We have discussed the fact of securing the cockpit in great depth on this forum (some good points from both sides of the argument I think!), but how do you deal with the fact that the hijackers apparently got the crew to open the flight deck door by attacking passengers/cabin crew?
I think this one is a toughie! If the crew comes out (even if armed) and is faced with a hijacker holding a hostage then there isn't a lot they can do. I wouldn't like to sit up front refusing to come out whilst a crazy is in the rear of the aircraft gradually reducing the numbers of crew and pax...
Julian.