Fitzpatrick introduces bill to secure cargo aircraft cockpits

All cargo aircraft in the United States would be equipped with intrusion-resistant cockpit doors that remain locked while in flight under a bipartisan bill introduced on June 7 by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). 

The congressman signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the Cargo Flight Deck Security Act, H.R. 3909, alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL) to restrict an air carrier from operating certain aircraft in all-cargo air transportation without meeting certain requirements for intrusion resistance, according to the congressional record summary.

“Cargo airlines should have the same safety and security as other aircraft,” Rep. Fitzpatrick said. “The bipartisan Cargo Flight Deck Security Act will ensure that pilots and crews are protected by essential security requirements, and I am proud to partner with Rep. García on this legislation that furthers our shared goal of aviation safety.”

Rep. García said that cargo pilots deserve to have the same common safety and security measures that passenger plane pilots have had since 9/11. “The aviation industry must prioritize safety for cargo pilots, crews, and communities on the ground,” he said. “Deck doors are a crucial safeguard, and it’s time we require them on all new cargo planes.”

H.R. 3909 has been endorsed by the Air Line Pilots Association, the Allied Pilots Association, the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, and the AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department and is under consideration in the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.