As an airline captain I feel it necessary to give a view on the subject of cockpit security (Flight International, 9-15 July) from the sharp end of the flightdeck door. The solution to the complex problem of security is not as straightforward as simply bolting the pilots into the flightdeck; there are wider issues.
In an emergency it is essential to have flawless communication between the flightdeck and cabin crew. If we rely solely on interphone communication, vital information may be missed or ambiguity may be introduced.
The policy on the locked door will probably not be reviewed until there is an incident where there is a breakdown in communication.
We should not naively believe that a bolted door between the flightdeck and cabin will prevent terrorism. A locked door policy was in effect many years in the USA before 11 September.
Paul Sant
Dorset, UK
Source: Flight International
