[Southack]

"How many are actually armed? I have read article after article stating that DOT was simply refusing to train or approve them."

TSA spokeswoman Amy Von Walter said her office could not release exact numbers of applicants or trainees because of security considerations, "but I can tell you that thousands of pilots have applied for the program. Thousands of pilots have already been trained. ... The agency expects to train every pilot who has applied for the program by Oct. 1, the beginning of the next budget year, she said."

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7178784/

4,500 pilots armed by March 2005

[WoofDog123]

thx for replying, I recall specifically reading complaints that mineta/DOT were stalling on this. It wouldn't surprise me to learn that pilots were trained but still lacking a final authorization from DOT to carry.