First, everyone had to rendezvous at the airport security office to trade their pictured ID for an airport badge. An airport badge is needed in order for my students and I to have access into secured areas not normally view by the public.
After we received our badges, TSO Ramon Borja introduced himself and he gave us a lesson on the main duties of TSA. Ramon reiterated time and time again that TSA, Airport Police and the Airline Officials acted as one self-contained security entity. For example, if some explosive substance were to be discovered, then TSA would give the item to airport police, who would detain the traveler and secure the substance. After hearing of such realistic justification, we all agreed that it was worth the extra inconvenience, if it meant that we were flying on a safe and explosive free aircraft.
Once we were briefed on the mission, we then proceeded to the secured area which is under the main terminal. We could only transfer five at a time to the downstairs area due to stricter enforcement created by post 911. Furthermore, there had to be one escort for every five members of our group.
When we finally made it down stairs, Ramon told us about the routing systems and how each piece of luggage had to be screened for drugs, explosives and even weapons. He showed us the one million dollar screening machine, used to screen normal size luggage. The students were very engaged and asked a lot of questions. I just stood back and watched proudly as the Aeronautical Dolphins asked questions to Ramon, for example: how does the bulky luggage get screened?
Ramon said that the bulky luggage was opened manually and inspected; however, a tag would be placed inside the luggage indicating to the traveler that their bag had been opened. If there were any missing or damaged items then they could file a claim. However, Mr. Ramon made it clear that cameras were everywhere and if an agent attempted to steal, their actions would be caught on camera.
Ramon also told us that all bags were handled with care because if you did otherwise, it would be picked up on camera. One of my students inquired about their workload. Ramon said that during a regular night they could handle about 700 pieces of luggage; however, during the holidays it could go up to 2100 pieces of luggage per night.
The next part of our trip was with the Airport Fire Department. Upon arriving at the station house, we were met by Frederick A. Pangelinan, who was the Assistant Fire Chief on duty. He invited us in to the conference room area and he made us feel very welcomed.
Frederick told us about his background and the mission of the Airport Fire Department. The students asked about the Fly Guam incident. Fredrick said that they got the call from their control center indicating an inflight emergency. Once they confirmed what the emergency was, they requested the aircraft to fly over the runway at a low altitude to verify if the landing gear appeared to be in a down and locked position. After confirming the position of the landing gear, the fire trucks had to space themselves along the runway to provide maximum coverage, which created the minimum aircraft response time if needed. This procedure was well thought out and was the by-product of constant training and planning that the general public takes for granted. Of course, we thank God nothing happened, but we are also thankful that Assistant Chief Pangelinan and his crew were ready just in case.
After, the question and answer session, we went over to the fire trucks. Frederick said that the trucks cost $200,000 to $300,000 each. Therefore it was very important to make sure that they were maintained every day. One of the most important duties of a firefighter was to make sure that all the sophisticated systems on the trucks were functioning correctly.
Fortunately, to our surprise, Frederick asked if we wanted to ride in the fire trucks. Of course, we all said yes in a resounding voice. Frederick further explained that the trucks would speed up toward the runway and thereby, spray water from the hoses.
All the students got a chance to ride in the trucks and they all enjoyed the experience. Before we went back to the conference room, one of the firefighters demonstrated the skill of putting on the fire suit. It took him a little more than a minute to fully change into his firefighting suit. It was amazing watching his technique and dexterity.
We finally said our goodbyes, and the next trip to the Fire Department will be in January. January is when the next burn occurs. When I say burn, I mean that an aircraft dummy fuselage is going to be set on fire and we are invited to watch the process from, of course, a safe distance.
On Nov. 30 at 3:30 p.m., the Aeronautical Dolphins will have a presentation at American Memorial Park theater. The presentation will be on thermodynamics, lift coefficient, and stress analysis with integration of mathematics and physics.
Students are also aware that Boeing Aircraft Company has just signed an $18 billion contract with Emirates Airlines and a record $22 billion contract with Indonesia. (Aviation Professionals will be needed). Also Saipan is considering operating their own airlines (Saipan Air). This company will be in need of aviation professionals to maintain and fly their 737 aircraft.
Lastly, the Aeronautical Dolphins will be having a car wash at McDonald’s on Middle Road Dec. 3, 2011. The purpose of this event is to raise funds for a flight simulator and various other needs.
The author is a teacher at Marianas High School.
