Should airline pilots carry guns? Yes, according to the Air Line Pilots Association, the union that represents American pilots. In the wake of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, airlines, the Federal government, and the union have been searching for methods to further secure aircraft cabins, especially the cockpit.

The union advocates allowing pilots to carry weapons at their option. Training classes would be required and special ammunition known as frangible bullets would be employed. Frangible bullets deteriorate on impact, preventing them from piercing the fuselage or airplane windows. In addition to optional firearms, the union would require all cabins to be equipped with non-lethal stun guns.

Reaction to the union's proposal was mixed. While some passengers reported that they would feel more secure knowing the captain is armed, others worried about mistakes and accidental shootings. The Bush administration has not commented on the concept of armed pilots, but has proposed securing the cockpit door and employing armed flight marshals. House Democratic leader Richard Gephardt said, "I don't think we need pilots trying to be security officers. I think they have enough to get the plane to safety." House Majority leader, Republican Dick Armey, said he was keeping an open mind with regard to arming airline pilots.

In addition to training in weapon use, the union's proposal calls for pilots to undergo background checks and be "deputized" as Federal law enforcement officers prior to brining firearms aboard aircraft. The union reports that such training and certification could be completed in about one month.