WASHINGTON - The Transportation Security Administration says non-lethal stun guns could be allowed on airplanes as another layer of security.
In a report to Congress, the agency said electronic shock devices could be an effective deterrent against hijackers. But it deferred a decision on whether to approve requests by United Airlines and Mesa Air Group to let their pilots carry the weapons.
Mesa Air Group operates America West Express, US Airways Express and Mesa Airlines.
PHILADELPHIA - The new generation of air traffic control technology was fully deployed Monday at Philadelphia International Airport, the first to rely solely on the new system.
STARS, for Standard Terminal Automation Replacement System, allows more planes to fly safely in increasingly crowded air space and reduces the workload for controllers.
"It's like comparing an eight-track tape player to a CD player," said Tom Bayalis, an air traffic controller, as he showed off the crisp, multicolored computer displays in the new Philadelphia terminal radar control center built to house the new system.