 Of A Shoot-Out Is Risky At Best by Kristen Rand July 10, 2002
The first and foremost consideration should be the fact that the weapon, by definition, would potentially be available to every passenger. That includes passengers with a case of air rage or those suffering from suicidal tendencies, as well as terrorists. Moreover, those contemplating terrorism will know that a gun is available and will act accordingly - and the terrorists will usually have the element of surprise on their side. Giving the task of defending the airliner to an already engaged pilot is a scenario rife with potentially disastrous consequences. In fact, highly trained police officers, whose only job is law enforcement, all too often have their service weapons turned against them by suspects:
Experience also teaches that when police fire their weapons, they sometimes make grave mistakes in deciding when deadly force is justified. It is naive to believe that pilots will perform any better, especially when they will have the additional responsibility of flying the plane while fending off an attack. Recognizing the simple danger of loaded handguns at 30,000 feet, another serious threat is unintentional discharge. Many handguns, including popular models used by police departments, can fire when dropped or bumped. One brand of handgun carried by police departments nationwide is prone to fire with very light pressure on the trigger. The dangers of "drop fires," or guns with hair triggers going off unintentionally in an airplane cabin's close quarters are crystal clear. One errant bullet could damage key flight controls, kill or injure a fellow pilot or other flight crew member, or potentially pierce the hull of the jetliner. There are many necessary and constructive steps that can be taken to protect pilots and passengers short of arming pilots. If firearms are absolutely necessary, they should be carried by trained air marshals whose only responsibility is protecting the safety of crew members and passengers. Whether it occurs in a classroom or a cockpit, pinning our hopes on the outcome of a shoot-out is risky at best. Measures aimed at preventing attacks must be the focus lest we risk replicating in the air the gun violence America already experiences on the ground.
Note: Kristen Rand is the Legislative Director of the Violence Policy Center (VPC). This comment was released today by Legislative Director Rand to voice opposition to the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act (H.R. 4635) which was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives today. The Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act (H.R. 4635) was sponsored by Rep. John Mica (R-FL) and Rep. Don Young (R-AK), and was amended by Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) to include all pilots who wish to volunteer for the arming pilots program and makes the program permanent.
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