Flak Continues Over Cuts to Armed-pilot Program

Despite a current mission that calls for preventing terrorism and enhancing security, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proceeding with plans to cut funding in half—from $25.1 million to $12.5 million—for the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program. The FFDO trains airline pilots in the use of handguns they are then allowed to carry into the cockpit for protection from intruders.