DATE: Wednesday, July 10, 2002
CONTACT: Michael A. Shore, Communications Director                                          

Culberson Votes to Arm Pilots as Last Line of Defense
Against Terrorist Hijackings

    U.S. Representative John Culberson (R- Houston) voted today to arm pilots as a last line of defense against terrorist hijackings. H.R. 4635, the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act, authorizes a two-year test period when properly trained airline pilots could be armed with handguns. The bill passed the House by a vote of 310-113.

    "Arming pilots is crucial because in the event of a terrorist hijacking, a pilot may be the last line of defense before an F-16 is forced to shoot down a commercial airliner," Culberson said. "I trust the experience and professionalism of the pilots flying the aircraft I am on because we already put our lives into their hands each time we board an aircraft."

    The two-year trial period will begin within two months of the bill’s implementation when the first 250 pilots have been deputized to carry guns. Preference will be given to pilots who have formerly served in the military or law enforcement, but participation will be voluntary.

    "The ongoing threat of terrorism is real, with many terrorist cells teaching their followers how to hijack and fly commercial airliners," Culberson said. "Today, we took another important step to give pilots a fighting chance if terrorists try to duplicate the acts of September 11."

    Before being deputized with firearms, pilots will undergo Transportation Security Administration (TSA) training. The TSA will be responsible for establishing protocols for carrying guns, including where they will be stored and what type will be used. When the two-year test period ends, the TSA will issue a report to Congress and decide whether to continue, expand or terminate the program. Also included in the bill is a provision for flight attendant self-defense training.

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