Arming Pilots Essay

In this paper, I will try to demonstrate how drastically the security in airports has changed since the attacks occurred on September 11, 2001. September 11 is a day that probably every single person on this earth either remembers or at least knows about. The airports have had some of the biggest changes in how humans travel this earth. Every country has their own way of securing their airports, but they all have made changes in some way, shape or form. The question I have recently asked myself is; are these changes actually going to keep us safe when we fly? Can anyone really answer this question with 100 percent truthfulness? I personally do not think it is a question

Since the beginning of aviation, aircraft have been used for other intentions besides carrying passengers and cargo. They have been used as weapons of war dating all the way back to the first world war, and the use of aircraft has enlightened the advancement of the aviation. “Throughout the history of aviation, the greatest progress in flight has been made during time when either war or the threat of war was present” (Millspaugh, et al., 2008, p. 33). However, the war we face today has been triggered by the deliberate use of aircraft to cause death, destruction, and mayhem.

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2011 prompted the world to reevaluate and drastically modify airport and airline security. “Four targets had been chosen, all iconic American buildings that would send a clear message of the depth of their hatred for the United States. All four planes crashed, killing all on board—terrorists, crew members, and passengers, along with hundreds who were killed inside the structures, on the ground, and the men and women who ran into collapsing buildings in an effort to try and save others” (Smutz 1). As Jason Villemez said “the decade after the 9/11 attacks reshaped many facets of life in America” (Villemez 1). Before the attacks, people did not think that large

Before the 9/11 attacks, which changed how we travel, airport security was minimal, with just X-rays and metal detectors. No one got a body search, and almost no one’s carry on bag got checked. No aircraft was required to shut the cockpit door, and air marshals weren 't everywhere, only 33 Federal Air Marshals were active on 9/11. Friends and Family were authorized to go all the way to the gate, and people were allowed Swiss Army Knifes on flights. Everyone could arrive just minutes before a flight and no-one would be concerned.

Flying out or in of the country or even within has become more challenging since the 9/11 attacks. It takes more time to get through security which makes for a much earlier arrival time for those flying. Most airlines require an arrival two hours prior to their departure time. Many Americans have stopped flying altogether because of the hassle of airport security and out of fear. Before the attacks, airport security was more relaxed. Basic security measures were in place, but it was much different than today. Before the attacks, security screenings were set in place by the private companies, many which were outsourced to different security companies. Passengers were allowed to bring certain size blades, scissors, baseball bats and even sewing needles. All of these items have since been banned as a result of the attacks. Since the attacks, the Transportation Security Administration was created and the security screenings are now regulated by the federal government. Through TSA, passengers bags are checked for banned items, they screened for suspicious behavior, the explosive detection system was implemented, and the full body scanner is now used to check passengers. According to Rick Seaney, “Our security ought to stop anything these days, stringent as it is: We've gone from the metal detectors of the 1970s to post-9/11 body scans and enhanced pat downs. Cockpit doors are now fortified, and the sky

As far as overall gun violence is concerned, according to the FBI's 1998 Uniform Crime Reports, the overall violent crime rate in the US decreased about 7%. Robbery alone declined by 11%, the lowest since 1969. In addition, murder dropped by 7%, the lowest since 1967. More significantly, despite the fact the number of firearms and handguns owned by individual Americans continued to increase from 1997-1998, the FBI also reported the rate of firearms used to commit murder and robberies decreased in 1998. (1998 Uniform Crime Reports). These facts conclusively prove that firearms owned by peaceable citizens do not lead to increased murder or violent crime rates. In fact, they demonstrate that armed citizens lead to reduced rates of violent crime. When the gun is in the hands of a well-rounded person, it is no more of a weapon than your every day curling iron.

