Here's what I do:
Me (to tower): Hey, it looks like we have a bit of a situation here before we get airborne. Can you give us a minute before taxing into position?"
ATC will likely say something like, "Sure, is anything wrong?"
I say, "I'm checking now."
Call the FA and ask her why she asked and ask her why she did not tell us. Depending on the situation I would then determine whether or not to abort.
Can I take this a little further:
You call the flight attendant and ask why. "Because a passenger told me she saw what appeared to be a gun sticking out of someones bag when he put it in the overhead compartment. She was not sure though. I was thinking it was the LEO, but was not sure. Like I said, I am not sure where he is sitting. That is why I asked you."
You say: "I didn't even know there was an LEO on here."
Now do you:
A) Assume he is the LEO and continue flight
B) Declare an emergency to ATC: Possible Passenger with weapon.
C) Approach the man and ask him to search his luggage. |