Washington, D.C. - Today, legislation co-authored by U.S. Representative Max Sandlin that would increase safety on airplanes and allow pilots to carry lethal and non-lethal weapons, including firearms, in the cockpit passed in the Aviation Subcommittee of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act passed with overwhelming bipartisan support by the panel.

"The events of September 11^th demonstrated in the most tragic way imaginable the vulnerabilities in our aviation system. Pilots are a critical line of defense in case of a hostile takeover of an aircraft and they must have every opportunity to defend their passengers, crew members, and those of us on the ground," said Sandlin. "By allowing our pilots to be armed, we ensure that our airplanes are even safer, serving as a deterrent against criminals threatening the safety of the aircraft."

"After serious and thoughtful debate, Members of Congress determined that pilots should have the ability to carry weapons in order to defend their aircraft. This was a bipartisan decision based on the safety of our nation. Unfortunately, the President indicated that he would not allow pilots to carry firearms, which necessitated the development of the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act. It is my sincere hope that the Bush Administration will reverse its opposition to arming pilots and not veto this legislation when Congress sends it to him."

The Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act would create a two-year pilot program to arm pilots, ensuring a minimum of 250 and a maximum of 1,400 commercial pilots be trained and deputized as "flight deck officers." Flight deck officers will be authorized to use force only in the defense of the flight deck and an air carrier would be exempt from liability for the acts of the flight deck officer in the defense of the aircraft.

"Certainly, there are many safety concerns to take into consideration when equipping pilots with firearms. This bill provides adequate time for pilots to receive proper training to use a gun in the cockpit. Further, training will be based upon Federal Air Marshal firearm training guidelines and will include marksmanship, weapons retention and defensive maneuvers, use of force, and other training techniques deemed necessary by the Transportation Safety Administration," said Sandlin.

testing to ensure that the program is effective and safe for all passengers and crew members. Within four months of enactment, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) must establish the protocol for carrying guns, including the type of gun and ammunition, how the gun will be stored and secured, and pilot interaction with air marshals. Additionally, within that same timeframe, TSA must conduct a study regarding any risk associated with a misfire in the cockpit and the chances of a catastrophic event.

After September 11^th, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee was instrumental in crafting legislation to improve aviation security, including making security screeners federal law enforcement officers and expanding the federal air marshal program.

The Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act is expected to be considered by the full Transportation and Infrastructure Committee next Wednesday. After passage by the full committee, the legislation will be considered by the House of Representatives as a whole.