W.Times editorial: Obama secretly ends FFDO program?

[Blue Dude]

This admin blew past socialism in the first week and is presently accelerating to the left.

 

[Redmeat]

Perhaps because this Admin. is a blink of an eye away from being Socialists???

Your dad told you that didn't he?

how old are you?

This admin should only be considered even remotely close to Socialist if you come from a background of the Super Rich.

If you do come from that background why did you decide to become hourly paid labor (pilot)?

Having daddy get you a job on Wall Street would probably have suit your tastes better...

 

[ACL65PILOT]

Problem viewing? Click here.

Newsflash from ALPA International​

TSA Reconfirms Commitment to FFDO Program March 17, 2009 In stark contrast to an op-ed article in today’s edition (March 17, 2009) of the Washington Times, that claims “…President Obama is quietly ending the federal firearms program, risking public safety on airlines in the name of an anti-gun ideology,” TSA officials reassured ALPA they are committed to the FFDO program and have plans for its expansion. TSA’s leadership immediately contacted ALPA and requested a meeting to discuss this news report. ALPA representatives met with TSA executives this afternoon and were told that TSA embraces the FFDO program, that there are no plans to reduce or restrict its growth, and that the agency fully intends to grow and expand the program.
Government representatives acknowledged that the program needs additional funding to achieve these goals, and that they are actively pursuing sources of additional funding. These funds will be used to enhance the program’s management structure and oversight, which if implemented, will address an ALPA Board of Directors security priority.
TSA is currently training hundreds of pilots each year and plans to continue to train at least that number or more into the future. The size of the FFDO cadre has grown so large that additional resources are needed to provide greater structure and oversight to this important program, which TSA referred to today as “an important layer of defense.”
“ALPA is very pleased that the TSA was so proactive in communicating its concerns to the Association and we are likewise pleased that we are able to report this good news to the membership,” said ALPA President, Capt. John Prater. “ALPA values its relationship with the TSA, and it is obvious from the way the agency handled this event that the feeling is mutual.”
Stay tuned.

 

[maddog2020]

Problem viewing? Click here.

Newsflash from ALPA International​

TSA Reconfirms Commitment to FFDO Program March 17, 2009 In stark contrast to an op-ed article in today’s edition (March 17, 2009) of the Washington Times, that claims “…President Obama is quietly ending the federal firearms program, risking public safety on airlines in the name of an anti-gun ideology,” TSA officials reassured ALPA they are committed to the FFDO program and have plans for its expansion. TSA’s leadership immediately contacted ALPA and requested a meeting to discuss this news report. ALPA representatives met with TSA executives this afternoon and were told that TSA embraces the FFDO program, that there are no plans to reduce or restrict its growth, and that the agency fully intends to grow and expand the program.
Government representatives acknowledged that the program needs additional funding to achieve these goals, and that they are actively pursuing sources of additional funding. These funds will be used to enhance the program’s management structure and oversight, which if implemented, will address an ALPA Board of Directors security priority.
TSA is currently training hundreds of pilots each year and plans to continue to train at least that number or more into the future. The size of the FFDO cadre has grown so large that additional resources are needed to provide greater structure and oversight to this important program, which TSA referred to today as “an important layer of defense.”
“ALPA is very pleased that the TSA was so proactive in communicating its concerns to the Association and we are likewise pleased that we are able to report this good news to the membership,” said ALPA President, Capt. John Prater. “ALPA values its relationship with the TSA, and it is obvious from the way the agency handled this event that the feeling is mutual.”
Stay tuned.

In your face hippies!

 

[Tristar]

After having flown with FFDO's who shouldn't be trusted with a water pistol, I'm not surprised by this.....

Frankly, if they can't be trusted with a water pistol (or perhaps even a real one), maybe they shouldn't be trusted with a few hundred thousand pounds of airplane, tons of jet fuel, and the lives of a couple hundred people. If you feel so strongly about them, I presume you've contacted pro-standards? Or to quote Blazing Saddles, "are we just j#rking off?"

 

[Redmeat]

Problem viewing? Click here.

Newsflash from ALPA International​

TSA Reconfirms Commitment to FFDO Program March 17, 2009 In stark contrast to an op-ed article in today’s edition (March 17, 2009) of the Washington Times, that claims “…President Obama is quietly ending the federal firearms program, risking public safety on airlines in the name of an anti-gun ideology,” TSA officials reassured ALPA they are committed to the FFDO program and have plans for its expansion. TSA’s leadership immediately contacted ALPA and requested a meeting to discuss this news report. ALPA representatives met with TSA executives this afternoon and were told that TSA embraces the FFDO program, that there are no plans to reduce or restrict its growth, and that the agency fully intends to grow and expand the program.
Government representatives acknowledged that the program needs additional funding to achieve these goals, and that they are actively pursuing sources of additional funding. These funds will be used to enhance the program’s management structure and oversight, which if implemented, will address an ALPA Board of Directors security priority.
TSA is currently training hundreds of pilots each year and plans to continue to train at least that number or more into the future. The size of the FFDO cadre has grown so large that additional resources are needed to provide greater structure and oversight to this important program, which TSA referred to today as “an important layer of defense.”
“ALPA is very pleased that the TSA was so proactive in communicating its concerns to the Association and we are likewise pleased that we are able to report this good news to the membership,” said ALPA President, Capt. John Prater. “ALPA values its relationship with the TSA, and it is obvious from the way the agency handled this event that the feeling is mutual.”
Stay tuned.

