I–Team Investigation: Cockpit Danger Story Comments

Due to a technical glitch we have re-posted comments previously made on the I-Team Investigation: Cockpit Danger story. The comments are posted below. To read the original story, click here.

Jay Mutchler •

"First of all - Thank you to CBS3 and Charlotte Huffman for investigating and airing this story! Your timing is perfect given the recent revelations regarding ISIL and the continued threat to the US aviation industry. This should be aired nationally to shed light on the continued trade off of safety for dollars in the airline industry. This is also a crystal clear and DISGUSTING example of politics and lobbying (= corruption) at its worst. Congressman Shuster is obviously not representing anyone but the lobbyists and should be further exposed for his actions. As a 17 year veteran of the airline industry, I have followed this particular issue for many years and every study I've read and every pilot, flight attendant and savvy passenger understands, that this simple measure of installing secondary barriers would dramatically reduce the threat of another cockpit breach. Unfortunately, it does not surprise me that the airlines are resisting this measure due to cost - bean counting management doesn't see past this quarters bottom line. Every aviation professional realizes that MORE needs to be done to protect our aircraft and passengers. The industry is letting its guard down through complacency, cost cutting and politics. The professional pilots that are responsible for the flying publics safety every day want these secondary barriers installed! Simply put - it's a no brainer - small one time cost for huge preventative benefit. Congress and the industry need to stop corrupting the legislative process and do the right thing for the American people and the flying public"

Rob Slovitsky •

"Secondary barriers are long overdue. When the cockpit door is open the aircraft, crew, passengers, and all citizens below are in a state of heightened danger. This unfortunately has already been proven. These barriers are comparatively cheap compared to many of the other security measures already in place. They provide an extra layer of defense in a vulnerable situation. Rep Shuster should do the right thing for the country. I'm so tired of politics and agendas getting in the way and preventing this great country from moving forward and providing the expected level of security that all citizens deserve."

Ellen Saracini •

"Legacy United did loose two airplanes on September 11th. When they realized, through operational use, that there still was a vulnerability when the cockpit door was open for crew rest, meal and bathroom breaks, Legacy United started to install secondary barriers. Legacy United installed the barriers during bankruptcy talks, and continued to install them during bankruptcy. Then they merged with Continental. The management team now at United is a Continental management. So you see, Continental never lost any planes on September 11th, and I supposed we are to believe was not affected by September 11th. Unfortunately Jeffrey Smiseks' decision to remove the secondary barriers from the new 787's undermines the one airlines philosophy who was there for the safety and security of our passengers and crew."

Luanne •

"I cannot believe that , with the threats that face our nation and its people this act has not been implemented. I find it to be a disgrace that the COST of cockpit barriers has been put before the LIVES and SAFETY of our pilots and passengers. Are we waiting for another terrible tragedy for Congress to act on this? Just make it happen"

Captain Ed Folsom •

"Where is the leadership from the TSA on this issue? They participated in the RTCA committee and the TSA has been quoted as being in support of secondary barriers. There is a Cato-sponsered study that was done that concluded that this is by far the most cost-effective way available to protect America's commercial jet cockpits. So where is the cost-benefit analysis? Where is the transparency? And what exactly do they mean by 'risk-based'? Isn't cost effectiveness a part of risk management?"

jacobsonsm •

"I believe these secondary barriers will stop a breach of the flight deck. We must pressure Congress and the airlines to mandate they be used on all passenger and cargo flights. ALPA (Airline Pilot Association) supports the introduction of this added layer of security. Please contact your Senators and Congressman/woman and tell them to stand up for aviation security. This is a great way to remember Captain Victor Saracini from United Flight 175, which was hijacked on 9/11. The Saracini Aviation Safety Act would address this problem by requiring each commercial aircraft to install a barrier, other than the cockpit door, to prevent access to the flight deck of an aircraft. Let's fix this problem now.
Steven Jacobson
787, First Officer, United Airlines"

Virginia Wilson •

"What's shocking is that 13 years later this isn't done! I am a cousin of Ellen Saracini who lost her husband Capt. Victor Saracini. I am also an ex airline employee that flew all the time. The cost of this should not matter, as the airline will make that cost back and you cannot put a cost on the human life. It is a disgrace that we cannot make this happen to prevent another cockpit breach! PLEASE I ASK YOU MAKE THIS HAPPEN NOW...."

