Access Control
& Security Systems

Transportation Undersecretary for Security John Magaw recently announced at a Senate hearing that he "would not permit firearms in the cockpit." For several industry associations, the announcement struck the wrong chord.

The Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) both denounced Magaw's statement, essentially saying the need for armed pilots is paramount to flight security.

"ALPA has made a strong case on the merits of our proposal. We have examined the objections and have shown in each instance why the objections are misleading or wrong," says ALPA president Capt. Duane Woerth, in a statement. "The government has already told us that if terrorists take control of one of our cockpits, they will send military aircraft to shoot down the airliner. In the face of such choices, we do not understand why these same government officials refuse to give pilots a last chance to prevent such a tragedy."

CAPA president Capt. Bob Miller says all the associations' members are willing to undergo any firearms training that Magaw's agency would require.

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