answer:The pilots are not alone. its a safety measure for all concerned. How about this? police officers are not allowed to enter a Federal Courtroom armed ! thats right. i was a Deputy U.S. Marshal for five years. all local and state officers have to lock their weapons in a safety cabinet, before entering the courtroom. Sound silly? i agree with you that it does, BUT the Federal Judges rule their own courtrooms and their word is gospel.