Thanks, I wish I could take credit for coming up with those....I've thought of the shirt thing a few times, but I've never done it...

Also, I agree with what you say in this post, I just had to throw that earlier post out there. What do you think would be a preferable alternative to firearms?

The training is very thorough and the rules are clear. In a quick, life or death situation over control of the flight deck, I can assure you that each highly trained FFDO will take the appropriate course of action to protect the aircraft, crew and passengers.

I imagine a stun gun, or a taser would be great. The taser would allow you to disable an attacker from a distance.

And render him a non-threat for about 30 seconds? What then? The key is neutralizing the threat quickly and permanently so you can return to your flying duties immediately.

I'm sure the training is no walk in the park Diver, but my point is that it's only training. Consider that before an officer actually fires his weapon, he's gone through more extensive training, and has probably had to deal with several smaller incidents while on duty- each of which better prepares him to be in a "safe" mental state to fire a gun. That way, by the time he reaches for the gun, it's not his first really tough situation. Do you think that the pilot will be able to call on the same experience and maturity when suddenly faced with this sort of crisis? It certainly isn't covered in any of the FAA training requirements I've seen.

I don't know how long these things last, or weather or not they can be fired again to give you another 30 seconds. Don't you think that 30 seconds is enough time to disarm an attacker?

You know nothing about the FFDO training process... Trust me, they are ready. The FAA doesnt really have anything to do with the FFDO program, that falls under the supervision of the Transportation Security Administration.

Where's the EDIT button gone?

In addition, it's not as if the pax/attendants will be just sitting there like idiots. I presume they'd make some attempt to restrain an attacker once he's down...

I'll admit that I've only read about it in articles written by members of the aviation community, but even if these guys are indeed ready (and I'm sure that some are), accidents will happen. Somebody's aim can be off. Now you've got a bullet (or multiple bullets) lodged somewhere that's causing all sorts of red lights in the cockpit.

That's where the department of redundancy department comes in handy in aircraft design. :D

I'd rather knock out power to one of the two coffee makers and the lav lights than lose control of the flight deck. You have much to learn about aircraft design young grasshopper.