Instead of trying to eliminate the possibility of weapons on board, why not go the other way. Stop the searching, allow and encourage anyone to carry a knife, handgun, etc. Then potential hijackers (plus angry/drunk passengers and other crazies) are faced with the possiblity that any or all other passengers can stop them. The three people on the PA plane would not have been unarmed when they intervened. The idea is no less radical than any other posted, plus easier and less costly to implement.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Rex
[B]Instead of trying to eliminate the possibility of weapons on board, why not go the other way.

 

Take it from my wife.. There will never be another Hijacking which ends like those into the WTC. Even though she is scared of bugs I believe her when she says she will never just stand by and die. Apparently this is a growing sentiment. As long as we all agree that this will never happen again. It will not..NO amount of security will ever keep every possible weapon out of a plane. Ceramic knives, plastic guns, a stick of dynamite will never be detected. Even a full body X-ray will not detect C4 molded into the shape of common items. You and I are the only defense there is..
There must never be another Hijacking that ends like these. Once again we will give up our rights so we feel like we have accomplish something. So we feel like we have helped. There is only one simple change that is sure fire. And that is to never be led into death again without a fight for the lives of all.
Don't believe me ask your wifes...

 

Guns on planes are a bad idea, considering that they are a pressurized tube.

Stun guns are a good idea, but why not simply have the flight attendents "armed" with pepper spray. This would render the hijackers helpless long enough for other passengers to "take action".

 

Most modern airplanes are capable of taking off, flying and landing by themselves. Fully computerized fly-by-wire, etc.

Why even bother having pilots ?

Just set the plane on auto, lock up the equipment and have a few armed guards on board to keep the peace.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by GucciGucci
[B]Most modern airplanes are capable of taking off, flying and landing by themselves.

 

You go first! I don't think the "traveling public" will ever go for that. Do you really want to be on an aircraft that needs to be "rebooted" mid-flight? I can tell you from personal experience that flying big jets is still equal parts art and science. With over 10,000 hours in transport jets, if it ever comes to what your suggesting, I'm driving!

 

Again, the Israelis seem to have dealt with airport security the best. How many hijackings have you heard about lately on their airline?

Weapons will always be easy to get on board a plane. I did a simple search on "plastic knives" and found a site offering a number of different "letter openers" of various lengths. The largest was 7-1/2" with a 4" blade. They looked very dangerous. They were guaranteed to be able to go through a half-inch of plywood and were readily concealable. Letter openers, indeed!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by lvs2k
[B]I did a simple search on "plastic knives" and found a site offering a number of different "letter openers" of various lengths. The largest was 7-1/2" with a 4" blade.