Pilots Now Armed On Commercial Flights | Aero-News Network
Aero-News Network
RSS icon RSS feed
podcast icon MP3 podcast
Subscribe Aero-News e-mail Newsletter Subscribe

Airborne Unlimited -- Most Recent Daily Episodes

Episode Date

Airborne-Monday

Airborne-Tuesday

Airborne-Wednesday Airborne-Thursday

Airborne-Friday

Airborne On YouTube

Airborne-Unlimited-06.02.25

Airborne-NextGen-06.03.25

AirborneUnlimited-06.04.25

Airborne-AffordableFlyers-06.05.25

AirborneUnlimited-06.06.25

Mon, Apr 21, 2003

Pilots Now Armed On Commercial Flights

First 44 Graduate Firearms/Combat Training

You'll probably never know it, but the next time you step onto a commercial flight, the guy driving may be packing heat. Saturday, the first 44 commercial pilots graduated from a special training academy in Glynco (GA), versed in the use of guns in the cockpit.

"I need to defend myself and my aircraft," a female pilot told the Associated Press during a break from practicing how to disarm a terrorist in close quarters. No one taking the course is allowed to give reporters their names or airline affiliations.

Capt. Fred Bates, an American Airlines pilot, member of the Allied Pilots Association (APA) and a driving force behind getting guns into cockpits, said eventually, about 30,000 pilots - one in three - could be armed inflight.

Still Controversial

Some pilots hate the idea of the additional responsibility for a firearm inflight. Some see it as more of a public relations move than an actual safety enhancement. Still others aren't thrilled about the idea of carrying their .40 caliber pistols and ammo in a locked box, which can only be opened in the cockpit.

But a poll last year shows 70-percent of flight crew members asked favor the idea - especially when they consider their aircraft and passengers could be targeted by terrorists for another round of September 11th style attacks.

FMI: www.alliedpilots.org

Advertisement

More News

Citation Operators Get Another Flight Data Connection for QA

LinxUs System Adds Capabilities for Data-Driven Operators Textron Aviation announced another option for operators processing their post-flight data, adding interoperability with GE>[...]

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (06.01.25)

Aero Linx: The de Havilland Moth Club Ltd The de Havilland Moth Club evolved from a belief that an association of owners and operators of Moth aeroplanes should be formed to create>[...]

NTSB Final Report: Bellanca 8GCBC

(Pilot) Inadvertently Applied Excessive Braking Action, And The Airplane Nosed Over Analysis: The pilot reported that, while landing at a remote, rough and uneven airstrip in a tai>[...]

Aero-News: Quote of the Day (06.01.25)

“MCADT is committed to rapidly integrating armed first-person view drones into the FMF, enhancing small-unit lethality and providing organic capabilities that warfighters cur>[...]

Classic Aero-TV: High-Speed Match-up - Venom and GE Rebirth A Legend

From 2017 (YouTube Edition): Major Engine Supplier Joins Forces With Small Aircraft Manufacturer… GE recently made an agreement with Venom Aircraft to supply engines for the>[...]

blog comments powered by Disqus



Advertisement

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement

© 2007 - 2025 Web Development & Design by Pauli Systems, LC