Self Defense Knowledge Makes Flights Safer for All

Nearly a decade has passed since the tragedy of 9/11 and still flight attendants and pilots are not required to take any self defense classes. While the TSA considers ”able-bodied passengers” the first line of defense for any situation that occurs on board, it makes good sense to ensure that flight crews are ready to act as well.

Just last Christmas, passengers had to climb over one another to subdue the al-Queda operative that managed to board a US bound plane. The crew was unable to do anything, not having any training in self defense or disarming techniques. This problem has become systemic.

The Not-so-Friendly Skies
As is evidenced by the frequent reports of passengers behaving badly while under the influence, of simply when angry, the need to train flight crews is obvious. One must assume that money is a consideration, when faced with the thought of training the thousands of flight personnel that routinely work in US owned airplanes.

In testimony given to the US Senate in 2005, flight professionals testified that: “Neither flight attendants nor pilots have received what aviation self-defense experts would consider appropriate and effective self-defense training at even a basic level…” Things haven’t changed at all since that hearing.

The conclusions of the hearing stated that even years after the 9/11 attack on airliners in US airspace, flight crews were no better prepared to defend their aircraft against anyone intending to cause trouble; terrorist or civilian. TSA regulations' prohibiting certain items on board aircraft were seen as only the first step towards making air travel safer.

How this affects travelers
While it isn’t a pleasant thought, all travelers should have some basic self defense skills. Studies conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice show that resistance to criminals is effective 67% of the time. Even simple measures can help. It goes without saying that our air crews should be receiving self defense classes on an ongoing basis. Until that happens, we passengers must face the problem head on.