DENVER -- United Airlines announced Thursday that it plans to install stun guns in the cockpits of all its planes, if it is given permission to do so by the federal government. It is the first first major carrier to do so in light of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The measure is still subject to approval by the Federal Aviation Administration. If passed, United would install the Taser stun guns in electronically coded lock boxes, accessible to pilots so that they could defend the plane.

"We will be training each of our 10,000 pilots in the use of these weapons and making sure they fully understand the rules of engagement," United spokesman Andrew Plews told 7NEWS.

United executive vice president said that they "believe Tasers are an important addition to enhanced cockpit security," and that "tasers will incapacitate an attacker without endangering the airplane."

Stun guns are just the latest of the security proposals being considered to boost airplane security since terrorists took down four commercial planes on Sept. 11. United also plans to train all of its flight attendants in self-defense, and many airlines have already installed more secure cockpit doors.

Congress is set to vote Friday on an aviation security bill that would make security screeners federal employees and put more federal marshals on flights. The bill, if passed, will also ensure that all checked baggage is inspected. Once signed, airports will have 60 days to improve the existing inspections.

"We are going to professionalize the security personnel, which means we are going to have uniform standards, uniformed training," said Rep. Mark Udall, (D-Colo.) "We can do background checks. We can also share information throughout the federal system and make sure that people who shouldn't be getting on those airplanes aren't getting on those planes."

Passengers would be required to pay for this new federal workforce -- $2.50 per trip, $5 for a round trip ticket.