You know, pilots in the air are responsible for people they carry. And damn, do not they have a right to take care about their own life?!
But... no wonder armed pilots will not fit in your agenda. No one must defend its land and people against terrorists, separatists, bandits and other bastards.
I also live in low crime suburb, but I never came to conclusion that it is bad thing to be able defend myself and my family. May be your neigbourhood is safe EXACTLY because there are some tought people around - and criminals know it quite well?