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12.29.2010

youtube airline pilot comes forward

The airline pilot who sparked controversy after posting a "cellphone video tour of security at San Francisco International Airport," has gone public with this identity: Chris Liu, who gave an exclusive interview with KXTV News 10 in Sacramento: Chris Liu: I am the YouTube airline pilot.

Liu, who did not identify what airline he was affiliated with, says he posted the video to highlight "what he believes is a serious flaw in airport security." As you can probably imagine, the Transportation Security Administration wasn't very happy about that.
Liu's cell phone video tour of security at San Francisco International Airport led to a team of six federal agents and sheriff's deputies coming to his home on Dec. 2 to take his handgun and Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) credentials.

Liu's state-issued permit to carry a concealed weapon was also suspended by the Placer County sheriff.

Liu contacted News10 last Tuesday to share his story, but insisted that neither he nor his airline be identified for fear of retaliation.

Liu decided to reveal his identity Monday because he wants to become actively involved in changing what he believes is a major flaw in airport security.
Sounds like Liu was trying to illustrate something important to the "flying public." But he had to know the TSA would come down on him hard for posting that video. More here: Sacramento-area pilot punished for YouTube video.