Pilots with Guns
 

Okay, this was mentioned in a recent post about airport security. A while ago, there was a huge controversy about the issue of self defence on airplanes. From the pilots' perspectives, do you think pilots should be able to carry guns/weapons on their flights? If so, would you?

Yes, yes. 9-11 would not have happened in part or entirely if the pilots were armed that day. Pretty simple.

Many pilots already do via the US Federal Flight Deck Officer program... but, to answer your questions... yes and yes.

On first consideration I hate the fact that's it come to the point that pilots need/and or want to carry guns. However, I can't devorce my feeling from reality: Slice makes an good point. Although I may not like it--in this day and age--I think it wouldn't be a bad idea for Pilots to be armed.

Why not? The problem is that the current FFDO program allows pilots to carry guns with the intention of defending the cockpit only, which means that people can be killing each others in the back, destroying the cabin, etc., and you cannot shoot anyone unless they break into the cockpit (it may be too late then).
They should modify such regulations.

I guess I'll be the lone voice that says no to guns on airplanes- be it an air marshal or a pilot. These guys are trained as pilots, not officers of the law. I really would not trust him/her reaction in such an unusual circumstance, despite the few weeks training they have.

And I'll be the guy to make the blanket-statement response: :D

If someone is dumb enough to try to break into the flight deck, they deserve to be the subject of whatever irrational act the crew might commit.

Are there any restrictions on the weapons allowed? I can't imagine the Feds allowing a Desert Eagle .50 AE onboard or a S&W Model 500. In the future I'd like to go through this program and carry an FN Five Seven, if possible.

The weapon is issued by the federal government... type of weapon is, I believe classified so I cannot comment further.

Pete,

Firstly, I like the acronyms. I should get them printed on a shirt next time I fly :D

I'm not saying that pilots should not defend themselves. I'm saying that I doubt the few weeks of training that these guys get will fully prepare them to stare death in the face. I've seen people do some pretty silly things under less stressful conditions. Do you think that a gun is ideal in this situation? What happens next? A good ol' fassioned western shoot out? In a pressurized airplane with essential wires, cables and tubes, all invisible from the cabin, and converging on the cockpit? Doesn't seem like a smart move to me.