Aircraft Hijacking

Do you intend to answer truthfully each question?
Did that study take place?
Did you discuss aircraft hijacking?
Did you discuss the possibility of hijacked aircraft destroying buildings?

Who will decide whether a defendant is in fact a "knowing participant in any conspiracy to hijack any aircraft or commit any terrorist act?"



Introduction
Hijacking is a fact of modern life. Aircraft hijacking is the take-over of an aircraft, by
a person or group, usually armed. 
Flights have been the target of terrorism several times throughout the history of air
travel. And now, the information that airlines gather regarding its passengers may be
used to track down terrorists.The first recorded aircraft hijack was on February 21, 1931, in Arequipa, Peru.
Armed revolutionaries approached Byron Richards flying a Ford Tri-Motor on the
ground. He refused to fly them anywhere and after a ten day stand-off, Richards was
informed that the revolution was successful and he could go in return for giving one
of their number a lift to Lima. Most hijackings have not been so ridiculous. The first
hijack of a commercial airliner probably happened on June 16, 1948, when a failed
attempt to gain control of the Miss Macao, a seaplane of a Cathay Pacific subsidiary
company, caused it to crash into the sea off Macau. On September 12, 1948 a Greek
T.A.E Airlines plane was successfully hijacked by 6 pro-communist students who
wanted passage to Yugoslavia.  In 1968-69, there was a
massive rise in the number of hijackings. In 1968, there were 27 hijackings and
attempted hijackings to Cuba. In 1969, there were 82 recorded hijack attempts
worldwide, more than twice the total attempts for the whole period 1947-67. Most
were Palestinians using hijacks as a political weapon to publicize their cause and to
force the Israeli government to release Palestinian prisoners from jail.
Airliner hijackings have declined since the peak of 385 incidents between 1967 and
1976. In 1977-86, the total had dropped to 300 incidents and in 1987-96, this figure
was reduced to 212.


Is it safe to fly?

Why are they banning liquids?
Will there be any exceptions?
Does an ability to detect liquid explosives exist?

Negotiations/Procedure
Negotiations with hijackers may seem endless. Hostages may be moved to various
locations. During negotiations, lives may be threatened. Some hostages may be
released in exchange for food, fuel, departure, etc. Negotiations are the longest part
of a hijacking.

Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for what will happen.

If you are told to keep your head down or to keep a certain body position,
relax into that position. You may need to stay that way for some time.

If you are addressed by hijackers, respond using a relaxed tone of voice.

Use your time by casually observing the characteristics and behavior of
the hijackers and possible collaborators.

Mentally give nicknames to each hijacker and notice their clothes, faces,
postures and temperaments.

If you or a nearby passenger need assistance due to illness or discomfort,
request assistance from an employee, crew member or other person.

Do not attempt to approach the hijackers unless they have assisted other
passengers.

If you are singled out by a hijacker, respond to questions, but do not
volunteer information.


Possible Solutions
The last phase of a hijacking is resolution, by a rescue team or through negotiation.
A rescue force entry may be similar to the hijacker's takeover - noise, chaos and
possibly shooting.

If you hear gunshots, immediately lower your head or drop to the floor.

If instructed by a rescuer to move, move quickly. Put your hands up in the
air or behind your head. Make no sudden movements.

If you see fire or smoke, attempt to open emergency exits. In an aircraft,
use inflatable slides or exit onto the wing. Carefully lower yourself to the
ground.

If you jump and are hurt, crawl away, avoid being someone else's "soft
landing".

Once out of the building, vehicle, ship or aircraft, follow the guidance of
the rescue force or other authorities.

If there is no guidance, move away as quickly as possible to a controlled
area.

If you are perceived as a possible hijacker or conspirator by a rescue
force, you may be treated roughly. Help the rescue force determine that
you are not part of the hijacking team.

Cooperate with authorities with information about the hijacking.

Ask for permission before you try to recover your possessions.

Obtain therapeutic coaching to avoid post-traumatic stress disorders
(PTSD).

Recommended Websites:
http://jobs.faa.gov/
http://www.tsa.gov/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aircraft_hijacking
http://www.systemiccoaching.com/emergency/hijacked.htm