Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Charles Bass (R-NH02) today helped pass legislation to arm some pilots to defend passengers and crew against terrorists. The Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act (H.R. 4635), which passed the House 310-113, would expand aviation security to include arming trained and qualified volunteer pilots.

“On September 11, terrorists armed with only box cutters overpowered pilots to hijacked commercial flights,” said Bass. “The aviation security bill, which is now law, included several provisions to improve aviation security. Although we are now better prepared to protect the flying public from the threat of global terrorism, we can do more to protect the innocent passengers from future attacks. This bill to arm pilots would add to existing safety precautions by providing properly trained volunteer pilots with a last line of defense. Moreover, arming pilots could prove to be an effective deterrent from future hijackings.”

“Pilots are entrusted with the lives of every passenger on the plane,” added Bass. “A significant number of the nation’s commercial airline pilots have military or law enforcement backgrounds and many have experience with weapons. No pilot would be armed without first receiving the proper training.”

The bill to arm pilots would allow commercial pilots to be trained and armed to combat terrorist attacks. Priority would be given to pilots with military or law enforcement experience. In addition, the bill requires TSA to establish guidelines for air carriers to offer flight attendants both classroom and hands-on training in self-defense.