Welcome back to the 39th installment of my blog, in which I don’t claim to be an expert, in fact, the opposite. I’m a new user to the AR platform and want to share my findings and experiences as I go through and build rifles as well as being the Operations Manager at Tyrant Designs.

During a security checkpoint Wednesday morning at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, a Southwest pilot was found to have had a handgun in his carry-on bag. The TSA officers who found the handgun took the pilot into their custody for unlawful use of a weapon.

Around 5 am Wednesday, TSA officers were going through the pilot’s bag when they came across a loaded 9mm Smith and Wesson M&P Shield (One of my favorite handguns). Local Authorities took possession of the firearm. What is known is that the pilot did not have a conceal carry license. They have not formally charged the pilot yet, and the St. Louis County prosecutors have not been contacted. Passengers on the flight he was supposed to command were given $100 vouchers for their inconvenience (LOL).

For those that don’t know, firearms may be secured in airline-approved cases and transported in checked baggage but cannot be carried on the plane. In 2017, this is the 46th firearm discovered and confiscated by Lambert International Airport’s TSA. Firearm discoveries are up 28% since 2015, says the TSA. (ehhhhhh that seems like a high figure, no?)

This news may not be the most exciting thing you’ve heard all year but I think it brings up a valid question. Should pilots be able to conceal carry on airplanes? My answer is yes! I believe that willing and able pilots should be trained to holster a weapon to keep the passengers on the plane safe.

Right after 9/11 a bill was introduced by W. Bush which allowed pilots to do this such thing. Called an FFDO (Federal Fight Deck Officer) pilots were able to go to training, receive a free handgun at the end of the course, and be allowed to carry onboard! However shortly after sequester happened the programs funding was cut off and the program became too expensive for most flight crew. Hence why you don't see pilots carrying now.

Personally, flying makes me nervous. Typically because of the turbulence, the shifty people next to me, and the lack of almonds (enough with the peanuts already). Do you think Pilots should be trained to conceal carry on airplanes? Let me know in the comments below.

***Shameless self-promotion*** Have you heard about our new M&P Shield 9mm +2 mag extensions coming out? DO YOU want to hear about it? You tell me below. Aces