The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), along with support from the aircraft pilot’s union, has proposed that air-carriers allow commercial airline pilots to have a firearm stowed in the cockpit, following extensive firearm and legal training. This security measure will provide the crew the ability to defend the aircraft cockpit from hijacking attempts or to protect the passengers and crew from other disturbances deemed fatal to the safe operation of the aircraft.

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-296, H.R. 5005) contains provisions to arm pilots of passenger aircraft and gives deputized pilots the authority to use force, including lethal force, to defend the flight deck against criminal and terrorist threats. Participation in the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program, established under the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism Act contained in P.L. 107-296, is limited to pilots of air carriers providing passenger air transportation or intrastate passenger air transportation. Pilots of cargo air carriers may not participate in the program. However, legislation (H.R. 765; S. 516; amendment to S. 165 by Sen. Boxer) seeks to include all cargo air carrier pilots in the program.

Tasks:

Select a position for or against this policy and then explain your reason for this selection. Prepare a 4- to 6-page document and support your positions with valid references. Analyze the benefits of implementation of the proposed Federal Aviation Administration policy. Explain the negatives of implementation of the proposed Federal Aviation Administration policy.

Note: Include a reference page formatted in APA style that links back to your in-text citations and supports your recommendations. Remember, you must have both in-text citations and references because they are linked to each other.