Among many of the things that has not been discussed since 9/11 is what would happen if terrorist hijackers attempted a takeover of an aircraft and was overcome by passengers and crew? For example, what would have happened if the passengers of United 93 overcame the terrorists? They potentially would have been in need of medical advice, aircraft structural advice, and the ability to assess further threats, multi agency advice, diversion and multi agency coordination.

During the development of ASSA’s flight crew security training course it became evident that there was no direction from any sources on post incident considerations. These are some of the nagging issues that crewmembers are facing in this new air transportation reality we now operate and live in.

In this module we will attempt to shed some insight on areas that crewmembers will need to address when faced with the aftermath of a violent situation. We will probably raise more questions than we will answer, but we want crews to think about what some of the consequences may be after a very violent incident. For a crewmember to have some understanding of what some of the options are will be helpful if ever faced with the fallout of a violent situation.

Of equal importance in how to handle the fallout of a violent incident is how to mentally prepare for the inevitable emotions that will occur to crewmembers. The overall purpose of this section of the training module is to prepare the crewmember to be mentally prepared for the consequences of a violent attack. We can train and prepare ourselves through physical training and the playing out of scenarios, but it won’t prepare you for the psychological repercussions of a violent attack. By preparing crewmembers now for the feelings you may be experiencing will better prepare them for mentally surviving the fallout of a violent confrontation. As human beings we are susceptible to psychological reactions to violence or threats of violence. This is why we will take some time to discuss this important aspect of violence.