Jumpseat: September 11 — We Didn’t Forget

Les Abend

Friday, September 09, 2011 at 08:23 PM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

9/11 profoundly changed airline pilots' perception of their role and the security landscape, leading them to proactively advocate for and implement new safety measures, including armed pilots.
The article highlights the often unacknowledged heroism of flight crews, particularly Captain Jason Dahl of United 93, who, alongside passengers, actively resisted the hijackers and thwarted their mission.
Post-9/11 security improvements are attributed primarily to a fundamental shift in pilot mindset from compliance to active resistance, though the author warns against the persistent threat of complacency.

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(September 2011) I am almost certain that on Dec. 7, 1951, the scars of Pearl Harbor had not faded from the memories of most Americans, even 10 years after the attack. I can guarantee the same for Sept. 11, 2011. For airline pilots, the scars will take much longer to heal. Why?

Airline pilots took the day personally. In a few horrifying moments, our passion for flying was transformed into an inconceivable evil. Prior to 9/11, airline pilots were confident with the concept that the exclusive weapon in our arsenal was the ability to fly the airplane. That ability was leverage. Our policy manuals provided us with simple guidance: Cooperate with the hijackers. Don’t jeopardize the safety of the passengers by resisting. This guidance was based on the outcome of past occurrences.