Can a pilot carry a gun?

Yes, some airline pilots do carry guns in the cockpit but carry a gun lawfully they must belong to a special program called the Federal Flight Deck Officers (FFDOs). This program requires special training and pilots who enroll have strict limitations on when they can use the firearm.



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You can fly with a gun in your checked luggage as long as you follow TSA regulations, the policies of the airline you are flying, and local, state, and federal laws. This normally requires that guns are unloaded, locked in a hard-sided case, and declared upon check-in.

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Federal law does allow officers (and regular citizens) to bring their firearms with them in their checked luggage. (They do have to declare the firearms to airline personnel.)

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Here's what the TSA says about transporting guns and ammo, in a nutshell: Your firearm must be packed and unloaded in locked, hard-sided pistol cases in your checked baggage. Never attempt to carry on a firearm.

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TSA does not allow pilots to carry knives aboard aircraft on their persons or in their carry-on luggage. Pilots who fly their own aircraft are not under the jurisdiction of the TSA so they may carry knives on their persons or in their flight kit.

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If it's a sunny day at a quiet airport, every pilot in the world would rather fly the plane by hand, said the pilot from a major airline. But if it's busy or stormy, then a smart pilot decides to let the autopilot do some of our work.

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A LEO with an operational need to travel armed must present acceptable credentials to the airline as outlined in 49 CFR § 1544.219. In addition, a LEO must complete any required airline paperwork, referred to as Person Carrying Firearm (PCFA) forms.

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In the event of a hijacking, the pilot should divert and land the aircraft at the nearest suitable airport, where controllers can prioritize its landing and provide necessary assistance.

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Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.

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There are vast amounts of weapons seized in airports each year. These confiscated weapons, such as loaded firearms, unlicensed guns, and dangerous weapons, are usually destroyed, kept as prosecution's evidence, auctioned on eBay, or sold at a state surplus warehouse store.

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