp (very rare), and two of the 9/11 aircraft originated from Logan. Accordingly they're just particularly sensitive to potential breaches (wild improbability notwithstanding).

But yes, parts 135 and 91 are all the joys of flying with none of the hassle. I absolutely love it.
07/02 SOT
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