The Nation - News from Dec. 29, 1987

A Northwest Airlines pilot arrested for refusing to follow security officers’ orders to take off his belt at an airport checkpoint charged that pilots are being harassed in a “shoot-from-the-hip, knee-jerk” reaction to security concerns. “When you’re pushed and shoved and handcuffed and dragged down the hall for refusing to disrobe in public, that’s way out of line,” said Capt. Bernd Boyt, 43, of Niceville, Fla., who appeared in General Sessions Court in Memphis, Tenn., on a charge of disturbing the peace. Tightened airport security procedures require personnel of airlines to pass through airport metal detectors. Boyt was arrested Dec. 24 at the Memphis International Airport after refusing to remove his belt when a metal detector alarm sounded.