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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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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
