Image courtesy of Aaron Koblin
About FFDOs (Federal Flight Deck Officers) The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks tragically demonstrated the need for a multi-layered approach to securing commercial airliners -- and in particular the cockpit -- from terrorist and criminal assault. In addition to improved security at airport checkpoints, the use of federal air marshals, and the hardening of cockpit doors, the Transportation Security Administration developed the Federal Flight Deck Officer program as an additional layer of security. Under this program, eligible flight crewmembers are authorized by the Transportation Security Administration Office of Law Enforcement/Federal Air Marshal Service to use firearms to defend against an act of criminal violence or air piracy attempting to gain control of an aircraft. Federal Flight Deck Officers are trained by the Federal Air Marshal Service on the use of firearms, use of force, legal issues, defensive tactics, the psychology of survival and program standard operating procedures.
The FFDOA is a non-profit corporation created for the professional association of volunteer pilots. We offer benefits exclusively for members including: insurance and legal counsel; discounts on training and equipment; and a forum to discuss operational issues. Also, and perhaps most importantly, we provide a unified voice to Congress and our parent agency, TSA/OLE/FAMS, on issues relevant to improving our operations. Dues will be used for the establishment of legal funds, retainers and program management. Officers will donate their time and must be active in the program. As a large group of Federal Law Enforcement Officers, we need and deserve our own professional association.
Please see the corrected version of my update below. I was informed that one of my statements was "political" and "partisan", which was not my intention at all. FFDOA …
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Please see the corrected version of my update below. I was informed that one of my statements was "political" and "partisan", which was not my intention at all. FFDOA …
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Hello [firstname], FFDO Stakeholder Meeting Federal Air Marshal Training Center Atlantic CIy, NJ Held 27 Aug 2025 The quarterly FFDO stakeholder meeting held (this time) in Atlantic City NJ …
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