A-V-8TOR,. .. .There you go interjecting logic into an emotional discussion! . .. .You have hit the target dead center. . .. .Are you familiar with <a href="http://www.secure-skies.org/" target="_blank">APSA</a> ?. .. .Those that are against pilots being armed have not thought the issue through or are blind to the facts. Between the Mensa members stealing our tweezers at "security", and the future new hire in the F-Teen, there is NO credible defense against a 9/11 type incident (except for the pax, and we see how well they did on that UAL 777). Is it better to have the guns in the cabin with the sky marshalls? If so, WHY? Defending the cockpit is a simple tactical solution. There is one way in. Even with our vault like <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="rolleyes.gif" /> doors, (which a small amount of plastique would remove instantaneously), selecting old ladies and kids for increased scrutiny and positive bag match, we are very vulnerable. . .. .In the post 9/11 world, had the powers that be done NOTHING but train and arm pilots, we would all be much safer today. We SHOULD be the last line of defense.. .. .Firearms are tools. Like any other tool, they can be misused. (should we ban airplanes, baseball bats, cars, hair dryers etc etc etc........?). The tool serves a specific purpose for which it was originally designed. To make someone STOP what they are doing NOW! Ever try to drive a 16 p nail with a screwdriver? . .. .If you do not trust me with a firearm, then you SHOULD NOT trust me to fly you and your kids through weather that you wouldn't drive a car through.. .. .The tragedy with the NWA pilot would likely have happened in another way had he not had a gun. Depression is a serious illness, and being a pilot, he would be risking his livelyhood had he sought help for it. The sad part is, had he had cancer, he would be taken care of. I know of 2 pilots (one was a friend) who have used suicide as the alternative to the unemployment line.. .. .The knee jerk, reactionist gun bans we've seen in the more "civilized" parts of the world are merely symbolic as far as public safety is concerned. Those that support it have seen too many movies and usually have had no real world experience with firearms. I hope that the sheeple in these "civilized" countries sleep better at night knowing that the criminals are aware that they are unable to defend themselves. . .. .I know I feel MUCH better knowing that the terrorists are laughing at the joke that passes for airport "security" and that they know that I have no means of defense while plying the airways. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="rolleyes.gif" /> . .. .Flame suit on.. . . . <small>[ 12 March 2002, 20:53: Message edited by: Tripower455 ]</small>