Pilot refuses to go through full body X-ray scanner at airport, walks off job

London, Oct 21 (ANI): A Houston-based pilot walked off his job because he didn't want go through a full body scanner every time he had to report to work.

ExpressJet Airlines first officer Michael Roberts was chosen to go through the X-ray scanning machine at Memphis International airport before getting into the pilot seat to fly a commercial aircraft.

The 35-year-old says he has an issue with the security procedure because he doesn't want to be 'harassed or molested without cause' but also said that he wish to return to his job.

"I just kind of had to ask myself, 'Where do I stand?' I'm just not comfortable being physically manhandled by a federal agent every time I go to work," the Daily Mail quoted him as telling the Commercial Appeal newspaper.

Citing privacy concerns, the Transportation Security Administration refused to speak directly about Roberts but their spokesman Jon Allen confirmed that a person was turned away after refusing to follow federal security procedures. (ANI)