- Personally, I can think of at least three pilots I know that are in the program and many of their cohorts feel they don't have the maturity or self-control to be empowered with a firearm.
- It may have changed, but previously the psychiatrist eval was over the phone.
- I have one F/O that likes to make a big production of pulling out his weapon, placing it on the tray table while sorting out his lock box and reloads, then finally putting the damnable thing on his belt or back in his bag. (Just unzip and show everyone what you have if you need that kind of validation, Kimosabe.)
You have avenues to address this problem. Just notify the FFDO office of such antics and it will be taken care of. If you have concerns about certain individuals and their lack of maturity, just make a call. The program is too valuable to let a few lone rangers screw it up.
Now retired and out of the program, I can say training was VERY focused, very professional and no one was willing to take any crap. I can also say everyone I knew in the program were not qualified over the phone.