Flew Delta JFK-LAX-SAN the other day. On the last leg a deadheading pilot in uniform sat in front of me. When he stood up, I saw he was wearing a very heavy-duty polymer piece firmly attached outside his uniform belt. It looked like a Kydex holster—or some other device—could snap onto this piece.
It would make sense as he could wear that when out of the cockpit then snap a holstered firearm to it when locked in the cockpit, without the dangers of the apparent TSA-approved padlock nonsense.
Haven’t found any photos of a similar rig when Duck-duck-going.
Can one of our pilots help with this?

Phone holder.

Man...I hate to sound all mysterious on this, but the Feds are pretty picky about this info. With all due respect, while it is public knowledge there is in fact a Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program at all major airlines, I don't think it needs to be public knowledge exactly what goes on "behind those closed doors". As an airline pilot, I don't feel comfortable sharing any information that may be regarded as "Security Sensitive Information" (SSI) with respect to the FFDO program and I would hope my brothers and sisters in aviation would take that same view. If you discover information readily available on the internet about the subject, then so be it...I presume DHS, the FAA, and the DOT won't care. I'm personally not in a position to readily offer up that info; I hope you can appreciate my stance. snsguppy or otto pilot or other Part 121 pilots I don't know about on the forum may feel differently.

Sure it wasn’t a phone holder?

Thats a damn phone and nothing else. Magpul makes a phone case. No big deal

Attention would Sjtill please report to the office

My curiosity does not extend to the point of wanting to compromise security. I'm sure it was just a phone holder.

So... what's the best way to try not to attract attention to something??

"Nothing to see here. Move Along!!!" This isn't Super Secrete Squirrel Shit.

A quick search will determine that Gould and Goodrich offer holster devices that enable a padlock to be used for securing the weapon in place. In addition, it has a plate like adapter to enable the holster and weapon to be removed - simply.

The program scares the crap out of me. I know and have shot with about a dozen FFOD qualified pilots. It's scary how they handle weapons. And their shooting is worse.

But, the question "is something better than nothing" in this situation. Yes, possibly maybe.

Just my $0.02

Andrew

I carry a small surefire flashlight on my felt, because I use it constantly; I carry it at work and when not at work. It rides in a blackhawk carrier, upside down to keep junk off the bezel. Occasionally security somewhere around the world questions it; a quick flash of light and they're satisfied. Works great.

A few years ago I was at an indoor range, shooting a HK USC .45. It has very little recoil, and is easy to print tight groups. The guy in the next lane was shooting with his boy. I noticed that his target bore almost no holes; the few that I saw were on the periphery.

He leaned around the barrier and asked what I was shooting. I invited him to try it out. He asked if I could try his pistol, a HK USP .40. He said he thought something might be wrong with it. I did; it grouped as one might expect, to point of aim, and without mechanical problems. Same crappy double action pull.

I suspected as much, but was validated when he admitted he was an FFDO. I've met more than a few who couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. That doesn't mean all, but certainly some.

I support the program. I think a bit more discretion might be in order when determining who participates, and their qualification to do so. Given some of the low hanging fruit, the minimum standard ought to be raised.

Reminds me of the adage of the ‘middle aged guy with the untucked Hawaiian shirt’, trying to be ‘the gray man’.

Maybe he was doing the same with some kydex?

With that on his belt, I'd be willing to guess he also had on white socks and New Balance shoes. (I know there's a lot of love for New Balance here on the forum, but it's a running gag that they are part of the off duty uniform for middle aged and older pilots. )

I don't think I've ever seen anyone wearing New Balance shoes in uniform, but those Dr. Scholes are comfy. Makes life a bit easier for those 30-hour duty days.

I have seen a couple of guys in Crocs, though. I wouldn't know about those.

Is there not any training for these pilots - are they just appointed and maybe given some gear and told what to do ?

Seems like even a one hour class on marksmanship if NOTHING else....would at least get them on the paper at a shooting range. Proper stance, proper grip, proper site picture ? It's not rocket science and we have to assume they are at least of average intelligence since they learned to fly...

quote:

Originally posted by SBrooks:
Is there not any training for these pilots - are they just appointed and maybe given some gear and told what to do ?

Seems like even a one hour class on marksmanship if NOTHING else....would at least get them on the paper at a shooting range. Proper stance, proper grip, proper site picture ? It's not rocket science and we have to assume they are at least of average intelligence since they learned to fly...

I know of at least one on this forum and, honestly, he’s the best shooter I know with a handgun. He’s brought my level up from all the years shooting together.

He also qualifies regularly with his firearm, at least annually but maybe more, just like a regular Fed.

quote:

Originally posted by SBrooks:

we have to assume they are at least of average intelligence since they learned to fly.

Hah! You should meet some of the students I have had.

quote:

"Security Sensitive Information"

Really? Then why is the subject of the OP walking around so everybody can see him wearing it? Is it something other than an ordinary phone or flashlight holder? You just implied it.

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:

quote:

"Security Sensitive Information"

Really? Then why is the subject of the OP walking around so everybody can see him wearing it? Is it something other than an ordinary phone or flashlight holder? You just implied it.

I’m not totally up on security regulations, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say that just because someone else showed off something that may or may not be SSI doesn’t allow others to broadcast their knowledge without fear of repercussions.

quote:

Originally posted by Otto Pilot:
I know there's a lot of love for New Balance here on the forum, but it's a running gag that they are part of the off duty uniform for middle aged and older pilots.

So, how many pairs do you have?

quote:

Originally posted by sourdough44:
Reminds me of the adage of the ‘middle aged guy with the untucked Hawaiian shirt’, trying to be ‘the gray man’.

Maybe he was doing the same with some kydex?

Threadjack, but this reminds me of me. That's why the security guy at the gun show gave me the eye-I just grinned and pulled my shirt up. But I really do wear my favorite Hawaiian shirt a lot-most comfortable shirt I own.