Do Federal Flight Deck Officers have the authority to arrest or exercise law enforcement powers on board a flight?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only during emergencies
• D. Only on the tarmac

Answer: (B)

Federal Flight Deck Officers are trained to deter hijackings and respond to threats by carrying firearms as part of a security role, but they are not sworn police officers with general arrest authority on an aircraft. Their on-board authority is limited to actions necessary to protect passengers and crew and to deter or respond to a threat; formal arrest and charging powers come from authorized law enforcement authorities and are typically exercised after authorities arrive or after landing. So while they can help prevent harm and cooperate with crew, they do not have the inherent authority to arrest on board a flight.