"Emmanuel.Gustin" wrote in message
...
M. J. Powell wrote:



There is also the risk of bullets bouncing around inside
the plane and doing damage to power lines, fuel systems,
etc. Historically, fire has been the major killer of
aircraft following projectile damage.



The chances of bullets bouncing around is pretty low especially
if low velocity and/or frangible rounds are used. I doubt anyone
has shot down an aircraft larger than a Sopwith Camel using
a pistol

Seems to me that although loss of cabin pressure is serious
concern (IIRC military aircraft were designed to maintain
lower cabin pressure than airliners, to limit the damage
amplification following a hit) but not the most serious one.
The worst problem is the prospect of a gun battle in a cabin
packed with people. Almost every stray bullet is going to
hit someone; even if the sky marshall hits the right man
(or woman) the bullet seems likely to hit others as well.

This is going to require very fine judgment by the sky
marshall. He or she also has to distinguish between a
conventional hijack best dealt with by negotiation (are
sky marshalls trained to conduct hostage-release
negotiations?)

I'm afraid since Sept 11 all hijackings have to be considered
suicide actions and treated accordingly. The hijackers that
day acted as would be expected of conventional hijackers
right up to the last minute.

Keith