Number: RL31674
Title: Arming Pilots Against Terrorism: Implementation Issues for the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program
Authors: Bartholomew Elias, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296, H.R. 5005) contains provisions to arm pilots of passenger aircraft and gives deputized pilots the authority to use force, including lethal force, to defend the flight deck against criminal and terrorist threats. Participation in the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program, established under the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act contained in P.L. 107-296, is limited to pilots of air carriers providing passenger air transportation or intrastate passenger air transportation. Pilots of cargo air carriers may not participate in the program. However, several bills (H.R. 765; H.R. 1049; H.R. 2115 (H.Rept. 108-334); S. 165; S. 516; S. 1657; S 1657) seek to include all-cargo air carrier pilots in the program. With enactment of this legislation, focus on the issue of arming pilots has turned to implementation of the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program. These implementation issues fall into four broad categories: 1) pilot selection and screening; 2) equipment (i.e., firearms and ammunition and the risks they may pose to aircraft and passengers); 3) training; and 4) operational procedures. This report describes several implementation issues within each of these areas that may require continued legislative oversight and possible clarification regarding the intent of the legislation. The report also examines cost issues associated with the program and explores policy options regarding potential future expansion of the program to other pilot groups such as air cargo carrier pilots.
Pages: 18
Date: January 9, 2004