Pilot Whose Gun Went Off Back on Job

As one of a variety of security measures including reinforced cockpit doors and enhanced airport screening that were instituted following the Sept. 11 attacks, the Transportation Security Administration created the Federal Flight Deck Office program, which permits pilots to be armed. An unknown number of pilots participate in the voluntary program, which requires redundant training on a pilot's personal time. Airlines do not support the program financially, but do not oppose it.

Pilots must remove their gun and holster and secure them in a bag before leaving the cockpit, a requirement that is believed to have contributed to the U.S. Airways incident. Mohr said Langenhahn will no longer participate in the program. P/>-- Written by Ted Reed in Charlotte, N.C. .

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