Airshow Security Question

[TimAPNY]

I went to the WW2 weekend Sunday and they dig through your bags and search for “weapons and all that good stuff”. Last year I went to Thunder and thought I was going to have to drop my pants as the Guard put the rubber glove on (just kidding, sort of ).
After getting into Reading Show I slowly made it over to the market area and had a choice of dozens of Bayonets, swords, axes and everything else under the sun use to kill your fellow man with. It got me laughing at the “search” on the way in.

So what is the point of taking my Leatherman away (if you can find it in my camera bag) if folks are running around with bayonets and other weapons or you can buy them inside? Please educate me here!

PS: I now longer carry my multi-purpose tool in my camera bag out of fear of being labeled a criminal, or having to re-enter the 45 minute long line or give my $80 tool to some cop. And hope I don’t need that feared screwdriver to fix my equipment. I could tell you about my hang-nail Sunday but…

Tim

[chico]

So what is the point of taking my Leatherman away (if you can find it in my camera bag) if folks are running around with bayonets and other weapons or you can buy them inside? Please educate me here!

My guess would be (like everything else here in the land of the free, home of the litigious) liability. And maybe some good old fashioned Homeland Security guidelines.

I wouldn't be surprised to see such items fall under the same rules in the next couple of years. It's a loophole that someone will eventually bark about and get closed.

[Jerry O'Neill]

I agree.
It's pretty wierd at Reading when you consider that if somebody wanted to perform some kind of "terrorist act" at Reading, they'd very quickly have a whole world of s_ _t coming down on them, even from the Germans!
As a re-ennactor, I wasn't even searched any of the 4 days I was there, I just said "good morning" and walked through the gate!
Granted, I don't have a weapon, as I'm the narrator for the Field Hospital or sometimes a mechanic with the WWII Airmen's Preservation Society.
The only time I have anything close to a weapon is if I need it for a WWII pilot presentaion, and then it's a resin .45 in a shoulder holster. To many problems with real weapons and airports these days to even attempt it.
Jerry

[TimAPNY]

I think anyone trying anything at any airshow or similar event would turn out to have a very bad day.

Tim

[Don Martin]

I know what you mean, about the knife, Tim. I wen to the Intrepid last March and had to leave my "Switch-blade"(SMALL lock blade)knife with security. When it came time to leave, all I saw was a long line at the metal detectors and forgot all about my "Blade".
Don the Blade-less

[TimAPNY]

I grew up with a pocket knife, I really feel naked with out one. It really stinks that I have to be so concerned about where and when I have one. It must be the Boy Scout in me that wants one all the time

Tim