Laurie Herrlinger •

"If only one time the new barrier worked to save a life, it would be worth the cost. If the cockpit is not protected, the entire plane and passengers will suffer. The cost seems minimal to ensure further safety of all those aboard."

Yopaulie •

"As many before, I am an airline captain and the barriers are a much needed addition to allow for secure cockpits. Removal of the barriers from originally ordered aircraft is nothing more than penny pinching in the worst possible area, SAFETY is not an option, it needs to be MANDATED and if the airlines want to pitch pennies its time for the public to pressure lawmakers to require secondary barriers."

gizmoworks •

"Although airlines claim safety is their first priority, they have proven otherwise. Removal of the secondary cockpit barriers from the 787 is an outrage that flies in the face of safety. Being safe costs money, and thus they will not spend the money unless they are forced to do so. The flying public must rise up and demand these secondary barriers, or it won't happen."

charles rowe •

"being an airline pilot for 40 tears i am sad to say that we have learned little since that fateful day homeland security is only a name and run by those who are asleep at the switch if we had the sense to get security advice from Israel the towers would still be there and all those lives would have been spared and we still dont take the threat seriously that is obvious the borders are still open and the cockpits are not secure wake up Schuster"

Susan Clark •

"As a family member who lost my brother in law, Captain Victor John Saracini, United Flight 175 on September 11th, I cannot believe 13 years later we are talking about protecting the cockpit from a breach. Do we not remember that clear crisp morning when a plane left Boston's airport westbound for the California coast. Do we not remember a breach of the cockpit that took the lives of the pilots and gave control of a weapon of mass destruction to terrorists who crashed into buildings and into a field. That day became cloudy, and that cloud has not lifted in the lives that were left behind, a bit broken, never to be the same. With a sad heart, Susan Clark"

sclark767 •

"As a 757 Captain with 40 years of experience, I am appalled that this simple solution to cockpit security is being blocked by Congress in collusion with Airlines 4 America (now there's an oxymoron!) There is not a day that goes by that we are not vulnerable to another attack without these barriers. Rep. Shuster, A4A, UCH, and should be utterly ashamed. All of this over a few dollars.... shame!"

Seattle_Guy •

"Many of us in the cockpit are carrying guns (awesome) my airline has secondary barriers on my fleet, but not all of our fleets (not awesome) A secondary barrier is a an absolute must, no debate. Even with a gun at their side, the pilots will have the greatest amount of cockpit security if those barriers are in place. The fact that Rep. Shuster is taking "campaign" donations (really? it's pay off money) and stonewalling this bill and hiding from news reporters is absolutely criminal. (absolutely not awesome) I would like to see this guy get dumped by the voters in the next election"

justskipper •

"If, as insider comments here suggest, airlines resist these cockpit barriers due to
cost and have politicians in their pockets, what does that imply about unseen
layers of security airlines claim to have instituted since 911?"

SamB •

"Shameful when airline management and congress willfully ignore history and choose to block common sense measures just to save a few bucks. Penny wise, pound foolish when the next 9/11 incident happens that could have easily been prevented by mandated secondary cockpit barriers."

jimpeel •

"So my post never appeared even though there was nothing offensive in it. I pointed out that firearms in the cockpit may have prevented the takeover of the planes on 9/11. I gave an example of how that actually happened in 1954 when an airline pilot shot and killed a hijacker with a firearm that all pilots were required to carry at that time. Look up a story that originally appeared in the Houston Chronicle in 2001 entitled "Hero in the cockpit: Pistol served pilot well in '54". I originally gave a link but you will have to find it yourself. That may be why the mods killed my post. We'll see how this one fares."