So to summarize ALPA is pleased with the TSA's views and decisions on all counts. Aren't the TSA the guys who had to have GED's to get their jobs?

 

[nyboilermaker]

I say good riddance. This program was entirely precipitated by a bunch of gun nuts that thought they would get the right to "concealed carry" when there was absolutely NO reason for them to have a weapon...

...$2M for this program? Total waste of taxpayer money.

+1

...

 

[Tristar]

I think you give FFDO program WAY too much credit. There are many other agencies involved that keep flying safe.

Please correct me if I am wrong, but I can't think of a single instance when an FFDO prevented something bad from happening.

Exactly how short is your attention span that you couldn't finish reading my paragraph? I already acknowledged that the FFDO's are not alone their efforts.

As has already been pointed out - the primary benefit of the program is deterrence. One sincerely hopes an FFDO never has to draw their weapon in the line of duty. That said, the fact that they haven't had to do so doesn't mean the program is not effective - it could be argued that is evidence that it is working quite well.

Can you point to a specific instance of when a particular nuclear ballistic missile submarine prevented something bad from happening? We've spent a lot more than 2 million on them. Should we scuttle that entire program because it's effectiveness has never been proven in actual use?

 

[birdman1]

And Soccer Moms everywhere say "Good! I was never comfortable with guns so close to my kids anyway!" This is "good" politics, not good policy. I support the program, but keep in mind that there are a good many irrational people who don't, and many of them vote Dem.

Why would any pilot want to carry a gun? Seriously, why would you want to carry a gun in the flight deck? You have extra responsibility, with no extra pay. Where have our pay, benefits, and retirement gone since the start of the FFDO? Become a police officer if you want to carry a gun so bad.

 

[maddog2020]

Why would any pilot want to carry a gun? Seriously, why would you want to carry a gun in the flight deck? You have extra responsibility, with no extra pay. Where have our pay, benefits, and retirement gone since the start of the FFDO? Become a police officer if you want to carry a gun so bad.

To save my ass and maybe one of your family members if the crap hit the fan......

 

[Britpilot]

I am glad I made laugh, mate . TSA, for one. Police, two. Travelling public, three. Just because one has a gun, doesn't mean he is the king of the hill. If I am not mistaken Britpilot, police used to not carry weapons in England not too long ago.

Well, if a disaster has been averted I think I should know about it as a citizen. The shoebomber disaster has been talked about in the media. We pay paxes that finance various programms, I want to know how necessary/effecient/useful/etc. it is. Prove me wrong, why sound so misterious???

1.
The TSA? Really, please, The Police? What do they have to do with airline security? Traveling public? OK, maybe.

2.You are mistaken. I am the son of a Metropilotan Police Officer. My dad retired in 1980, there were armed police in England then as there are now.

3.No, as a citizen you should be grateful that a disaster has been averted. It has been and you actually do not have the "right" to know everything, sorry to break that to you.
In 1977 I signed The Official Secrets Act when I was in service to the country I was a citizen of. I am still bound by that act until my death. I signed a similar agreement here as a US citizen. I know information that you do not that I cannot disclose. That is the way it is, sorry to burst your bubble.

 

[Britpilot]

Why would any pilot want to carry a gun? Seriously, why would you want to carry a gun in the flight deck? You have extra responsibility, with no extra pay. Where have our pay, benefits, and retirement gone since the start of the FFDO? Become a police officer if you want to carry a gun so bad.

Clearly you just do not understand the meaning of the word 'Patriot"
One does not need to be a Police Officer in order to carry a weapon, just ask a criminal.

 

[Monster Buck]

Why would any pilot want to carry a gun? Seriously, why would you want to carry a gun in the flight deck? You have extra responsibility, with no extra pay. Where have our pay, benefits, and retirement gone since the start of the FFDO? Become a police officer if you want to carry a gun so bad.

Ah the anti crowd. You gotta love um. Its obvious after 911 that we don't have the enemy stopped at the border. Care to venture what is happening just a few feet south of our borders.
I wonder what thousands of wives, husbands, children, brothers and sister would give if the pilot of their families flight had a gun that day. I can tell that you didn't loose anyone that day. Its funny how you feel until the day its your dad or son or....
When thousands of us died on our own soil it leaves a bad taste...one you do everything to stop from happening again. I guess you would bet the farm on the door. I bet your tone would change if that was you in the cockpit that day. You have no clue what it feels like to be threaten with death and sitting there powerless to do anything about it. I can imagine being in that scenario and if someone had a gun to keep them out of the cockpit you can bet your azz anyone would take it. But unfortunately there are people like you who think you prepare after it happens. Funny how things change when its your life and not just some random names in a memorial.

