> Date: Sat, 24 Nov 2001 22:29:07 -0500
> Reply-To: SouthEast US Scuba Diving Travel list <[log in to unmask]>
> Sender: SouthEast US Scuba Diving Travel list <[log in to unmask]>
> From: Lee Bell <[log in to unmask]>
> Subject: Re: [SCUBA-SE] Travel to Cozumel
> To: [log in to unmask]
>
> Chuck wrote:
>
> > And therein is the crux of the matter.  The FAA sets a minimum standard
> to
> which the airlines must conform.  It is a MINIMUM and they are free to
> add
> to it what they see fit.  That is their right under our system.
>
> I know I'm being picky here, but they are authorized to make the rules just
> as I and my office are authorized to make them in our industry.  In neither
> case is it a right and in both cases, there is considerable oversight and
> penalties for misuse of the authority.  If I were feeling particularly
> contentious, had nothing better to do, and had more money than good sense,
> I
might challange even the FAA's authority relative to firearms.  Tilting
> at
windmills can be fun, but it's rarely productive.  Even if I were
> willing to
> try, I have no basis to challance either the FAA's or the Airlines rules
> regarding pressurized tanks.  My only options are to find out what they are
> and make the best of them or vote with my feet.
>
> Lee
>

Just returned from CZM.  The round trip was made with pony in checked
luggage.  The valve was in place with a non-zero, non-regulated (< 30 psi)
pressure.

They didn't ask and I didn't tell on the way to CZM.  My bags were searched
at check-in on the way home.  As the pony was on top, they couldn't miss it.

I was never required or requested to remove the valve or give up the pony.
No one asked about the pressure.

Signing off now...

-- kc

P.S. Tilting at windmills is productive when one is in the right.