[CQ-Contest] Rig on Airplane

[Lou Mecseri]

Let me add my experience.

On my way from Jacksonville, FL to Cayman Islands I experienced no problems
with my checked-in luggage (hard wall small suitcase). I was carrying a
IC-706, Alinco DM-330MV, Sony laptop, memory keyer etc.

On my return from Cayman, all luggage was "hand searched". After she opened
my radio case, panic set in. I showed her my ZF2LM license and Cayman issued
license to import the gear. After examining the documents, she thanked me
for it and closed the case.

73s

Lou   KE1F / ZF2LM




----- Original Message -----
From: Nat Heatwole <nat at ajheatwole.com>
To: Hal Offutt <japancorporateresearch at compuserve.com>
Cc: <cq-contest at contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, March 23, 2002 13:17 PM
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Rig on Airplane


: > Hi,
: >
: > Has anyone tried to take a rig onto an airplane lately?  Is this
: permitted
: > any longer?  I want to take a 12v mobile rig in my hand-carried
: suitcase.
: > Without a power supply, I won't be able to turn it on if requested to.
: > What is likely to happen?
: >
: > Thanks & 73,
: >
: > Hal W1NN
:
: Hi Hal. I've flown several times since 9/11. Here's a list:
:
: -Baltimore, MD   to   Denver, CO
: -Denver, CO   to   Bozeman, MT
: -Bozeman, MT   to   Denver, CO
: -Denver, CO   to   Baltimore, MD
: -Raleigh, NC   to   Baltimore, MD
: -Baltimore, MD   to   Raleigh, NC
:
: I've used several different airlines and have been to a variety of
: different sized airports. My experience is that if you are carrying the
: rig on the plane with you:
:
: -It's highly likely they will search the bag it's in/question you at the
: medical detectors/x-rays.
: -They will almost certainly search the bag it's in and question you at
: the gate.
:
: In my experience they seem to understand what cameras and laptops are
: but a mobile rig might give them problems. My advice is to:
:
: -Have the original copy of your license with you.
: -Have a through and neutral explanation for what it is and what you
: intend to use it for.
: -If you can, find an advertisement for the rig in an AES, HRO, or like
: catalog and bring the catalog along with you.
: -Bring a power supply with you if at all possible so that you can turn
: it and turn a few knobs for them.
: -Inform them that you know you can't use it while the plane is in flight
: (at least, without the pilot's permission).
:
: Most importantly, try to take the questions and searches "in stride". If
: they don't see you getting nervous or acting weird and freely giving
: consent the odds are great that they will let you carry it on. Make sure
: to have a good story for what it is and be open and candid throughout.
: DO NOT bring along any screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. with you. If they
: have to open it they will have all of these tool there but DO NOT bring
: them with you.
:
: I would also advise that you allow plenty of time to get to the gate/on
: the plane (must more then what they recommend) just in case they do go
: over it thoroughly and have a back-up plan for what to do with the rig
: if they won't let it on. Also, although it's not PC to say so, you will
: have an easier time making it through security if you are any of the
: following, the more the more likely:
:
: -Male
: -White
: -Not overweight
: -Not tall
: -Not wearing a lot of layers of clothing
:
: In my experience that has been the case since 9/11. Just my $0.02. Best
: of luck and 73!
:
: Nat, WZ3AR
: <nat at ajheatwole.com>
:
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