 

[Redmeat]

Ah the anti crowd. You gotta love um. Its obvious after 911 that we don't have the enemy stopped at the border. Care to venture what is happening just a few feet south of our borders.
I wonder what thousands of wives, husbands, children, brothers and sister would give if the pilot of their families flight had a gun that day. I can tell that you didn't loose anyone that day. Its funny how you feel until the day its your dad or son or....
When thousands of us died on our own soil it leaves a bad taste...one you do everything to stop from happening again. I guess you would bet the farm on the door. I bet your tone would change if that was you in the cockpit that day. You have no clue what it feels like to be threaten with death and sitting there powerless to do anything about it. I can imagine being in that scenario and if someone had a gun to keep them out of the cockpit you can bet your azz anyone would take it. But unfortunately there are people like you who think you prepare after it happens. Funny how things change when its your life and not just some random names in a memorial.

How bout we just don't "cooperate don't escalate" that day?

Nuff said.

 

[birdman1]

Ah the anti crowd. You gotta love um. Its obvious after 911 that we don't have the enemy stopped at the border. Care to venture what is happening just a few feet south of our borders.
I wonder what thousands of wives, husbands, children, brothers and sister would give if the pilot of their families flight had a gun that day. I can tell that you didn't loose anyone that day. Its funny how you feel until the day its your dad or son or....
When thousands of us died on our own soil it leaves a bad taste...one you do everything to stop from happening again. I guess you would bet the farm on the door. I bet your tone would change if that was you in the cockpit that day. You have no clue what it feels like to be threaten with death and sitting there powerless to do anything about it. I can imagine being in that scenario and if someone had a gun to keep them out of the cockpit you can bet your azz anyone would take it. But unfortunately there are people like you who think you prepare after it happens. Funny how things change when its your life and not just some random names in a memorial.

I lost my Dad and Mom 10 years ago due to a home evasion. I also had to burry my one and only child a year ago. You already know my opinion on the matter above. So suck it up and deal with it. Or else!!!

 

[DiverDriver]

Why would any pilot want to carry a gun? Seriously, why would you want to carry a gun in the flight deck? You have extra responsibility, with no extra pay. Where have our pay, benefits, and retirement gone since the start of the FFDO? Become a police officer if you want to carry a gun so bad.

Sense of pride to volunteer to serve my country? Does everything have to be done just for the money? Would we have the military that we do if they went in just for the money?

 

[DiverDriver]

I lost my Dad and Mom 10 years ago due to a home evasion. I also had to burry my one and only child a year ago. You already know my opinion on the matter above. So suck it up and deal with it. Or else!!!

1. I am very sorry for your loss. Truly.

2. Or else what?

 

[Flying-Corporal]

1.
The TSA? Really, please, The Police? What do they have to do with airline security? Traveling public? OK, maybe.

Again, just because you carry a gun you don't have to look down on everybody else. TSA does screen people out, regardless of what you think.

Yep, police. They are at every passenger airport. Not many, but they are there.

Flying public. The showbomber was brought down by passengers and not by a someone with a gun. The last time someone used a weapon in the a/c ended up in a tragegy when passenger taking prescription drugs was MISTAKENLY killed. (http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/12/07/airplane.gunshot/index.html).

2.You are mistaken. I am the son of a Metropilotan Police Officer. My dad retired in 1980, there were armed police in England then as there are now.

Am I? Read the first sentence from Wiki:

In the United Kingdom, the majority of police officers do not carry firearms, except in special circumstances.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Police_use_of_firearms_in_the_United_Kingdom)

3.No, as a citizen you should be grateful that a disaster has been averted. It has been and you actually do not have the "right" to know everything, sorry to break that to you.

I don't want to know "everything". What I would want know is to see an independent study on how useful this program is.

See, if there secrecy, there is less control. That leads to abuse of resources. This program is controversial anyway as a lot of industry experts as well as pilots question it's usefulness. As a participant you obviously have a biased opinion.

So, you're not "breaking" anything new to me. Actually, I don't care anyway.

 

[PeanuckleCRJ]

Why would any pilot want to carry a gun? Seriously, why would you want to carry a gun in the flight deck? You have extra responsibility, with no extra pay. Where have our pay, benefits, and retirement gone since the start of the FFDO? Become a police officer if you want to carry a gun so bad.

The axe is too far behind my seat and anyone that storms that cockpit has deadly intentions for you and everyone else on that airplane. Your intentions should be the same toward them and the advantage should be in your court, not theirs.

A few hollow point bullets through the skin of an airliner wouldn't even cause enough damage to do anything more than make an annoying whistling noise...if a couple go through the avionics, youve got triple redunancy in most situations. Much better than the airliner being under hostile control.

 

[Monster Buck]

Hopefully we don't have another 9-11
I am sure the door or asking them to stop and not escalate will do the trick.

"Nuff said"