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06/01/2004
Pilots set sights on sky marshal agreement
The row over 'sky marshals' on British passenger flights intensified today as UK pilots' representatives met with Transport Secretary Alistair Darling to voice their concerns.
The British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa) claim that the use of covert armed air marshals is a threat to passenger safety. However, while the US authorities are insisting that armed guards be boarded on certain flights in US air space, British pilots are seeking agreement over the acceptable 'rules of engagement'.
Balpa, which has instructed its members to consider not piloting aircraft with air marshals aboard, is urging the Transport Secretary to agree that pilots should not be made to take off with armed air marshals. Mr Darling told the Commons today that the use of armed sky marshals was a "prudent step."
The pilots' representative organisation is alarmed that despite being mooted some time ago the imposed use of air marshals has been rushed through.
Balpa General Secretary Jim McAuslan said that pilots had a "fundamental problem" with firearms being used in a pressurised cabin.
However, an agreement has been reached with Virgin Airways on a set of rules for sky marshals. Under the agreed rules pilots will be informed when a sky marshal is aboard, the Captain will remain in charge at all times, and only certain types of weapons will be permitted.
Earlier this week, Balpa failed to reach an agreement with British Airways.
Thomas Cook Airlines said that in the meantime if a sky marshal was allocated to a flight it would be cancelled.
Several European countries, including Denmark, Portugal and Sweden have already declined to accept weapons on board flights.
(SP)
The British Airline Pilots Association (Balpa) claim that the use of covert armed air marshals is a threat to passenger safety. However, while the US authorities are insisting that armed guards be boarded on certain flights in US air space, British pilots are seeking agreement over the acceptable 'rules of engagement'.
Balpa, which has instructed its members to consider not piloting aircraft with air marshals aboard, is urging the Transport Secretary to agree that pilots should not be made to take off with armed air marshals. Mr Darling told the Commons today that the use of armed sky marshals was a "prudent step."
The pilots' representative organisation is alarmed that despite being mooted some time ago the imposed use of air marshals has been rushed through.
Balpa General Secretary Jim McAuslan said that pilots had a "fundamental problem" with firearms being used in a pressurised cabin.
However, an agreement has been reached with Virgin Airways on a set of rules for sky marshals. Under the agreed rules pilots will be informed when a sky marshal is aboard, the Captain will remain in charge at all times, and only certain types of weapons will be permitted.
Earlier this week, Balpa failed to reach an agreement with British Airways.
Thomas Cook Airlines said that in the meantime if a sky marshal was allocated to a flight it would be cancelled.
Several European countries, including Denmark, Portugal and Sweden have already declined to accept weapons on board flights.
(SP)
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31 March 2009
Britain Hands Basra Over To US Troops
British troops have begun their official withdraw from Iraq today as Basra was formally handed to the US army. In a handover ceremony, attended by the head of Britain's armed forces, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, and US General Ray Odierno, a British military pennant was symbolically raised and lowered over the southern Iraq town.
Britain Hands Basra Over To US Troops
British troops have begun their official withdraw from Iraq today as Basra was formally handed to the US army. In a handover ceremony, attended by the head of Britain's armed forces, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, and US General Ray Odierno, a British military pennant was symbolically raised and lowered over the southern Iraq town.
23 August 2013
First Woman Is Promoted To Air Vice Marshal Within The RAF
Elaine West has become the first woman to be promoted to Air Vice-Marshal within the RAF. Air Vice-Marshal West will take up the role of Director of Projects and Programme Delivery at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
First Woman Is Promoted To Air Vice Marshal Within The RAF
Elaine West has become the first woman to be promoted to Air Vice-Marshal within the RAF. Air Vice-Marshal West will take up the role of Director of Projects and Programme Delivery at the Defence Infrastructure Organisation.
07 January 2004
Talks continue over controversial sky marshals plan
The British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa) has urged the adoption of a 'Gold Standard' for the armed sky marshals on UK flights, a move that would give the pilot responsibility as to how the marshal is deployed.
Talks continue over controversial sky marshals plan
The British Airline Pilots’ Association (Balpa) has urged the adoption of a 'Gold Standard' for the armed sky marshals on UK flights, a move that would give the pilot responsibility as to how the marshal is deployed.
28 April 2006
New Chief of Defence Staff takes over post
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup has taken over as Chief of Defence Staff, taking over from General Sir Michael Walker. Air Chief Marshal Stirrup was Chief of Air Staff between August 2003 and April 2006. He was commissioned into the RAF in 1970.
New Chief of Defence Staff takes over post
Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup has taken over as Chief of Defence Staff, taking over from General Sir Michael Walker. Air Chief Marshal Stirrup was Chief of Air Staff between August 2003 and April 2006. He was commissioned into the RAF in 1970.
10 October 2003
Service held for Iraq war dead
A service of remembrance for those who served and died in the recent campaign in Iraq has been held at St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London today. The service was led by the Queen, and included over 900 servicemen and women who served in the Gulf, and some 250 relatives and friends of the 51 soldiers who died during the conflict.
Service held for Iraq war dead
A service of remembrance for those who served and died in the recent campaign in Iraq has been held at St Paul's Cathedral in the City of London today. The service was led by the Queen, and included over 900 servicemen and women who served in the Gulf, and some 250 relatives and friends of the 51 soldiers who died during the conflict.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
