Federal Flight Safety Officers were to lose certification effective midnight tonight . The loss would have come at a time of heightened concern about air security because of the attempted bombing of Northwest Flight 253 on Christmas Day . Certifications have been extended for six months ` ` in light of recent events , '' official statement . Officials have stated there are more volunteers than federal air marshals , number is unknown . Pilot organization concerned that limited funding will deter pilots from volunteering .
Federal Flight Safety Officers were to lose certification effective midnight tonight . Certifications have been extended for six months ` ` in light of recent events , '' official statement . Officials have stated there are more volunteers than federal air marshals , number is unknown . Pilot organization concerned that limited funding will deter pilots from volunteering .