At approximately 09:00 local time on January 20, 2024, an incident involving a United Airlines pilot occurred at Edinburgh Airport (EDI) as the pilot was arrested after security personnel reportedly found a Taser in his checked luggage. This incident took place at a security checkpoint while the pilot was preparing for a transatlantic flight to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

The affected flight, UAL37, a daily Boeing 757-200 service, was subsequently canceled due to this event. The UK’s Mirror reported that the pilot was suspended from duties pending further investigation.

In response to the situation, United Airlines acted promptly, though the cancellation disrupted passengers’ plans to travel across the Atlantic that afternoon. Both the airline and Edinburgh Airport are collaborating with law enforcement.

Edinburgh News reported that local police quickly managed the incident, ensuring immediate resolution of any potential security risks. Police Scotland released a statement confirming that the pilot will appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, January 22, 2024, and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Monday, January 22, 2024. A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

A spokesperson for Police Scotland

What can Tasers do?

Tasers, a term often used synonymously with Conductive Energy Devices (CEDs), are products of a leading manufacturer known for generating electricity exceeding 50,000 volts. These devices have the capability to transmit electrical currents through air and clothing.

Police sources indicate that when a taser contacts a person, its voltage reduces to approximately 1,500 volts, delivered in brief intervals. This electric shock can incapacitate an individual, thereby enabling police officers to subdue any potential threats.

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The notion of pilots carrying weapons might appear alarming, but it’s not a completely novel idea. Following the September 11th attacks, there was a movement within the airline industry to arm pilots with defensive tools to thwart possible hijackings.

United Airlines was one airline that adopted this approach, as reported by The Washington Post. In the early 2000s, they initiated training for their pilots in the use of CED-style stun guns. While flight attendants received training in self-defense, they were not equipped with weapons. These weapons were intended to be securely stored in the cockpit at all times.

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