Lancer,
[quote]How many times has an Australian aircraft NEEDED to have an armed guard on board. I cannot think of one.<hr></blockquote>
Two occasions spring to mind.
16th July 1960 a TAA Lockheed Electra was hijacked between Sydney and Brisbane. Two shots were fired. The offender was overpowered by passengers.
16th November 1972 Ansett F27 was hijacked between Adelaide and Alice Springs. The crew had no option but to allow the offender to leave the aircraft with a flight attendant as hostage. A police officer posing as a navigator lunged at the offender enabling the flight attendant to escape. The officer was shot four times and seriously injured. Police eventually shot the hijacker and he died later.
The goal posts have moved. Even if a repeat of September 11th is remote, risk management dictates the necessity of serious counter measures. Terrorists are prepared to self-sacrafice for their beliefs. Airlines and governments must now re-think all counter hijacking measures. A repeat occurrence would be intolerable in the eyes of the public!
[ 22 December 2001: Message edited by: Blue Hauler ]</p>