In message O10Hb.485370$275.1381929@attbi_s53, John R Weiss
writes
"Paul J. Adam" wrote...
I don't see it as a hugely effective measure - you can't shoot well over
your shoulder while strapped into a seat

That's why specific training has been developed... Besides, the range is VERY
short, so long-range accuracy is NOT a factor in that case.

Odds are you'll be outnumbered if the Bad Guys have breached security
(if they can get one weapon aboard, why not a dozen or more?)

The idea that "armed pilots" are more than a backstop to other security
measures is romantic but foolish - pilots have much more important tasks
than threatening passengers, and of course Bad Guys would _never_ make
their move during times of high workload.

If the Bad Guys can get guns or knives aboard, they can get stun
grenades, CS grenades, cattle prods and assorted other means to subdue
two men strapped into seats. "Not Letting Them Throw Things Into
Cockpits Or Open Cockpit Doors" might be more important - but who cares
about expensive modifications to cockpit security, when the pilots could
be armed and will be asked and expected to handle every threat? (And can
be blamed for any failure?)

Maybe I'm a cynic.

--
When you have to kill a man, it costs nothing to be polite.
W S Churchill

Paul J. Adam MainBoxatjrwlynch[dot]demon{dot}co(.)uk