Tort Liability of the United States and a Commercial Air Carrier Arising Out of Government Action During a Commercial Aircraft Hijacking

September 29, 1978 78-54 MEMORANDUM OPINION FOR THE ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL, CRIMINAL DIVISION Federal Aviation Administration— Federal Bureau of Investigation— Air Transportation Security (49 U .S.C . § 1357(e))— Management of Aircraft Hijacking (49 U .S.C . § 1472(o)) This is in response to your inquiry for our views on several questions in connection with the management of a commercial aircraft hijacking. You informed us that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is authorized to direct the management of a hijacking situation while an aircraft is in flight. 49 U.S.C. § 1357(e).1 The…