Arming Pilots Against Terrorism: Implementation Issues for the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program

Publication Date: January 2004

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Transportation

Type:

Abstract:

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135) contains provisions to arm pilots of passenger aircraft and gives deputized pilots the authority to use force, including lethal force, to defend the flight deck against criminal and terrorist threats. Participation in the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program, established under the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act contained in P.L. 107296, was initially limited to pilots of passenger aircraft. However, a provision in the FAA reauthorization act (Vision 100; P.L. 108-176, 117 Stat. 2490) expanded the program to include flight engineers as well as flight crews of all-cargo aircraft.

During debate over legislation to arm pilots, proponents argued that the potential benefits of deterring or thwarting terrorist and criminal acts against passenger aircraft outweighed the inherent risks associated with arming pilots. However, opponents of policy allowing pilots to be armed with lethal weapons argued that such a program's safety risks and monetary costs significantly outweighed these potential benefits. Risks cited included potential distraction to the flight crew, dangers that a weapon discharge could pose to the aircraft or its occupants, and security concerns associated with carrying firearms in secured areas of the aviation system. Proponents countered that these risks could be effectively mitigated, but recognized that these are important issues to be addressed for successful implementation of the policy to arm pilots.

With enactment of this legislation, focus on the issue of arming pilots has turned to implementation of the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program. These implementation issues fall into four broad categories: 1) pilot selection and screening; 2) equipment (i.e., firearms and ammunition and the risks they may pose to aircraft and passengers); 3) training; and 4) operational procedures. This report describes several implementation issues within each of these areas that may require continued legislative oversight and possible clarification regarding the intent of the legislation. The TSA has fully implemented the program over the last year. However, continued concerns voiced by pilot groups over the implementation of the program include: the extensive background checks required of applicants; the requirement to transport issued firearms in lock boxes; and the inconvenient location of training facilities. These issues, along with the possibility of using private contractors to provide recurrent training for deputized pilots may be the topics of continued congressional oversight.

This report will not be updated.