PRESS RELEASE
May 21, 2002
Earlier today, Undersecretary John Magaw of the TSA announced the decision to
ignore the will of the Congress and the American People by refusing to allow
airline pilots to carry firearms on the flight deck. This indefensible decision
will mean that, until Congress is able to act, airline pilots will be easy
pickings for teams of suicidal terrorists that would use airliners as guided
bombs.
APSA Chairman Capt. Tracy W. Price said, "Airline pilots across this
country are dumfounded. Al Queda is surely laughing at our lack of moral
certainty and strength and terrorist organizations all over the world have been
sent the clear message that it is still open season on airliners and large
buildings. On one hand, the administration is telling us that more attacks are
eminent, but on the other hand, they refuse to allow us to defend our passengers
and crew against the promised attacks."
Price continued, "The administration caved to intense lobbying from the
Air Transport Association (ATA). Airline managements are afraid of lost revenue
if they acknowledge the truth: no public accommodation like airline travel can
ever be completely secured. Also, for many years, airline managements have been
on a campaign to minimize the authority and stature of pilots, preferring to
place decision making power in the hands of employees that do not enjoy the same
autonomy and authority that pilots do. Arming pilots is clearly counter to this
long term goal and we are stunned that they are willing to compromise the safety
of air travelers to further their interests in this power struggle they have
initiated with their pilots. This decision is great news for the terrorists and
the ATA"
"Thank God for the efforts of Congressmen Mica and Young as well as
Senators Bob Smith, Burns, Murkowski and Zell Miller. The legislation they are
committed to will mandate that volunteer airline pilots be screened, trained and
armed with firearms and it will remove the veto power that existing law gives to
the administration and airline managements. We will work with our friends in
Congress to expedite this legislation and we pray that Congress is able to move
faster than the terrorists."
Contact Information:
Capt. Tracy W. Price - Chairman
Home: (703)250-3568
Cell: (703)587-7811
Fax: (703)250-3568
Email: TracyPrice@compuserve.com
Capt. Marc Feigenblatt - Vice Chairman
Home: (513) 232-8350
Cell: (513) 225-5996
Fax: (513) 232-8349 (must call first)
Email: APSA@cinci.rr.com
APSA Web Site: www.secure-skies.org
