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Home Front: WoT
Arming of pilots hits turbulence
2005-05-02
Not much new in here for folks who have been paying attention, but an interesting article, especially when edited for all the weasel words coming from TSA:
TSA spokeswoman Amy von Walter disputed the notion that the application and training regimen are unduly burdensome, or that there is a huge backlog of pilots frustrated by the program's requirements. "It's TSA's responsibility to ensure that everyone in the [Federal Flight Deck Officer] program is fit and qualified. Not everyone is appropriate for this role," von Walter said.
*snip*
Pilots are taught that their firearms can be used only to defend against a direct attack to the cockpit. Therein lies a major rub for many pilots. Because their law-enforcement authority begins and ends on the flight deck, pilots are required to stow their guns in a locked metal box whenever they're out of the cockpit.
*snip*
But the agency is adamant that pilots shouldn't carry firearms outside of the flight deck and have no need for badges. "The cockpit is their jurisdiction. Period. End of story," von Walter said.
*snip*
Pilots note that they already deal with immense responsibility and stress and that "if you've given him a 747 to fly, then he can handle a .38," an aviation consultant said. TSA flatly rejects such equivalence. "Being fit to fly a plane does not mean that they're fit to use deadly force," von Walter said. "That's what makes this position unique in law enforcement."
*snip*
Adding a measure of confusion to the program is the uncertain future of the TSA, much of which is being dismantled and parceled out to other agencies. Von Walter said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff is conducting a review of the department, which will help determine where the armed pilot program will land.
Posted by:seafarious

#3  Being fit to fly a plane does not mean that they\'re fit to use deadly force

Black belts need not apply...
Posted by: Raj   2005-05-02 17:47  

#2  "Being fit to fly a plane does not mean that they're fit to use deadly force,"

Ok....I thought they had to pass all kinds of medical tests before they were allowed in the cockpit in the first place. Probably ones Ms von Walter couldn't pass.
Posted by: Desert Blondie   2005-05-02 17:44  

#1  Thhis seems to have the stamp of ol' Underperformin' Norman on it....
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama   2005-05-02 4:05:13 PM  

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