What you cannot enforce, do not command. -Socrates
The break even funding for the air marshal program won't happen; as you stated, gov't pork barreling will ensure that. The logistics of the program are enormous and maintaining the level of proficiency that is required over the long term will fall by the wayside. In my view, the air marshal program is random and temporary.
Why do you insist that all Pilot's want to be Wyatt Earp? These views from an airline pilot....please enlighten us as to how you justify your blanket accusations.
As an aircraft commander, with responsibilities and authority legislated by law, I find it painful and bewildering to be placed on the same list as passengers when it comes to security issues. At the end of the day, the commander and crew will be held accountable, responsible and liable for all actions on their aircraft. This is not about packing heat.
The last 15 years have seen the concepts of safety and crew resource management grow in leaps and bounds. When the CRM concept was introduced, some of the old salts reiterated the belief that all that was required for crew input was "gear up and shut up". Read llamas post regarding The Sioux City Iowa experience on how modern day CRM saved the day. Flight Safety and CRM programs are now regarded as integral to an airlines longevity and profitability. Security now needs to be incorporated into Safety and CRM.
Last edited by Orca strait; 3rd Jun 2002 at 16:29.