10/18/2003: "Federal Flight Deck Officer Program Information"
I remeber the big deal associated with Pilots becoming armed to defend cockpits from terrorist attack and thinking really it was a good idea. I am still in agreement with the policy as I think it provides a strong means of defense to prevent situations that could lead to a repeat of 9/11. What I didn't realise was how significant the program was and what it encompassed. I believed the program was going to just certify pilots in airplane security and shooting tactics. In reality it makes them federal officers for the purpose of protecting the flight decks of aircrafts. That is a huge difference. Some of the key points that I saw were;
*A pilot's employing air carrier will be allowed to offer input into the selection process but TSA will decide whether a pilot is qualified (i.e. air carriers do not have a "veto").
*FFDOs will be Federal law enforcement officers only for the limited purposes of carrying firearms and using force to defend the flight deck of an aircraft from air piracy or criminal violence including lethal force.
* FFDOs may transport secured firearms in any state and to any state to or from a flight on which they will be the pilot in command or second in command or to or from activities approved by TSA as necessary for participation in the program.
*A Federal flight deck officer shall not be liable for damages in any action brought in a Federal or State court arising out of acts or omissions of the officer defending the flight deck of an aircraft against acts of criminal violence or air piracy unless the officer is guilty of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
In other words these FFDO's can get certified or deputised whether there employer wants them to or not. I.E. United does not want any of its pilots to be FFDO's but the TSA says they cannot prevent it. Also the fact that FFDO's have protected status against lawsuits in the enactment of their duties is also huge. Imagine your on a flight with a man who is clinically insane who rushes the cockpit out of paranoia. The pilot defens the cockpit by shooting at him, misses and shoots out a window causing the plane to go down. No liability, he was working in the definition of his responsibility as a federal officer. Now I realise that this whole scenario is a reach. Just though tit might be interesting. Overall I think the program is right and correct in the way it is being applied, I am just a little surprised the federal government had the cojones to put it in place the way they have. Click on the more button below to see the actual specs from the TSA site.
Much of the information related to this program is considered Sensitive Security Information and as such cannot be disclosed publicly. The following additional information is releasable and provided for interested volunteers to review prior to submitting an application.
A pilot's employing air carrier will be allowed to offer input into the selection process but TSA will decide whether a pilot is qualified (i.e. air carriers do not have a "veto").
TSA will protect records of FFDO applicants and FFDOs from public disclosure to the full extent of the law and in accordance with required procedures. However TSA will disclose information as required by law or court order and may disclose information necessary to ensure transportation security or public safety including 1) to the FAA if it relates to an FAA certification 2) to an air carrier or airport operator as it relates to requirements for required credentials or access to aircraft or secured areas of airports or 3) to necessary persons if TSA determines that there is an imminent danger or threat to public safety.
TSA will determine which pilots successfully complete the training program and may be deputized as FFDOs.
Deputation will be for a period of 5 years unless suspended or revoked earlier.
FFDOs will be Federal law enforcement officers only for the limited purposes of carrying firearms and using force to defend the flight deck of an aircraft from air piracy or criminal violence including lethal force.
FFDOs will not be not granted or authorized to exercise other law enforcement powers such as the power to make arrests or seek or execute warrants for arrest or seizure of evidence or to otherwise act as FFDOs outside aircraft flight decks.
FFDOs will be issued credentials to identify themselves to law enforcement and security personnel but will not be issued metal badges.
FFDOs will be issued firearms and other necessary equipment.
FFDOs will be responsible for the readiness and security of their firearms and equipment.
FFDOs may transport secured firearms in any state and to any state to or from a flight on which they will be the pilot in command or second in command or to or from activities approved by TSA as necessary for participation in the program.
The purchase possession and use of drugs and alcohol will be restricted for FFDOs at any time when they are in possession of a firearm and for a period of time before they transport the firearm.
FFDOs must submit to inspection of their credentials by authorized TSA employees and law enforcement officers.
FFDOs may be suspended or removed from the program and/or fined civil penalties which are currently up to $10 000 per violation as appropriate.
FFDOs and air carriers employing such pilots are not eligible for compensation from the Government for participation in any aspect of the program.
Air carriers determine whether to provide their pilots time off for FFDO training and activities.
A Federal flight deck officer shall not be liable for damages in any action brought in a Federal or State court arising out of acts or omissions of the officer defending the flight deck of an aircraft against acts of criminal violence or air piracy unless the officer is guilty of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
