#1174: Barriair

Today’s invention is an extra antiterrorist measure for airliners.

In order to deny attackers the use of an aircraft as a missile, a bombproof bulkhead is provided that insulates the passenger section from the cockpit completely. The only way to communicate between the two would be via either a satellite link or a ground station.

Pressing a panic button inside the cabin would force both these channels to be monitored by a person. He or she would then have to choose what messages to relay, if any, between cabin and pilot.

This would stop any attempt to take over the plane (by eg threats) and cause it to be diverted at once to an airport where security was tight and both publicity and escape prevented.