2. With the devastating results

of intentionally crashing civilian airliners into buildings, I think it

is quite likely to be attempted again, perhaps during the final portion

of an approach. We must be able to use deadly force to stop that scenario.

3. With the current shortage

of air marshals, we could add many thousands of trained pilot federal

agents nearly overnight. It would have a tremendous deterrent effect against

acts of air piracy.

4. Current procedures allow

many different types of law enforcement officers to carry firearms aboard

commercial aircraft with no training in air piracy prevention. A hijacker

could possibly overpower any person in the cabin with a firearm and use

it against the crew. A properly trained armed pilot could defend the cockpit

against that type of scenario.

5. There have been instances,

even since Sept. 11, where handguns have been carried through security

without detection. Many persons have access to aircraft that could plant

weapons for later use by terrorists. We need to have the means to deal

with the threat of armed hijackers.

6. The pilot volunteers would

pay for their own weapons and attend FBI training courses on their own

time. This is a zero-cost item to the government and the airlines. There

are likely many travelers that would resume flying once their safety was

increased by armed pilots on board.

7. The new aviation security

law that allows for arming volunteer pilots with firearms was passed overwhelmingly

this new law.

This provision of the aviation

security act needs to be implemented without further delay. The threat

is real. We must be prepared.

Captain J. Mark Davis

[email protected]

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