Dear 9/11 Family Members:
THIS IS AN URGENT REQUEST!
As you know, I have been an advocate for safety and security since the tragic events of September 11th, 2001. Last year I heard the disturbing news that United Airlines was taking the secondary barriers off of their new Dreamliner 787 aircraft.
A secondary barrier is a light weight wire mesh gate installed between the passenger cabin and the cockpit door that is locked into place and blocks access to the flight deck whenever the cockpit door is opened during flight. In 2001, Congress mandated the installation of reinforced cockpit doors as a first step toward preventing another 9/11 type breach of the cockpit. However, operational experience revealed some residual risk that needs to be addressed; specifically, that the cockpit door must be opened several times during flight for pilot meals, restroom use, and other reasons. In response, voluntary airline industry movement toward adopting secondary barriers began in 2003, but commitment to deploying these devices has waned significantly. H.R.1775 (Saracini Aviation Safety Act of 2013) simply fulfills the intent of Congress to protect cockpits that began over a decade ago.
I am asking you all to read the documents attached and follow the instructions to write your representatives in Congress. This measure of security is common sense legislation, cost effective, and a necessary step in protecting our crews and passengers in the skies above us.Please share these links with your family and friends. FACEBOOK Passenger Safety First; Twitter
For a fact sheet about the Saracini Aviation Safety Act of 2013, please click here.
