Washington, D.C. – The Senate last night unanimously approved H.Con.Res. 196, honoring the pilots of United States commercial air carriers who volunteer to participate in the Federal flight deck officer program. This resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.-7) on June 30, 2005 and passed the House by a vote of 413-2 on December 7, 2005.

The resolution recognizes that volunteer pilots in the federal flight deck officer program are consummate professionals that embody what is best in our national character. It applauds them for taking a stand against those who seek to harm the United States through acts of terrorism in the air. And, it expresses appreciation to such pilots on behalf of all U.S. citizens for their ongoing contribution to the security of the Nation and its air transportation system.

The Federal Flight Deck Officer Program was established pursuant to the Homeland Security Act of 2002, in which Congress required the Transportation Security Administration to establish procedural requirements for an armed flight deck officer program and to begin training and deputizing pilots. Under the program, fight crew members are trained in the use of firearms, the use of force, legal issues, defensive tactics, the psychology of survival and standard operating procedures.

 

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