I just don't think its a good idea , I understand their situation however I think arming the pilots is a bad idea .
Because other peoples lives can be affected
should there be a mishap and because it will take a VERY HIGH level of competance in order to employ a handgun under those circumstances and finally because pilots are first and foremost PILOTS.
I'm as big a pro-gun person as you'll find but this is just not a good idea. My.02