Flight engineers back please
my theory is that gw9525, the 6 other cases... PLUS 9-11...would have never occurred had we kept the flight engineer position. the F/E sits sideways next to the cockpit door, has his hands free and can stop intruders quickly and control the position of the door. best example the FED Ex DC-10 attempt. There was an old FAR that required a F/E on any airplane above 80k (or something like it). DC-6,DC-7 connie, A300, early 737( at western and air france) all had f/e's. besides if new airlines insist in putting 600hr wonder kids in the right seat of a320's at least a 3 set of eyes will help improve safety..just ask any crew that flies long range with a relief pilot