Arms In The Cockpit

Right of Pilots To Bear Arms In The Cockpit

III. Deductive Argument

A.) Conclusion:

Properly trained pilots must be allowed to bear arms in the cockpit because it is the last line of defense when all else fails.

B.) Major Premise:

1. As a last line of defense, firearms remain the most effective deterrence and most effective means to retain control of an aircraft against air piracy.

2. Risks associated with arming pilots are controllable or insignificant compared to the potential catastrophe that could result from a terrorist gaining control of an aircraft. The tragic events of 9-11 prove this point.

3. Certain foreign airlines currently have allowed pilots to carry weapons for years without incident.

C:) Minor Premise:

1. The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved bipartisan legislation that will allow for all trained and qualified pilots to carry firearms to combat terrorist attacks aboard commercial aircraft.

2. Voluntary screening of all commercial airline pilots (about 70,000) will insure the safety of the public since background checks, screening and training must be completed in order for a pilot to be eligible to carry a firearm under the legislation passed in the House.

3. Pirates have operated on the open seas since the days of Columbus. Attempts at hijacking on the seas by criminals have been thwarted by gun-toting Captains. Robbery on the seas has been in a decline for years.  I received similar training as Airline Pilots with more than 700 Hrs of government approved schooling. I have been trained and licensed in use of firearms through a Coast Guard licensing program.6

D.) Values:

1. The sanctity of human of human life must not be taken for granted.  The tragic events of 9-11 witnessed by millions on live television must never be allowed to restage its horrific effects upon man. 

2. Transportation Committee Chairman Donald Young stated in testimony before House Subcommittee on Aviation, “On September 11, eight unarmed pilots, hundreds of passengers, and thousands of innocent people were killed by terrorist hijackers.  Today, armed F-16's are prepared to make sure that this never happens again.  I strongly believe that under new circumstances, we must allow trained and qualified pilots to serve as the last line of defense against a potential disaster.”

3. Airline pilots know the value of human life since they are empowered by our government in rule making policy to protect the lives of their passengers, and to insure safe arrival at their destination.

4. Transportation Committee Chairman Donald Young stated in testimony before House Subcommittee on Aviation, “America's airline pilots know best they can both control their aircraft and defend their cockpits when necessary.  They have asked for the ability to defend themselves and their passengers.”