[lodwick]

Well done, once more Canada, I guess you're "keen" on having your planes left-turned into skyscrapers - you puds.

[xm177e2]

They say they are pilots and not gunfighters

If they come from the Air Force, why can't they use firearms? Pilots have to meet basic physical/mental fitness requirements (I hope!), they are already nearly the perfect profession to start handing guns to (at least to the ones who want them). Just have them train for a few hours a month on the range, and then a few hours a year of hand-to-hand combat training. They don't have to be commandos, just good enough to drop four terrorists with a hi-cap pistol at close range.

[billorites]

""In a word, no, it's not our position that Air Canada pilots be armed," said Peter foster, ACPA expert on safety and security."

"Peace in our time," eh?

[GhostSoldier]

Better a gunfighter than a target !!

[dts32041]

Obviously they don't consider themselves captain of a ship with the responsiblity to protect it.

They must think themselves truck drivers hauling cargo.

What air line do they run so I can stay off it.

[Ronin]

I am beginning to think it should be pronounced Cana-DUH!!!

Sheesh... Just stay as inoffensive as you can Canada. Be so nice and sincere and sweet that no one will ever consider you an enemy.

[No Truce With Kings]

I like it. This way we won't have to shoot down any U.S. airliners. Air Canada will be the flight of choice for Wahhabi Kamikazes, not U.S. flag carriers. It is always easier to shoot down an ally rather than your own citizens.

[Flint]

Anyone got Osama's email address. This should be forwarded to him. May take a little heat off our people.

[DSHambone]

Are these relatives of the same Canadians that landed at Normandy?

Is there a sign at the border the says, " Welcome to the Great White North - check your manhood at the door!!"?

[TheLion]

Canadians expect big government to do it all!

[ASA Vet]

Yes, please Captain Maple leaf choose to be targets.
Also please choose to be shot down if you vary from your flight plan over the U.S.
I will choose to fly only on U.S. air carriers with armed U.S. pilots.

[FrdmLvr]

Those Canucks are something else!

[AnnaZ]

Ping.

[Mahone]

They say they are pilots and not gunfighters

They forgot to say the most important thing, they are weanies! Friends in Calgary have a strapping young son who must play badminton in school, because football is considered a high risk sport.

The pilots could always use their dreaded cushions on any terrorists.

[real saxophonist]

Imagine that...

[HetLoo]

"What would happen if a pilot was relieved of those weapons by the terrorists? What happens if the weapon discharges and it punctures the pressurised aircraft?" asked CPA's chairman, Captain Raymond Hall.

WOW. I never thought of that before! Here, all this time I've been thinking "what happens if a pilot was relieved of his AIRPLANE (read cruise missle) by terrorists?"

Silly me!

Oh well, the worst that could happen is a planeful of French Canadans hits a glacier... I guess as long as none of the debris crosses the US border they should do as they wish...

[scooter2]

If Canadian pilots don't want to carry guns and help ensure the safety of their passengers and crew, it's fine with me. However, I (we?) insist that you stay the hell out of US airspace.

[AeWingnut]

We need to invade Canada and protect our borders from both sides

[RaginRak]

Whatta ya expect from a country that chose commie Treadeau and inept Cretin as prime ministers. All I can say is... I wouldn't wanna be flying a Canadian jet in the near future. They will probably leave their cockpit doors open also.

[RogueIsland]

"What happens if the weapon discharges and it punctures the pressurised aircraft?" asked CPA's chairman, Captain Raymond Hall.

Uh, Ray? Weapons don't "discharge". They are discharged. Subtle but very important distinction. The mean, bad, nasty gun won't accidentally put a hole in your nice shiny airplane unless you are stupid or careless with it. I guess you think a firearm is far more difficult to safely own and operate than a passenger jet. Perhaps you shouldn't be in such a position of authority if that's the case.