I don't fire my weapons near as often as I should to be as proficient as I could but I damn sure have it seared into my mind how to take the safety off point and shoot. In such close proximity as an airplane I and many others would have had no trouble ventilating those terrorist.
I doubt today even without guns that a terrorist could get away with hijacking an airplane. Because as someone mentioned the mindset that they would survive is gone and people would respond. I know I would despite what weapons the Islamic radicals had.
The obvious solution for airplanes is to at least arm the pilots since we're to PC to allow passengers to carry on flights.
I myself refuse to fly anymore and subject myself to the nonsense that goes on at airports these days because of the PC BS mindset of the majority on guns.
The gun proponents on FR are not representative of the gun owners of America.
Most people who own a gun for protection regard it like a fire extinguisher. They've never used it, but it makes them feel better that it's there.
It was given to them by a great uncle, or they bought it when they were feeling especially vulnerable.
They usually keep it in a drawer in the nightstand, and the bullets are scattered among the other junk.
If they are going somewhere they feel is dangerous, they might put the bullets in it and stick it their pocket or purse, but they'd have to be close to death before they'd ever think about using it.
They would think I was absolutely insane when I get all my guns out and clean them, spending hours examining all the parts for fouling or grit, and loving every minute of it!
I can't hardly make myself fly anymore.
I'd rather drive for twelve hours than fly for three.
I agree that all pilots should be armed and trained in the use of those arms.