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Discussion Topic: Gun Accidentally Fires, Pilot Gets Fired
From CNN:
A US Airways pilot who aviation officials say accidentally fired his handgun in the cockpit during a flight will be fired, a spokesman for a flight officers group said.
The airline has begun the termination process for Capt. James Langenhahn, said Mike Karn, vice president of the Federal Flight Deck Officers Association.
Langenhahn told police that he was stowing his gun in the cockpit of a jet preparing to land in Charlotte,
North Carolina, last month when it accidentally fired. . . .
Karn said his group, which represents pilots who are federally trained and allowed to carry firearms on flights, will fight the termination.
"This was accidental not intentional," Karn said. "This is not the way to treat a long-term pilot."
What do you think? Should the pilot be fired?
Um, William, the plane would NOT drop like a rock, what the hell is wrong with you? Do some research...
And NO, I would NOT fire him!! That is just total B.S.!!
Does a cop lose his job after a negligent discharge?! NO!!
Posted by: Scrap5000 | April 28, 2008 at 03:45 PM
Scrap5000,
Yes, a pressurized plane that decompresses does indeed drop like a rock. It loses lift instantly when this happens because of destabalization of the very same pressures that keep the plane in the air. The pressure of air coming out of the hole in the pressurized airplane affects the lift on the plane heavily. If a plane doesn't have a pressurized cabin this won't happen however. Would you fly on a plane with a pilot who puts you at risk through careless firearms handling?
Posted by: William | April 29, 2008 at 02:19 AM