1.   Arming pilots is unnecessary because enhanced security now makes it extremely unlikely terrorists will be able to smuggle weapons aboard.

2.   Airline pilots believe they could quickly institute a program to have pilots armed on the job if the Federal Aviation Administration approves the idea.

3.   Bush did not propose, as some have sought, arming airline pilots as an added measure of in-flight security.

4.   But David Stempler, president of the Air Travelers Association, a passenger lobbying group, said the time has come to arm pilots.

5.   Congress gave permission for pilots to be armed with both guns and non-lethal weapons, such as stun guns, last fall in the new aviation security law.

6.   He maintains that just publicizing the fact that pilots are armed could reduce the incidence of attack.

7.   In a sign that the two Republicans want to move the bill quickly, Mica will hold a hearing Thursday on arming pilots.

8.   Proposals to arm pilots have failed to generate political support.

9.   Public knowledge that many pilots were armed would have a natural deterrent effect.

10.   President Bush has not publicly supported arming pilots.