Free Republic

In a dramatic turnaround, Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta has ordered the new head of the Transportation Security Administration to study options for arming the nation's 70,000 commercial pilots with "lethal force" capabilities. "It is under discussion in terms of should we take another approach," Mineta told the House Transportation Committee's aviation subcommittee during testimony on Tuesday. "I have asked [TSA Administrator James Loy] to take a look at this to see whether or not there is some alternative, even if it is lethal weapons." Loy, former head of the U.S. Coast Guard, replaced John Magaw as head of TSA last...

Airline Pilots Security Alliance, Armed Pilots Petition Needs YOUR Signature! Please go to the Airline Pilots Security Alliance website at www.secure-skies.org and sign the petition that is in red at the top of their home page. It is a petition to Congress and the President to support implementing the armed pilot program. We have 2 weeks to get the maximum number of signatures. These will be downloaded and taken to Congressman Mica (Chair for Aviation Sub Committee), who will be holding a hearing on or about May 2nd specifically on the issue of arming pilots.