FAA Wants Eyes, Ears In Sky

(AP)  The latest post-Sept. 11 security change for commercial planes may be cameras in the cabin and wireless devices for flight attendants to alert the cockpit crew to an emergency.

The Federal Aviation Administration plans to propose those ideas Wednesday and then take public comment before deciding whether to mandate the changes, The Associated Press has learned.

The plan is to give pilots a better idea of what's happening in the cabin. The Sept. 11, 2001 hijackers gained access to the flight desk after attacking flight attendants in the cabin.

"The purpose of monitoring is to identify anyone requesting entry to the flight deck and to detect suspicious behavior or potential threats," the FAA said in a notice to be published on Wednesday.

Airlines would have the option of using other ways to meet the requirement. Peepholes could be installed in the cockpit door, for example. Flight attendants could key the existing crew alert systems in a specific way to alert pilots of a security breach or unusual behavior.

The Allied Pilots Association, which represents American Airlines pilots, supports the idea of using cameras to monitor passengers.

"Pilots have no way of knowing what's going on behind the door," said Capt. Denis Breslin, spokesman for the organization.

He says pilots are less sure about the idea of using wireless devices. Among other things, they're concerned that the devices might allow people to send false alarms to pilots.

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