This article is by Captain Paris Michaels, a two-time Master’s degree recipient from IWP and current doctoral candidate at IWP.
Introduction: Despite the increased assistance from advanced technologies, one element of aviation security remains irreplaceable: the human. Shortly after the attacks of 11 September 2001, the United States of America deployed Federal Flight Deck Officers (FFDOs) to assist in making its nation’s skies safer for its airlines, crews and the traveling public. Today, politicians and US aviation security experts remain steadfast in supporting the case for arming commercial airline pilots and Captain Paris Michaels, himself a retired FFDO, justifies the decision.