"Pilot's Gun Incident on Delta Flight Sparks Debate on Arming Commercial Pilots"

A former Delta co-pilot, Jonathan J. Dunn, has been indicted for allegedly threatening to shoot a flight captain who attempted to divert their plane due to a passenger's medical emergency. The incident has raised questions about whether commercial airline pilots are allowed to carry loaded guns on flights. Pilots can carry guns under the Federal Flight Deck Officer program, which authorizes flight crew members to use firearms for self-defense against criminal violence and air piracy. Candidates for the program must meet specific criteria and undergo training and requalification. Boarding a flight with a concealed weapon is a federal crime for passengers and crew without authorization. The incident is under investigation by the FBI, FAA, and TSA. Dunn is scheduled for arraignment on November 16.