National Association of Arms Shows, Inc.

In an effort to answer questions on the proper procedures for transporting firearms via air, NRA-ILA staff contacted the Office of Security Regulation and Policy at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The NRA information can be found at:

http://www.nraila.org/LegislativeUpdate.asp?FormMode=Detail&ID+527

Armed Pilots Program:

Although the Armed Pilots Program passed the Congress and was signed into law by President George W. Bush when he signed the legislation establishing a new Department of Homeland Security, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) remains cautious in its implementation. The TSA will begin selecting the initial group of 48 pilots over the next several weeks. TSA requirements for program participation include a lengthy application, psychological testing, interviews with TSA psychologists background investigations, and a medical examination - which in addition to the physical examinations already required by the FAA. TSA has stipulated that the firearm will be transported into the airplane in a locked case which is only to be opened after the cockpit door has been locked. According to the Airline Pilots’ Security Alliance "A TSA attorney-advisor has made it clear that the TSA intends to make the program so difficult, intimidating and burdensome that no pilot will volunteer."

Arming Cargo Pilots Against Terrorism:

Senators Bunning and Boxer have introduced Senate Bill 516 (S. 516), a bill to close a dangerous gap in our homeland security by allowing cargo pilots to carry arms in the cockpit.  Last year, Congress passed the Arming Pilots Against Terrorism and Cabin Defense Act as part of the Homeland Security bill. Unfortunately, during the Homeland Security conference, cargo pilots were left out of the program. S.. 516 will close this loophole in the law by allowing cargo pilots to participate in the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program. In many cases, cargo planes have less security than passenger planes. These planes do not have strengthened cockpit doors, Federal Air Marshals trained cabin crew, or alert passengers on board. Cargo planes are usually more vulnerable on the tarmac than passenger aircraft. Most cargo planes are parked in remote areas with relatively easy access; many operate at airfields that do not have the same level of security as passenger airports.