One year after Sept. 11, the federal government is in the process of going one step further to prevent a similar type of attack.

Last week the Senate voted to allow commercial pilots to carry weapons, including guns, in the cockpit.

When accompanied with other safety measures, allowing pilots to arm themselves is a good way to protect the innocent from being targeted again.

It seems only practical that pilots be allowed to carry a weapon. The idea is not to protect the passengers on the plane, but rather the civilians on the ground.

The weapon is a last resort, used to ensure the pilot remains in control of the plane, not a hijacker.

Some worry about pilots’ capability to handle a gun, but legislation is currently under way that would set specific training requirements for a pilot to carry a weapon onto a plane.

The cost for training these people should not be excessive. Most commercial airline pilots have military experience and are familiar with the operation of a gun.

Others worry about the cabin depressurizing if a shot is fired and misses its target.

Pilots would use a specific type of ammunition called “hollow points” that come apart on impact. This causes severe damage to a human body – more than a regular bullet – but the bullet cannot pierce the body of a plane.

On the other hand, using a gun should be a last resort. To help ensure the safety of the plane, the armed pilots should also be protected by a steel door, which would prevent a hijacker from entering the cockpit in most cases.

This seems like a reasonable way to protect the nation’s airplanes. Other ideas seem far fetched or unnecessary.

Some would like to see a U.S. Marshal on every flight. This would be very costly and the money could be better spent.

The numbers are not there, either. We need these law enforcement officials on the ground doing their job – there are not enough marshals to do both.

Arming trained pilots and protecting them with steel doors seems to be the most cost effective and reliable way to protect planes from being hijacked. If giving pilots guns will help prevent future terrorist attacks, then give the pilots guns.

Editorial Board: Cavan Reagan, Erin Randolph, Rachel Faber Machacha, Charlie Weaver, Zach Calef, Ayrel Clark.