Pilots want guns in cockpits

WASHINGTON -- The Air Line Pilots Association is pressing for federal legislation that would allow pilots to carry firearms in cockpits, a move the union says could prevent hijackings.

"This is a reflection on how much the attack on Sept. 11 has changed everything we thought about hijackings and terrorism," said union spokesman John Mazor.

He said armed pilots in cockpits would be a radical step for the union, but the idea is supported overwhelmingly by its pilot members.

The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits pilots from being armed.

The union's president, Capt. Duane Woerth, was testifying Tuesday before the House Transportation aviation subcommittee in support of arming pilots.