On Sunday, March 29, 2015 at 10:59:18 PM UTC-4, wrote:
A high tech solution might just introduce new unanticipated threats into the system. One positive low tech step in the right direction is to eliminate the ability of a pilot to disable the keypad from unlocking the door.

As far as the 1,500 hour rule, that will certainly put pressure on the airlines to increase starting pay. However, these pay increases probably won't be enough to compensate for the increase training costs that the rule imposes on new pilots. The end result may well be that new pilots will tend to come from well off families who can pay the training. Other kids, who really have a passion and above average aptitude for flying will be further blocked from the profession. While the new pilots may have more hours, the actual airmanship skill level might significantly decrease. More unintended consequences that no one bothered to think thru.

If the pilot is unable to lock out the door, then how do you keep the bad guys out of the cockpit? Remember, the who purpose of the "lock-out" capability is to defend against the terrorist who knows the "secret" code to open the door when it is locked. The "secret code" is different than the code that is used to go in or out.

Since 9/11 the threat has changed. There hasn't been a successful Hijacking yet (except by pilots). Every attempt has been blocked by an immediate response by the crew and passengers to subdue to bad guy(s). The need for secure cockpit doors has passed.