The legislation is named in honor of United Airlines pilot Captain Victor J. Saracini, who was killed when terrorists hijacked United Flight 175 on September 11, 2001 and flew the aircraft into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. Saracini’s widow, Ellen, is a leading advocate on the issue since her husband’s death.

APA President Capt. Keith Wilson said, “Secondary cockpit barriers would enhance aviation security, and we urge Congress to require their adoption. After the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, our nation’s professional pilots vowed ‘never again.’ As the last line of defense against another such attack, we committed ourselves to doing all we could to strengthen security for crewmembers and passengers. This amendment represents another significant step in that ongoing process.”

H.R.911 is part of the pending House Aviation Innovation, Reform, and Reauthorization Act, with efforts underway to include S.911 in the Senate Commerce Committee bill for FAA reauthorization. “We want to express our appreciation to Representative Michael Fitzpatrick and Senator Robert Casey for sponsoring the bill and to Senator Edward Markey for offering the amendment in committee. We look forward to prompt approval of this important legislation,” Wilson said.