Update on Inhanced Security Training for Flight Attendants

[Nashyra]

I recieved this letter today that I will be signing and sending on to TSA Aministrator Stone: Since it was written for me to sign and send on I think it is Ok to copy some of it here.

Many strides have been taken to help protect Americans here at home. However, unless we guarantee that crewmembers on commercial airliners are trained to defend the aircraft and coordinate our efforts with Federal Air Marshalls, Federal Flight Deck Officers and other pilots, we have failed both those on board the aircraft and on the ground.

Congress has recognized the importance of security training for flight attendants three times since 9-11. However TSA has yet established industry guidelines for mandatory security training for flight attendants. Mr. Stone I am a flight attendant and the professional when it comes to evaluating security training. In my expert opinion; I have not received adequate security training.

While TSA has acknowledged that a new strategy is needed post 9-11, it has failed to provide a program for the carriers to implement.

We are the only work group GUARANTEED to be in the cabin on every single flight. It is only logical that we recieve proper training.

Sec. 603 (6) of the Vision 100- Centeury of Aviation Reauthorization Act last year provides that TSA shall moniter air carrier training programs. It states: "In determining when an air carrier's training program should be reviewed...the Under Secretary shall consider complaints from crew members.

It is critical that TSA develop security training for the employees who were the initial targets on 9-11.

If the * in office is doing soooo much to make us "safer" why are the flight attendants of US carriers having to write and complain about the lack of training. I will be forwarding the entire letter to my congressman and Senator, this only goes to show that the administration has done nothing but apply window dressing to safeguarding the American public but spending billions of dollars in Iraq. The flight attendants on the first American Airlines jet that went into the WTC were actually able to give the location of the seats of the highjackers to people on the ground, they were still on the phone with American Airline personel when it slammed into the tower. This is pretty sad when nothing has changed.