Robb •

"I am a pilot for an airline that lost two crews, two groups of passengers and two aircraft on 9/11/2001. My employer currently has voluntarily installed secondary barriers on the aircraft I fly, and obviously takes cockpit security very seriously. I urge Congress to pass legislation to mandate secondary barriers to be installed on ALL airliners so as to add another layer of security protection for the public and crews, and help to ensure that another 9/11-type attack never occurs again. I am very cognizant that it could have be me that was commandeered on that most terrible of days in our nation's and industry's history..........."

justskipper •

"I suspect the accusation that United actually removed existing cockpit barriers is simply loose gossip. See "LC" above who claims United "attempted" to have cockpit barriers removed. The accusation would gain credibility with a link to an objective, reliable source."

737Flyer •

"Thank you for bringing this story into public view for discussion and ACTION! As long-time pilot, I was glad to see reinforced cockpit doors put on our planes. However, they only work when the door is closed. Airlines talk about security being a "layered" approach that passengers don't always see. True, but anyone who wants to do us harm can "see" that we have left out an important element which, if installed, can give valuable time to close the cockpit door and prevent another attack. Airline management and Congressional inaction are both responsible for this weak link in the chain. I don't want to see another 9/11 style attack to prove the cost benefit analysis of adding secondary barriers. If it happens a second time, airlines again will run to Congress to bail them out and give them money for the resultant economic downturn that will happen. Congress needs to take action now and force the airlines to do what they should have been doing all along for the safety of the traveling public and their crew members. Representative Schuster's inaction is disgraceful in light of coming face-to-face with a widow who does not want the same fate to happen to others."

Ann Duffy •

"Life is worth so much more than the amount of money it would take to,at least, add another layer of security to the cockpit. Let's not wait for another attack to happen to do what should be done now. Shame on you Representative Shuster!"

Steve •

"Remember the motto "never forget" we must not get complacent . Secondary barriers are the safest way to secure the cockpit and there is nothing but politics standing in the way."

justskipper •

"Steve B asserted that United was actually removing existing cockpit barriers from aircraft. That accusation doesn't pass a smell test. United lost two airplanes on 911. There's no way executives at that company would remove cockpit barriers and no possibility the unions would tolerate it. Pilots and flight attendants, many of whom lost friends and acquaintances, would walk off the job and nobody would fault them for it."

B737 Capt •

"What is even more frightening, when the cart comes out to block, everybody knows that the cockpit door is about to open. A perfect time for somebody to imminently plan to make a move toward the cockpit. Congress waste more time talking about preventing steroid use in professional sports or about changing the name of certain sport franchises-which they shouldn't be involved in-but nothing toward a "simple but effective measure" to prevent the worst tragedy in USA history from happening again. For the airlines not to invest the cash to install these barriers but recently paid the CEO of United, Jeff Smisek, an additional $20 million and not toward better security on our aircraft, seriously disgust me."

Joe Brennan •

"Great report Charotte, keep on him to pass this mandate. Makes me sick that after nearly 3000 deaths on 9/11, greed may still influence a decision
jeopardizing our safety. I am so tired of political greed and self interest. Shame on you Congressman Shuster and the airlines for not pushing this forward immediately. What is wrong with you people?! Sometimes you have to do the right thing, even if it cost you money. I hope to God that it does not take another breach of the cockpit to teach you a lesson. I guess nearly 3000 deaths were not enough. So how many deaths will it take for you to make this happen?"

F/O •

"Since none of the major airlines is installing a secondary barrier, that tells me it takes a government mandate to make it happen. When we started using a catering cart to protect the cockpit, this was a temporary fix. This fix wasn't to keep the determined out of the cockpit but to hopefully slow them down enough for the crew to re-close the door. I dread the day someone makes it into the cockpit and closes the door, because as others that said, once they get in no one will be able to get through that door. Once in control, as 9/11 showed, it is not just the people in that aircraft that lose, but anyone near the ground target. That may be any major city downtown, nuclear power plant, major dam, etc. But don't worry about losing Congressman Shuster. Our DC buildings are well protected at a cost far, far above the cost of a second door."

