Pilots with Guns
02-08-2008, 11:30 PM
#11
Works Every Weekend
Joined APC: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,210
Pete,
Firstly, I like the acronyms. I should get them printed on a shirt next time I fly
I'm not saying that pilots should not defend themselves. I'm saying that I doubt the few weeks of training that these guys get will fully prepare them to stare death in the face. I've seen people do some pretty silly things under less stressful conditions. Do you think that a gun is ideal in this situation? What happens next? A good ol' fassioned western shoot out? In a pressurized airplane with essential wires, cables and tubes, all invisible from the cabin, and converging on the cockpit? Doesn't seem like a smart move to me.
Firstly, I like the acronyms. I should get them printed on a shirt next time I fly
I'm not saying that pilots should not defend themselves. I'm saying that I doubt the few weeks of training that these guys get will fully prepare them to stare death in the face. I've seen people do some pretty silly things under less stressful conditions. Do you think that a gun is ideal in this situation? What happens next? A good ol' fassioned western shoot out? In a pressurized airplane with essential wires, cables and tubes, all invisible from the cabin, and converging on the cockpit? Doesn't seem like a smart move to me.
Also, I agree with what you say in this post, I just had to throw that earlier post out there. What do you think would be a preferable alternative to firearms?
02-08-2008, 11:31 PM
#12
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Pete,
Firstly, I like the acronyms. I should get them printed on a shirt next time I fly
I'm not saying that pilots should not defend themselves. I'm saying that I doubt the few weeks of training that these guys get will fully prepare them to stare death in the face. I've seen people do some pretty silly things under less stressful conditions. Do you think that a gun is ideal in this situation? What happens next? A good ol' fassioned western shoot out? In a pressurized airplane with essential wires, cables and tubes, all invisible from the cabin, and converging on the cockpit? Doesn't seem like a smart move to me.
Firstly, I like the acronyms. I should get them printed on a shirt next time I fly
I'm not saying that pilots should not defend themselves. I'm saying that I doubt the few weeks of training that these guys get will fully prepare them to stare death in the face. I've seen people do some pretty silly things under less stressful conditions. Do you think that a gun is ideal in this situation? What happens next? A good ol' fassioned western shoot out? In a pressurized airplane with essential wires, cables and tubes, all invisible from the cabin, and converging on the cockpit? Doesn't seem like a smart move to me.
02-08-2008, 11:33 PM
#13
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I imagine a stun gun, or a taser would be great. The taser would allow you to disable an attacker from a distance.
02-08-2008, 11:35 PM
#14
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And render him a non-threat for about 30 seconds? What then? The key is neutralizing the threat quickly and permanently so you can return to your flying duties immediately.
02-08-2008, 11:39 PM
#15
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I'm sure the training is no walk in the park Diver, but my point is that it's only training. Consider that before an officer actually fires his weapon, he's gone through more extensive training, and has probably had to deal with several smaller incidents while on duty- each of which better prepares him to be in a "safe" mental state to fire a gun. That way, by the time he reaches for the gun, it's not his first really tough situation. Do you think that the pilot will be able to call on the same experience and maturity when suddenly faced with this sort of crisis? It certainly isn't covered in any of the FAA training requirements I've seen.
02-08-2008, 11:42 PM
#16
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I don't know how long these things last, or weather or not they can be fired again to give you another 30 seconds. Don't you think that 30 seconds is enough time to disarm an attacker?
02-08-2008, 11:43 PM
#17
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I'm sure the training is no walk in the park Diver, but my point is that it's only training. Consider that before an officer actually fires his weapon, he's gone through more extensive training, and has probably had to deal with several smaller incidents while on duty- each of which better prepares him to be in a "safe" mental state to fire a gun. That way, by the time he reaches for the gun, it's not his first really tough situation. Do you think that the pilot will be able to call on the same experience and maturity when suddenly faced with this sort of crisis? It certainly isn't covered in any of the FAA training requirements I've seen.
02-08-2008, 11:44 PM
#18
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Where's the EDIT button gone?
In addition, it's not as if the pax/attendants will be just sitting there like idiots. I presume they'd make some attempt to restrain an attacker once he's down...
In addition, it's not as if the pax/attendants will be just sitting there like idiots. I presume they'd make some attempt to restrain an attacker once he's down...
02-08-2008, 11:47 PM
#19
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I'll admit that I've only read about it in articles written by members of the aviation community, but even if these guys are indeed ready (and I'm sure that some are), accidents will happen. Somebody's aim can be off. Now you've got a bullet (or multiple bullets) lodged somewhere that's causing all sorts of red lights in the cockpit.
02-08-2008, 11:52 PM
#20
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I'll admit that I've only read about it in articles written by members of the aviation community, but even if these guys are indeed ready (and I'm sure that some are), accidents will happen. Somebody's aim can be off. Now you've got a bullet (or multiple bullets) lodged somewhere that's causing all sorts of red lights in the cockpit.
I'd rather knock out power to one of the two coffee makers and the lav lights than lose control of the flight deck. You have much to learn about aircraft design young grasshopper.
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