U.S. pilot groups believe the latest security alert highlights the fact that not enough pilots have been trained to carry firearms in the cockpit, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) needs to accelerate the training process.

The Airline Pilots Security Alliance said only 500-1,000 pilots have been trained in the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program, which is "rife with roadblocks" that discourage pilots from signing up. TSA "needs to fix the [FFDO] program before the next orange alert," APSA said, including lifting the training rate, improving screening process, and eliminating the requirement for guns to be carried in lock boxes.

TSA spokesman Darrin Kayser told The DAILY that the FFDO training program will be accelerated early next year. Although TSA will not divulge the number of FFDOs who have been trained, he said it is "hundreds, and will soon be thousands."

In response to the elevated threat level announced Sunday, TSA has stepped up security at airports, including random inspection of vehicles, and more canine patrols inside and outside terminals. Increased parking restrictions will vary from airport to airport.

An FAA spokesman said the only new airspace restriction affects the three Maryland general aviation airports close to Washington. Any aircraft flying into these airports must first be screened at the Tipton airport. A similar measure was introduced during previous security alerts. FAA yesterday cancelled a pilot program that allowed expedited clearances for aircraft using two GA airports near the eastern edge of the Washington air defense identification zone.