Meanwhile, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which had been opposed to arming pilots, is now supporting a scaled-down version of the Smith amendment passed yesterday. The TSA was given the authority last year to implement a training program for armed pilots, but refused to do so under its former head John Magaw. New TSA head Admiral James M. Loy has outlined the parameters he would like to see for a limited test program.
The TSA’s support for a test program is certainly an improvement over its previous position. But NRA will continue to work to ensure any qualified pilot who wishes to take part in the armed pilots program is able to do so. Please contact your U.S. Senators and urge them to keep the Smith amendment intact, and to do everything possible to ensure any armed pilots program passed includes every pilot interested in participating in the program. And if your Senators voted in favor of the Smith amendment, please be sure to thank them. To reach your U.S. Senators, call (202) 224-3121. You can also use our "Write Your Representatives" tool to find additional contact information.