Following the September 11th terrorist attacks, several changes were made to enhance the safety of planes while in flight, including the introduction of the federal flight deck officer program. Under the program, approved pilots undergo a training program that enables them to fly armed with a loaded handgun.
Out of the 120,000 pilots who fly commercially in the United States, approximately 10,000 captains and first officers have undergone the necessary training that allows them to fly armed. In order to qualify, pilots must pass a psychological evaluation and undergo an intense, week-long training program that emphasizes firearms safety. These pilots, who volunteer for the program, participate in the training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Artesia, New Mexico. The class is designed for up to 48 participants each week, and on most weeks, the classes are at capacity.
Each qualified pilot is given a .40-mm semi-automatic H&K USP, which is the standard handgun issued to all pilots qualified to fly armed. The cost of the program is covered by the Transportation Safety Administration, which spends approximately $4,800 on each pilot in the program. The price includes the training class and the cost of the handgun, while pilots foot the bill for their own transportation to the class.
Recent Accidental Discharge in Flight Draws Attention to Program
Recently, a pilot aboard a U.S. Airways flight on approach into Charlotte, North Carolina, had an accidental discharge while stowing his weapon before landing. The accidental shooting left a hole in the fuselage on the port side of the Airbus A319, slightly below the cockpit window.
The accidental discharge has led to safety questions regarding the business of having pilots fly armed, considering the incident could have had catastrophic consequences. Had the round shattered a window, especially while the flight was at cruising altitude, the structural integrity of the aircraft could have been compromised.
Many wonder why the handgun was not already stowed, since each pilot carries it onboard in a locked case designed specifically to protect the gun. With locked cockpit doors, some are curious as to why it did not remain secured during the duration of the flight.
Yet others support the notion of having armed pilots, especially since aircraft are still a primary target for terrorists. Recent intelligence indicates they remain highly interested in bringing down American aircraft, whenever and however the opportunity to do so presents itself.
Pilot on Leave During Investigation
Few details of the investigation have been made available, but the pilot involved in the accidental discharge has been placed on leave pending its outcome.
The pilot did not notify anyone of the incident until after the plane had landed, and his actions in that regard have been highly supported. It is widely felt he made the wise decision by flying the plane first, and notifying the appropriate authorities next. Upon landing, the pilot immediately notified the Transportation Safety Administration of the incident.
As of now, pilots will continue to fly armed. Considering they have been doing so for quite some time without any accidental discharges up to this point, and considering aircraft remain a high profile target for terrorist activities, perhaps we should all feel safer knowing our pilots have the ability to defend us in the air.
