U.S. cargo pilots can request firearm privileges
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration is taking applications for the first time from cargo pilots and flight crews who want to carry a firearm as an added measure of protection from hijackers.
Pilots of passenger planes were only eligible for firearms training and authorization to carry a weapon on board during the first year of the program in 2003. Last year, Congress passed a bill giving cargo pilots the same right to voluntarily participate in the Federal Flight Deck Officer program.
TSA is accepting applications on a secure Web site that is available to pilots and other industry groups.