Carry on Airlines

M

Mossyrock

New member
I may be in a position where I will be required to carry a duty weapon on a commercial airliner (domestic only). Since I have never had to do this before, I was wondering what the normal procedure is. I understand I notify the ticket counter and produce the appropriate badge, credentials and authorization. Then what? What happens at the gate when I have to deal with Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber, the stellar "Security Profesionals"? I would think that keeping a low profile would be desirable, but I can just imagine how your normal crack team of Airport Security-types are going to react. Suggestions?

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Mossyrock
I wasn't here. You didn't see me. Nobody can prove anything...
 
If I remember the procedure correctly... You will need written permission from the FAA, the airline and the Captain of the plane in question. Check in at the ticket counter and then a representative of the airline and/or a security officer will escort you around Tweedle Dumb and Tweedle Dumber... most likely through the inner passages of the airport and not through the security checkpoint at all.

It's been a long time and some procedures may have changed. There are very few situations anymore where even Federal agents are allowed to carry on a plane. Your agency will have all the details worked out for you so I wouldn't worry about it too much.
 
LOL! I had forgotten about "A Fish Called Wanda". Great training film! I seem to recall being distracted by Jamie Lee Curtis, though....

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Mossyrock
I wasn't here. You didn't see me. Nobody can prove anything...
 
There are different procedures in different cities but generally:

You check in at the airline counter and present your credentials. You fill out a security form with the airline rep and each of you sign the document.

You proceed to the magnetometer area where you again present your paperwork. They know you are going to set off the alarms so you don't need to go through that procedure (generally speaking).

In most places you log in with the security supervisor in that area (a book with flight and id info). In NYC, for example, a Port Authority Police Officer is summoned to check out your creds etc and then an entry is made.

You then go to the gate where you provide the airline rep with a copy of the paperwork you were given at the counter. They will inform the crew of your situation.

(I always ask to be told of others who might also be in my situation so as to be able to identify other friendlies if things go bad. NOTE: Airlines do not want you to intervene unless specifically asked to do so. You will sign an acknowledgement of such.)

Board the aircraft (usually early, allowing you to actually get an overhead bin ;)) and enjoy your flight. (No drinking allowed. ;))

That about covers it.

Blues

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Live Free or Die
 
Federal Aviation Regulation Part 91 (Covering general aviation) and Part 121 (Covering Airline Operations) States that ALL firearms must be carried in an airline approved container/lock box. The weapon must be stored unloaded and seperate from the ammo.The airline must be notified far enough in advance to have the firearm listed on the Standard Dispatch Release Form aka. "The flight/airplane manifest". This rule applies to everyone including Law Enforcement Officers both local and federal. It is reccommended that you contact the Airline in question at least 1 week prior to you scheduled departure date to give them time to process the required paperwork and obtain the nessassary info they need.

Please understand that the ultimate authority as to whom/what is carried on the flight rests in the hands of the Pilot-In-Command aka the Captain. He/she has the right to refuse anyone and anything from being carried on the plane that in their opinion may be hazardous to the flight.

All airlines do have a policy for carrage of firearms, just ask the travel agent or ticket agent of that airline for a copy.

Regards and have a safe flight!
James
Airline Transport Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor, FAA Designated Check Airman,
Believer in the right to keep and bear arms,
Proud new owner of a HK P7M8!
 
I just dug alittle deeper into our operations manual and found a paragraph covering armed officers on our aircraft.

It is normally prohibited unless they are in the offical course of their duty. Then they will be boarded first and will have to check in with the Captain (aka ME!) I will welcome them aboard flight bla bla bla... And check their departmental issued I.D. with the names I will have on the Dispatch Form, wish them happy travels and thats it...

J.P.
Remember. If it ain't Boeing, It ain't Going!
Lifes short, Fly fast!
 
Mossyrock:

Unless you're an MP/MPI/CID and are involved escorting a potentially dangerous prisoner, I can't really understand what situation or mission you'd be involved in which would require you to carry a loaded handgun on your person in the cabin of a civilian passenger airliner.

Normal procedure would be for you to have it locked up (unloaded) and checked with other baggage in a secured US Army approved weapons container of some type.

Recommend you check this all out with your chain of command as well...they'd best be able to provide you with succinct guidance on this one.

Mike
 
FWIW, the procedures I outlined above are based upon my personal experience over the past 17 years as an LEO which has included the need to fly "on duty" to various venues within and without the United States.

I only point this out so that it isn't interpreted as having come from third hand info or a dusty manual.

Blues

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Live Free or Die
 
Hey Speedbug, so you're the guy who holds up the flight, as you & the gun owner have a 15 minute "bull" session on the gun the're carrying !...LOL :D

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"The Gun from Down Under !"
http://www.para1911fanclub.w3.to/
Alternate E-mail
HS2000@ausi.com
 
You bet my friend! And the occasional new stewardess that MUST be stared at for at least 10 minutes. Pre-req. for the offical FDBA (Flight Deck Badge of Approval).

;)
 
The ONLY LEO's I've heard being able carry on a plane are the US Marshalls service, and in some limited form the FBI, the Border Patrol and Postal Police.All are FEDERAL LEO's and quite frankly if you were authorized by one of these agencies you'd be briefed on the proper procedure. Ask a co-worker, he or she is far more likely to know the details better than us.

Stay safe and stay legal.

Dr.Rob
 
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