Captain Ed Folsom •

"Believe it or not, even with all the money the government has spent on aviation security, today we are more vulnerable to a hijack than we were on 9/11/01. How is this so?...Because the fortress door that Congress mandated, which works great when it is closed, is opened numerous times during flight, and when the door is opened, the cockpit is just as vulnerable as before. But what Congress and the industry didn't think about was, if an attacker gets into the cockpit and closes the door, there is NOTHING anyone can do to regain control of the cockpit. Game over, everyone dies. This is why it is essential that Congress finish the job they started 13 years ago and mandate the secondary barrier. This barrier, along with good crew procedures, will solve the problem of hijacking and save our Country from another horrific day like we had on 9/11/01."

Captain John Barton •

"What Congressman Shuster is doing is unconscionable holding HR1775 up from a vote on the floor. I have worked in DC over the past two years with Ellen Saracini, Widow Capt Victor Saracini, as the POC of the legislative effort to get these bills passed. In less than eight months we were able to get two bills introduced - HR1775 (Congressman Fitzpatrick) in the House, and companion bill S1495 (Senator Casey) in the Senate.

Shuster; and other usual suspects in the pockets of the corporations or Airlines for America (A4A) lobbying group; have done everything they can to stall these bills from coming to the floor. What is becoming very apparent is the fact that another 9/11 is out there in the future with current security procedures being less than adequate. The argument the corporations use is that they are in compliance with FAA and TSA mandates and will not do anything on their own until told to by the government.

A good analogy to this concept of inaction is Weather Radar and TCAS (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) on airplanes today, both forced by the government. When these two technological advances came about, the airline managements touted that their pilots were better trained so therefore they did not need to retrofit their aircraft with these systems. Future accidents forced the issue at the cost of human life.

We already had the "risk assessment analysis" on September 11th, 2001! Do we need another? I should think not. We do not know what happened to the Malaysian flight 370, but we are sure their inflight security procedures when pilots exit and enter the cockpit were lacking. Another disturbing fact is several flights have diverted recently due to unruly passengers. We must not isolate the disasters that may happen in the air solely based on terrorist action as most incidents that happen are unstable individuals. Columbine, Aurora, and Sandy Hook should be stark reminders of what can happen in a moments notice. Take these scenarios to 30,000 feet above the earth, and then imagine what could happen if an unstable person were to breach the cockpit because a secondary barrier was not there to stop them. The report that Charlotte Huffman has written here includes "Two Seconds to Breach" which was actually based on the results of the study done by the FAA Special Committee RTCA SC221. Even Federal Air Marshalls' have stated that the time factor is critical to take action stopping an assailant hard pressed to breach a cockpit. It is not a matter of "will it happen" it's a matter of "When Will It Happen!"

Senator Rockefeller has S1495 in his committee, and it could be released tomorrow for a vote. What Senator would actually vote against this bill? Congressman Shuster has HR1775 in his committee, and it could be released tomorrow for a vote. What Congressperson would actually vote against this bill?

The corporations and A4A want to diminish certain layers of security on airplanes in order to support secondary barriers. It is classified information which layers and what they want to do, but know this ... it is disgusting what these people are pushing to put Americans in harms way to save a buck.

I want to thank Charlotte Huffman for her excellent portrayal of the facts and what is going on. You only have to follow the money to know what is going on.

Congress is going to own the next 9/11 because it is certain people like Ellen Saracini and her supporters have briefed all of Congress on the facts. The blood will be on their hands, specifically Congressman Bill Shuster. His demeanor is shown so well as Charlotte asked him for comment. One time Ellen Saracini was trying tot alk to him and he ran down the hallway yelling he had to go pass some legislation! Imagine that. How about passing some security legislation Bill on Secondary Barriers?

Captain John Barton
UAL C57 Legislative Member
POC Secondary Barriers / Ellen Saracini
jr2017@gmail.com"

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