FastCargo
Is that the tanker?
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2001
- Posts
- 240
For what it's worth...
Personally, I do agree with having firearms in the cockpit. That being said, I think there will be some difficulties in implementing the program (security concerns and controls, proficiency, etc).
I liked Ty Webbs suggestion, with the weapons being part of the aircraft checklist. In addition, I would suggest:
1) The lock box is a two-person concept, the captain and F/O getting a separate combo at dispatch for the locks. The combos would be changed by MX at every crew change before reissue.
2) The preflight would consist of opening the container, checking the firearm is in place (with a breakable seal on the firearm itself) then closing the container in a ready-open manner - say a one digit tick to reopen, or something to that effect...
3) The weapon would be a special type, with non standard caliber (.42 cal, etc)...or even a special shaped bullet (oval cross section, etc). The weapon would also be useless once completely expended (ie an intergal magazine, etc). The weapons and ammo would serialed, and associated with that exact aircraft serial number.
4) The ammo could be the plastic slug type...or glazer (sp?) safety slug type...low chance of bulkhead penetration, but devestating when hitting human flesh. Remember, the weapon/ammo combo doesn't have to be super accurate...you're only shooting a max of 2 yards...
5) Postflight would consist of respinning the combo locks...
I think the initial cost would be high (R/D for the weapon, lockbox, documentation, implementation)...but then the actual day to day ops would be fairly low on the pain scale.
This is just one man's opinion ... plus I'll the first to note I have probably overlooked some critical sticking points. Any and all constructive points of view are welcome.
Fly Safe!
FastCargo
Personally, I do agree with having firearms in the cockpit. That being said, I think there will be some difficulties in implementing the program (security concerns and controls, proficiency, etc).
I liked Ty Webbs suggestion, with the weapons being part of the aircraft checklist. In addition, I would suggest:
1) The lock box is a two-person concept, the captain and F/O getting a separate combo at dispatch for the locks. The combos would be changed by MX at every crew change before reissue.
2) The preflight would consist of opening the container, checking the firearm is in place (with a breakable seal on the firearm itself) then closing the container in a ready-open manner - say a one digit tick to reopen, or something to that effect...
3) The weapon would be a special type, with non standard caliber (.42 cal, etc)...or even a special shaped bullet (oval cross section, etc). The weapon would also be useless once completely expended (ie an intergal magazine, etc). The weapons and ammo would serialed, and associated with that exact aircraft serial number.
4) The ammo could be the plastic slug type...or glazer (sp?) safety slug type...low chance of bulkhead penetration, but devestating when hitting human flesh. Remember, the weapon/ammo combo doesn't have to be super accurate...you're only shooting a max of 2 yards...
5) Postflight would consist of respinning the combo locks...
I think the initial cost would be high (R/D for the weapon, lockbox, documentation, implementation)...but then the actual day to day ops would be fairly low on the pain scale.
This is just one man's opinion ... plus I'll the first to note I have probably overlooked some critical sticking points. Any and all constructive points of view are welcome.
Fly Safe!
FastCargo
