Any non-military guys to be trained as FFDO's?

[CubanSmoker]

Hi all. I have heard that the FFDO program is essentially still for former or current military people. Is that still the case?

All of the FFDO's that I know at my airline are former military or active guard pilots and I was wondering what the odds are a level-headed, psychologically sound civilian would get approved.

Thanks

Smoker

 

[BEXFlyer]

There are "many" civilians in the program. Let's leave it at that.

 

[FracCapt]

Hi all. I have heard that the FFDO program is essentially still for former or current military people. Is that still the case?

No. I'll leave it at that. If you want further info, speak with somebody that has been through the program that knows you well, or apply with the TSA(as much as I hate to go to the TSA for anything), and they will answer your questions.

 

[BEXFlyer]

Absolutely, you should ask around if you want more info....But not on a public forum. There is no need whatsoever to discuss anything regarding the FFDO program on this or any other public forum.

 

[doh]

Normally, I'd say paranoia will destroy ya, But in this case, yes ,you need to talk to some one privately, and not on the board!

 

[91100 100 set]

Guys, lets get over ourselves. Simple question with no security implications. He wasn't asking questions like how many rounds they carry or anything like that. Besides, if they are all trained by the same folks under the same program, what difference does the background make?

 

[apdsm]

I agree with BEXFlyer. Absolutely nothing, no matter how mundane, should be discussed in a public forum regarding the FFDO program. That may seem overly paranoid, but a simple conversation may result (unintentionally) in the disclosure info that should not be "out there".

 

[FN FAL]

I agree with BEXFlyer. Absolutely nothing, no matter how mundane, should be discussed in a public forum regarding the FFDO program. That may seem overly paranoid, but a simple conversation may result (unintentionally) in the disclosure info that should not be "out there".

Yea...lets have a double secret arming of pilots and then keep it really secret...that way if owl-kay-duh gets any ideas that none of our pilots are armed...blammo! Got you sucka!

You guys actually think that FFDO pilots are going to slip up and be girly men and post critical stuff on these forums? Sh!t, if it's that bad, who's keeping an eye on them lose lip suckers when they are in the bar showing off their .40 Cal Hk pistols to all the chickies? I mean really, who would have thought that after all that training, that they could be trusted to not say anything sensitive about the program? Oh, that's right, they are trusted with a gun, but they still gotta be screened by the TSA to get on board the plane they are flying...never mind.

 

[9rj9]

Dorks with guns

Thats what the program should be called, "DORKS with GUNS. Everyone I've meet is a Barney Fife tool with no other life than airplanes and handguns. I'll bet the first person killed by one of these idiots is not trying to get onto the cockpit.

 

[Tripower455]

Thats what the program should be called, "DORKS with GUNS. Everyone I've meet is a Barney Fife tool with no other life than airplanes and handguns. I'll bet the first person killed by one of these idiots is not trying to get onto the cockpit.

Nice.

These guys sacrifice their own time, often at considerable PERSONAL cost, to make travel safer for everyone, and you make these stupid statements.

The FFDO program and the increased FAM program are some of the very few things done since 9/11 that are actually worthwhile, as far as actual security are concerned.

Get a clue!

 

[AA717driver]

I quite sure the first person killed by an FFDO weapon will be in the commission of a felony. Between rampers ripping off the weapons and their bags "accidentaly" ending up going for a ride on the bag carousel it's inevitible that some of these weapons will end up on the street.

I hope this becomes public. The TSA has F***ed it up with its chicken$hit rules and foot dragging that I think the program should be shut down and reconstituted by the Justice Dept.(you know, people who do law-enforcement full time?). The fact that Sheriff JimBob from East Buttf**k, Mississippi can carry his weapon on board your aircraft while the FFDO's cannot is crap! Don't get me started on Dept. of Agriculture agents being able to carry!(BTW, the ones on my flights have ALWAYS been very nice).

I believe the dregs running the TSA are hoping the program will fail. If anyone is going to have a gun and badge, they want it to be their own people.TC

 

[91100 100 set]

AA717, Amen...

 

[SF3CA]

Someone the other day told me that the reason the TSA is dragging their feet on issues like FFDO and CASS is that they were lobbying for jumpseat access. I was told they were not only told "No" but "hell No, no way.....never" . So this is just their way of pissing us off.....because they can.

SF3CA

 

[Tripower455]

Someone the other day told me that the reason the TSA is dragging their feet on issues like FFDO and CASS is that they were lobbying for jumpseat access. I was told they were not only told "No" but "hell No, no way.....never" . So this is just their way of pissing us off.....because they can.

I've heard this as well.

tsA people would be below scabs in my "not allowed on my jumpseat.......even though they are allowed" list.........

 

[skydash]

Dorks with guns

Hey 9rj9..that's a pretty bold statement you just tossed out there.Have you met EVERY FFDO? Probably over 4k by now. The guys I went through class with were pretty impressive...quite a few ex special forces,seals.. etc. One of these "dorks" just may save your ungrateful tail someday.Lumping everyone into your narrow window of perception is shortsided and intellectually disingenuous.

 

[AA717driver]

Skydash--I think you're thinking of FAM's, not FFDO's. FFDO's are armed pilots. The FAM's are pretty cool.TC

 

[Weasil]

Guys you shouldn't be discussing this online. Someone should shut this thread down.

 

[AA717driver]

Guys you shouldn't be discussing this online. Someone should shut this thread down.

Bull. If we were discussing tactics or proceedures, I'd agree. Everyone knows about the programs. They've been covered ad nauseum, if incorrectly, in the media.TC

 

[skydash]

AA717driver,No I'm talking about FFDO's, of which I'm one.My post read "the guys I went through class with"..that was regarding FFDO class.My post was taking into consideration that 9rj9 was sitting in the cabin and an FFDO was defending the cockpit(maybe deadheading on his own airline for example).