Many airline passengers complain that the security at the airport is a hassle. They have to leave even earlier to get to the airport because they know security is going to take “forever.” Some people think that security is not enough and that people can get through; there needs to be more or new security measures. So, what is to be done? Should we decrease the security like the people think they want, increase the security like some people think we need, or change the security to make it flow but still maintain the safety of passengers.
I think that we should be adding security that does not slow down the check in process for passengers. If there is a hassle for passengers, security will be viewed as a bad thing. If the security is always there and does not involve a line, the people will welcome and encourage the security. One way to do this is with Federal Flight Deck Officers. It is the new “beefed up” pilot. Allowed to carry a pistol in the cockpit and receive training to carry and build confidence with guns. The thought being that they are the last defense for when the No-Fly List, x-ray machines, and body searches fail. It gives the pilots peace of mind knowing they do not have to only rely on the TSA, they can have control over all situations now.
More and more pilots want to receive this training to become Federal Flight Deck Officers, but funding is limited and they are forced to wait, continuing to fly unarmed knowing that something could happen. Some would say that there are Federal Air Marshals to protect the plane once the people are on it. But there are not enough Air Marshals to be on every flight. Plus, it costs more to tax payers to have an Air Marshal than it is to train a pilot to become a Federal Flight Deck Officer.
I'm glad you brought up Federal Flight Deck Officers...an important part of the security system and, your right, a piece that doesn't cause a direct hassle to the passengers.
ReplyDeleteWhile I strongly agree that federal flight deck officers are a good thing. I feel that they cannot replace dedicated air marshals. Pilots have enough to worry about with flying the airplane and would most likely not even know something is wrong until the door is kicked in. At this point it is most likely too late. An air marshal would most likely be aware of the situation as soon as it began to develop. A second thought is a pilot has enough to worry about as far as training and staying current in the aircraft they simply do not have enough time and most would not take the time if they did to stay current on their marksmanship skills.
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of the pilots of aircraft being armed. It would give peace of mind not only to the pilots, but to their crew and and passengers. However, in the current economy and the state of the airlines financially it would probably be an option better funded by the pilots that want the ability and privilege to be Federal Flight Deck Officers.
ReplyDelete