The following is a copy of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. This section covers possessing dangerous weapons or materials while boarding an airplane.

§2K1.5. Possessing Dangerous Weapons or Materials While Boarding or Aboard an Aircraft

(a)Base Offense Level: 9

(b)Specific Offense Characteristics

(b)If more than one applies, use the greatest:

(1)If the offense was committed willfully and without regard for the safety of human life, or with reckless disregard for the safety of human life, increase by 15 levels.

(2)If the defendant was prohibited by another federal law from possessing the weapon or material, increase by 2 levels.

(3)If the defendant’s possession of the weapon or material would have been lawful but for 49 U.S.C. § 46505 and he acted with mere negligence, decrease by 3 levels.

(c)Cross Reference

(1)If the defendant used or possessed the weapon or material in committing or attempting another offense, apply the guideline for such other offense, or §2X1.1 (Attempt, Solicitation, or Conspiracy), as appropriate, if the resulting offense level is greater than that determined above.

Commentary

Statutory Provisions: 49 U.S.C. § 46505 (formerly 49 U.S.C. § 1472(l)).

Background. This guideline provides an enhancement where the defendant was a person prohibited by federal law from possession of the weapon or material. A decrease is provided in a case of mere negligence where the defendant was otherwise authorized to possess the weapon or material.

Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendments 182, 186, 187, and 303); November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendment 404); November 1, 1992 (see Appendix C, amendment 443); November 1, 1995 (see Appendix C, amendment 534); November 1, 1997 (see Appendix C, amendment 560).

(EFFECTIVE November 1, 2010)

United States Sentencing Commission