Arming pilots will help keep them and the passengers safe during an incident. During the court sessions Kwame Holman said; "Pilots should go through a training like a law enforcement officer would...with the exception of of the investigation stuff and driving skills etc. But they would be ready to defend the cockpit and land the plane"(Holman). This could keep all the people on the plane safe and then when the plane

Arming pilots for flight is dangerous in every capacity. Armed pilots pose a risk to all passengers due to the simple fact of trust for a strange,unknown human being. If a pilot feels emotional or suicidal a weapon is a huge risk when accounting for the lives of countless others. Recently, many disagreements have lead to the death of one individual or more, if a pilot has a disagreement with anyone on the plane pulling the weapon out to kill is very simple and dangerous. Lastly, any disgruntled passenger could try to steal the gun from the pilot and use it in an act of terrorism on the plane. This is why pilots should not be

Some people may think that having guns in the cockpit of a commercial airline would be dangerous, however it is quite the contrary. For instance, many airplane hijackings can be prevented with just one gun. However, some people are probably against pilots being heavily armed, but most would like them to have at least a handgun. As a matter of fact, I think arming pilots is a great idea. Therefore, arming pilots is a great idea because it keeps passengers safe, stops tragedies, and pilots will be trained to handle a gun.

If you have ever been in a life threatening situation with no way to defend yourself, being denied access to a firearm makes the situation worse.  Many law abiding citizens that feel threatened are not able to obtain a firearm for protection.  Innocent people are dying while criminals are getting away with gun related crimes.  There can be many regulations and laws against guns, but if a person wants a gun they will find a way to get one.  The thought of criminals having guns in their possession is a scary thought, but would you want to be the one who is unarmed?  Research shows there is no direct correlation between gun control and lower crime rates; therefore, denying law abiding citizens access to weapons for protection is unfair

After 9/11, airport security drastically increased because of the act of terrorism that occurred. "Most travelers don't need to be reminded to leave their guns, knives and ammunition home when flying. And it also seems to belabor the obvious when the U.S. Transportation Security Administration advises travelers also to refrain from bringing aboard bows and arrows, cricket bats, hockey sticks and spear guns." (Source Curley) Many civilians hope that with an increase in TSA training, it will help eliminate current security.

Airline security has grown dramatically since 9-11. They have put into place many rigorous security check points that are very unnecessary, and mainly just disturb people in the process. Even though there are these security check points, people will always find a way to bypass the system and bring along some type of weapon. Who is the greatest target on a plane? Well in most cases it will be the caption, but how is the caption and co-caption supposed to fend off someone with a weapon? The answer to this question is very clear, you give them a weapon of their own, a firearm.

Many years ago airport security was not even an issue. People felt secure and safe and rarely worried about being searched. As time went on, the prevealance of terrorism became an increasing issue. There began more acts of terrorism by threatening and holding hostages on board commercial planes. As these acts continued, the government as well as citizens became vulnerable and an airport safety procedure was implemented as a way to ensure the safety of the United States. The implemented procedures over the years included a check and scan of all carry on and checked baggage, body scans, hire government airport employees, and a strict list of carry-on items. This made travelers feel safer as it decreased the ability of terrorist to commit

The issue of pilots carrying weapons, while flying, is not new. Since the earliest days of pilots flying the U.S. Mail, they carried guns to protect themselves and the vital cargo of mail. Today, pilots are authorized to fly with weapons to protect the aircraft, their passengers, and themselves from hijackers and terrorists. It has become a last line of defense in case of a hostile takeover of the aircraft, turning it into a weapon of mass destruction, as we witnessed, during the devastating attacks on the World Trade Center (9/11). The controversy surrounding this issue today has grown into heated debates with anti-gun lobbyist protest, and even the pilots themselves proclaiming their

increased its efforts in protecting its airports. At that time, “the security scanners already in place in most airports included baggage x-rays, metal detectors, and chemical residue detectors, which help security staff search out illegal items that a passenger might have” (DiLascio). These security scanners unfortunately failed in their job. Since then, the Transportation Security Administration has been keeping American airports safe using the latest technology. Airports have now been fitted with high-tech body scanners rather than the archaic metal detectors that only detect metal objects. During the past few years, individuals have attacked the