A two-year trial arming pilots in the US will begin after a US transportation sub-committee approved a bill allowing pilots to carry arms.
The Transportation Security Administration now has two months to develop a program allowing up to 1,400 pilots, or 2% of the total work force, to undergo training and carry weapons on board airplanes. Only 250 volunteers are needed for the trial to begin.
After two years, the transport security administration would make a decision on whether to continue the program or end it.
US wires point out the discrepancy between forcing airlines to spend millions strengthening doors to protect the cockpit while arming pilots who would be behind the reinforced doors.
Yesterday China Airlines, Taiwan's biggest carrier, said installing armored cockpit doors on its 30 planes that fly to America will cost it $1.2m.
The bill is scheduled before the House Transportation Committee June 26.

Related security news from e-tid.com:
US gives foreign airlines ten months to reinforce doors (18/6/02)
Cockpit camera row erupts (10/6/02)