Senate approves plan to arm airline pilots

[gopunk]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/134529741_webguns05.html

hope this isn't a repost, did a search, didn't find anything

 

[thedan]

Good move Senate!

 

[notfred]

I think the only thing that really needs to be addressed still is where the guns are kept. I think a plane woudl be safer with no guns than with a gun stored somewhere where a criminal might potentially obtain it. If they can come up with a good plan for keeping the weapon accesible only to the pilot, and QUICKLY accessible, then this could be a good idea (maybe thumbprint scanners and a compartment under the pilot's seat or something?).

It definitely should require a training course, and pilots should not be required to carry weapons.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: notfred
I think the only thing that really needs to be addressed still is where the guns are kept. I think a plane woudl be safer with no guns than with a gun stored somewhere where a criminal might potentially obtain it. If they can come up with a good plan for keeping the weapon accesible only to the pilot, and QUICKLY accessible, then this could be a good idea (maybe thumbprint scanners and a compartment under the pilot's seat or something?).

It definitely should require a training course, and pilots should not be required to carry weapons.

i guess the air marshalls shouldn't have guns either.

 

[notfred]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: notfred
I think the only thing that really needs to be addressed still is where the guns are kept. I think a plane woudl be safer with no guns than with a gun stored somewhere where a criminal might potentially obtain it. If they can come up with a good plan for keeping the weapon accesible only to the pilot, and QUICKLY accessible, then this could be a good idea (maybe thumbprint scanners and a compartment under the pilot's seat or something?).

It definitely should require a training course, and pilots should not be required to carry weapons.

i guess the air marshalls shouldn't have guns either.

An air marshalls job is to watch the passengers and note any suspicious or criminal behavior. A pilot's job is to fly an airplne. He watches for other planes, storms, and about a thousand guages and warning lights. if there was a gun somewher in the back of the cockpit, or even on his belt, it would probably be quite easy for someone to walk up behind him and grab hold of it, as his attention is not focussed on the cabin, but outside the aircraft. This problem does not exist with an air marshall.

Also, I did not say pilots should not have guns, I said they should be trained and the guns should be well secured. Please don't put words in my mouth.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: notfred
I think a plane woudl be safer with no guns than with a gun stored somewhere where a criminal might potentially obtain it.

your words, not mine. if its on the plane a criminal could potentially get it. even off the air marshall (especially since it seems like a lot of the guys signing up for it right now are police academy failures).

 

[AvesPKS]

Another thing that's not being advertised about Air Marshals is their ability to negotiate their pay. Hirers are being given a degree of discretion when hiring them; there are no predetermined salaries (only ranges).

 

[JellyBaby]

Individual airlines should decide whether or not their pilots should have guns aboard. Some airlines might opt for it while others may not but at least the decision would be in the right place. But, of course, because the feds regulate and manage the airline industry, provide occasional gifts to it, etc., etc. they argue it's their call.

And they'll probably soon screw it up by restricting when, where and how pilots can decide to protect the plane. Pilots will be afraid to use the guns due to stupid or impractical rules, fear of lawsuits, etc.

They will probably impose a federalized safety "training program" that will increase the already too high tax burden even for those who never fly.

Sorry, but I'm feeling libertarian today for some reason.