Holy cow...

From: David V. Corbin <dvcorbin_at_optonline.net>
Date: Fri Aug 6 07:51:13 2004

DO NOT TRY THIS TODAY.

During the mid/late 1980's I worked for a firm that made MIL-STD-1153B
devices and test systems. AS some of you may know that standard is for a
serial communication protocol used on many aircraft. Most of the time I
would hand carry the items I was transporting if they were small to avoid
any issues with "lost baggage".

On one trip (domestic US travel), I was carring a portable test fixeure that
was built into a ruggedized briefcase. This device was capable of running on
battery and had lots f blinken lights and indicators. I had opened it up to
give a demo to a fellow passenger [engineer for Boeing] and had left it on
when a stewardess came by nd asked what it was. Without thinking I said "It
is a device for controlling all of the electronics abort a modern airplane".

She gave me a VERY strange look, and quickly dearted for the cockpit area.
About 90 seconds later on of the light crew came back and sterny demanded I
explain myself. Fortunately he was up to date and knew was MIL-STD-1553 was.
He was actually interested and had me give him a quick demo (after he made a
quick trip back to the cockpit to calm down the rest of the crew).

While this incident turned out to be rather funny in retrospect, I shudder
to think of what would/could happen in the post 9/11 world. [Or in travel
thorugh other countries independent of era [don't even ask about the German
Camera Incident....]

David
Received on Fri Aug 06 2004 - 07:51:13 BST

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