Celtic said:
" I just luv the idea of a gun battle on the flight deck, fits right in with President Bushes wildwest theme, as long as no instruments are hit or there isn't a bullet shot through the windows leaving a gaping hole I suppose we'll be alright <http://www.pprune.org/cgibin/rolleyes.gif> though I hear they've got guns that fire cardboard bullets now? I would have thought the best strategy is preventing hijackers ever reaching the flightdeck in the first place cause once they've gained entry you're in a very dangerous scenario and the crew and the safety of the aircraft are at a serious disadvantage so either a reinforced door with a specialised locking system (dead locking I think they call it, not sure how it works), totally separating the cockpit from the cabin or skymarshals is the answer."
Personally, I'm among the many SLF who aren't flying at the moment. I'd prefer to have 1) multiple sky marshals on every flight, 2) much better pax screening at airports, and 3) reinforced cockpit doors. The reality is that it will take at least a year plus before we have reinforced cockpit doors. It will take several years before we could have multiple sky marshals on every flight in CONUS, and that's provided we're willing to pay for them. Pax screening is now slightly better but still not up to par. Until security improves, I will do everything I can to avoid air travel.
So what do we do in the meantime? Do I like the idea of gunfight in the cockpit. No. What I like a whole lot less is the idea of being in the situation of my late colleague, Anna Allison, who was on AA flight 11. I'm going to her memorial service this Sunday.
Regarding the bullets, they're not cardboard. They're called frangible bullets, usually made out of powdered metal (typically copper), pressed together under high pressure. Would it be bad if a bullet hit an instrument? Sure would. Would you rather that the hijacker got hold of the plane instead?
Regarding sleeping gas being dispensed into the aircraft, I think some folks have been watching too many Bond movies. First, any such agent takes time to work. How long would it take to kick through the cockpit door? How would you control the dosage so that you quickly knock out the terrorists, but don't kill the infant sitting on her mummies lap in seat 23A? What if you have an accidental discharge of the sleeping agent? How long would it take to come up with such a system and get it installed on aircraft? I strongly suspect that we can get reinforced doors certified long before we can get sleeping gas systems certified.
Aviatr:
If a pilot used the cockpit gun to "shoot a nervous flyer," then he gets charged with at least manslaughter or possibly murder 2. The pilots would be required to stay in the cockpit in the event of a disturbance. Anyone breaking down the cockpit door is unlikely to be a nervous passenger and will be met with lead. Yes, it would be awfully hard for the pilots to stay there while the terrorists are in the cabin, saying they will kill the cabin attendants and passengers one by one until you come out.
Regarding an attack by multiple terrorists, just keep shooting. The cockpit door is a narrow fatal funnel. I'm not saying that the pilots would always be successful. Rather that this way they would have a fighting chance, which they don't have now.
Regarding storage of firearms while overnighting in other countries, there are several solutions to this, including having each airline install an armory in its secure area of the airport.
Are there major issues that would have to be worked out? Sure there are. But I suggest that you don't dismiss it out of hand.
Something has to be done quickly if you want to get folks like me back into airplanes again.
OFBSLF