Yeah, 'Zilla, I was thinking the same thing. But I kind of doubt these guys are known for being either subtle or smart. It's also possible this was an actual operational team, which would make them even less likely to be either smart or subtle. I don't think the size of the jet makes a lot of difference when you're thinking of seizing a dozen or more aircraft all headed in different directions. What damage do you think that aircraft would do to the structure of the US Capitol Building? Especially fully fueled?
If the TSA does raise security in light of this incident, might CAIR send forth their lawyers once again and charge racial profiling? I think the airlines are running scared and this is evidenced by their readiness to put a substitute crew on the plane. The passengers realized the danger and wisely got off; thus forcing the cancellation. I'd be thanking the good Lord for the two Texans who took action and praying they'd be on my flight next time or somebody like them. I'd also be determining that I myself would step into those shoes and take appropriate action. CAIR can sue me if they want but I've got to be alive for them to take such action and I'd rather be a live defendant than a dead plaintiff.
If we look at the 911 terrorists as our 'type' hijackcrash standard, while they did do test runs, they seemed to be careful not to draw overt attention to themselves. If the jihadi-wannabe's on this flight were actual operatives, boy did they get their names on the watch list pretty fast. If operatives, I would suspect that this is a 'head fake', something to distract officials from a real test run.
What damage do you think that aircraft would do to the structure of the US Capitol Building? Especially fully fueled?
911 jets were 757 & 767, large long-haul planes. These 717 are smaller regional sized - thus carry less fuel.
So we have to factor these two things in
1. Higher number of jihadi (11 vs 4)
2. Substantially smaller planes = smaller targets
3. If multiple targets - still need people who can adequately pilot them - harder if needing many, vs the 8 needed on 911.
Makes me wonder about the reliability of the information. If more rumor than fact, then the story may be inflated. If the reliability of the witness is solid, then either we have some very stupid jihadi's or a probable head fake to throw off law enforcement / intel from the real test runs.