In a story that appeared on The Register last week, it has come to light that America's 'heightened state of awareness' regarding all potential terrorist threats has reached a new high, after a mother's enquiry about Flight Simulator for her ten year-old son sparked concerns at a Massachusetts branch of Staples, which lead to a police visit at her home.

Reserve US Airforce pilot Julie Olearcek home schools her son, but her enquiry about flight simulators reportedly alarmed the Staples staff so greatly, that a call to the authorities was placed. The upshot of these concerns was a state trooper flashing a torch through her windows at 8.30 one rainy evening - rather disconcerting I'm sure you'll agree.

The FBI recently issued a terror alert for citizens to beware of drivers with maps and reference books, and it appears the staff of Staples were simply acting on this vigilance.

By Luke Guttridge

Comments

You can use BBCode

  1. Jason 5 years ago Staff

    Ahhhh... good to see we've got such top-notch operatives on the frontline of the 'War against Terrorism' - the staff of a Staples store. Superb.

  2. Paul in the UK Unregistered 5 years ago

    Great !

    So , next on the over zealous policing lists, are the First Person 'Shoot-em-up' purchasers - after all, you learn how to shoot things, etc !

    Oh, and what about driving sims ? You get to drive fast cars/trucks/trains, etc .... need I say more ?

    Paul

  3. comic_55 Unregistered 5 years ago

    Paranoia strikes again.

  4. Aircanadian Pilot Unregistered 4 years ago

    I think that everyone is going nuts.
    Flights Simulators are good tools for trainning pilots. People who do not have the chance of being a real life pilot can enjoy and continue their strong passion of flying.
    If this kind of software were ever to be band, I would move to France.