My copilot had begun the “Before Starting Engines” checklist. “Rudder pedals and seats?” he challenged.
“Adjusted and locked,” I responded without emotion.
Packing Heat in an Airline Cockpit
Key Takeaways:
- The author expresses significant concerns about arming pilots, highlighting dangers such as accidental discharge, "friendly fire," compromised judgment under stress, and the potential for weapons to be turned against the crew in a confined cockpit.
- The Federal Flight Deck Officer program is criticized for numerous unresolved logistical, training, and policy issues, including inconsistent application (excluding cargo pilots) and insufficient consideration of real-world scenarios.
- The author doubts that armed pilots would be an effective "last line of defense" against ingenious terrorist threats, suggesting that the risks far outweigh any potential benefits.
- Instead, the article advocates for strengthening pre-flight security measures, focusing on passenger intent and background checks (like the Israeli model), and increasing the number of sky marshals as more effective and safer alternatives.
Key takeaways sponsored by Aviator Pro | Start Your Training ->
See a mistake? Contact us.
