As a GA pilot operating into remote areas, I have been required relatively frequently to carry firearms for pax -predominantly hunters on their way to or from a hunting block. When I do so, there are a few things I'm looking for:
- The weapon is unloaded -magazine removed or visually verified empty, carried separately, usually under my seat,
- Safety locks engaged,
- Trigger-locks (if available) installed and locked,
- Firing-pin removed if possible, carried separately, and
- Ammunition carried separately.
When the weapon is placed aboard the aircraft, I make sure that the muzzle is pointing aft to reduce the risk of catastrophic results in the event of an accidental discharge, and the weapon is as secure as I can make it.
From the above you may have guessed that I'm not tremendously familiar with firearms. That's a fair assessment, and I can add to it the bloody things scare me !!!!less. I don't like them, I don't like carrying them, but on occasion, that is part of the operation.
Years ago I had a hunter get quite staunch and upstanding when I asked for the ammo and firing mechanism to be removed and to visually verify the weapon he presented for carriage was safe -he considered my request to be a slight to his professionalism in handling weapons. I got quite a long rant of how many years he had been using weapons, all the usual horse-hockey. Even when I pointed out that I had an aircraft-full of other pax to look after, not to mention the safety of the flight itself, he was still unwilling to comply. It was not until I pointed out to him that if he didn't comply, that I would have to consider whether or not he would be allowed to board the flight that he grudgingly opened the weapon case. Guess what? He had a loaded magazine on the weapon.
Another situation I'm not too sure about is police or security personnel that have a permit to carry a loaded and concealed weapon on their person in-flight. They are required by law to advise the PinC of the presence of the weapon prior to boarding. I haven't had this circumstance yet, but I reckon did it arise and there was no obvious, clear and immediate need for them to be carrying that weapon, I would ask for it to be disabled and carried separately again, despite the presence of permits. This is GA remember, not the heavy end of town.
I'm keen to hear others' stories of how they handle this sort of situation and particularly what safety checks (if any) you make of the weapon prior to accepting it for carriage. I reckon some of you ex and current PNG boys would have some tales to tell!