http://propilotnews.com/2008/03/video-poss...for-pilots.html

Why wouldn't the pistol's built in safety be engaged? Does the required pistol model have a safety toggle on the slide? I thought most semi automatic pistols were modeled after the 1911 Army semi automatic with the safety on the slide in addition to one on the grip.Why would there be a round in the chamber? The pistol would be more resistant to an accidental discharge if the required procedure delayed putting a round into the chamber until the pilot extracted the pistol from the holster with the intention of discharging it.

Looks like the FFDO program normally uses an H&K USP firearm. Unlike a 1911, it can be fired in double action and it looks like it can be fitted with a decocking lever, or combo decocking and safety. Don't know what they use. I suspect that it is typical to have round in chamber when carrying a DA gun for LEOs.scott s..

Carrying a pistol for defense with no round in the chamber, and racking the slide before needing it, is not advisable. When seconds count, the last thing that you want to do is be drawing your weapon, and then trying to chamber a round under the stress of the attack. One last thing. This is a fine point, but an important one. The pilot was involved in a negligent discharge of his firearm, and NOT an accidental discharge. An accidental discharge occurs when the firearm malfunctions in some manner, resulting in an unintended firing of the weapon. A negligent discharge occurs when a perfectly functioning firearm is caused to fire it's round because of the careless actions of the user. Accidental discharges are rare, while negligent discharges are many.Tim13

I rather fly with an armed flight crew.JimCYWG

Jim, please expand a little

Not voting for or against but:In the 1930s, were not all pilots carrying the U.S. Mail *required* to be armed

To add to our discussion, here's a cut-and-paste from this article."Postal regulations also required pilots to wear a sidearm as a means of protecting the mail, much like their predecessors in the days of the pony express."http://www.airmailpioneers.org/Pilots/FermonStone.htmIf you read the article, notice the bit about him being arrested. :-( --Roger

My guess is that back then, most of them carried revolvers, which are basically foolproof. The trend towards semi-autos has not been a good thing, in my opinion. Most lawmen are not gun enthusiasts, and consider a sidearm merely a tool of the trade. To use a semi effectively takes extensive training.Bunson

Tim, I agree with your points 100%. As I stated before, a firearm not ready to fire is a paper weight.