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Guns in the Cockpit: Bad Guys Shot - 0, Holes in Airplane - 1
By miller22 | March 26, 2008
The issue of guns in the cockpit is somewhat of a controversial topic. Born after the 9/11 attacks, there is a program which allows pilots to go through training in order to be allowed to carry a loaded weapon with them in the cockpit. The reasoning behind this program is that pilots are the last line of defense, and should be armed accordingly. The problem? The cockpit is hardly a shooting range. Its not much of a range at all. With the largest cockpits being no more than 8 feet deep, the protection offered from a ranged weapon is suspect.
With the security notices that no cockpit door is to ever be opened during a security threat, it is very reasonable to question why a gun would be used to protect this confined space. But the program went through, and pilots are now carrying guns. One less pilot, anyway.
On a US Airways A319, a pilot accidentally discharged his weapon into the side of the aircraft while in flight. The bullet went through the side of the cockpit and harmlessly into open air at 8,000 ft over Charlotte. Other than hearing a bang, no passengers or crew were hurt, and the only casualty was the pride of the pilot.
In an effort not to stir up any more controversy over this rediculous program, I’ll just leave you with the picture of the first victim of guns in the cockpit.
Topics: guns |