Pilots8217; Assn opposes sky commando plan

The ICPA General Secretary said: 8220;We have objected saying that installing air marshals on planes is a potential hazard.8221; Singh said that several pilots have raised questions about the safety of the aircraft in case of mid-air commando action. The ICPA has expressed fears that stationing commandos can cause problems ranging from those of mere coordination with the crew to even a crash and suggested that measures betaken on the ground than in air.

8220;If a commando fires insides an aircraft, it can cause immediate decompression and blow up the plane. This has happened in the late 8217;80s with a foreign airlines aircraft,8221; he said. 8220;Even something like five to six people running towards one end of the plane to another can disturb the aerodynamics of the aircraft, endangering everyone8217;s lives on board,8221; he added. M P S Pujji, another pilot, said that the move 8220;is useless and impractical.

In the age of suicide squads and trained terrorists, you cannot afford to have fights in mid-air.8221; Another pilot pointed out that raising ground-security levels is the only preventive measure to minimise the risk of hijacks.

The association has reportedly suggested that security be strengthened at airports instead. 8220;For better security at the ground level, we demand that an exclusive professional and motivated force be raised for airport security,8221; Singh added. The association has said that the Government should remove localpolice from airports. Even the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security BCAS draws personnel from different state police forces, which ICPA sources said, defeats the purpose of exclusivity. 8220;Instead, the airport is seen as a punishment posting,8221; an office-bearer said.