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FAA chief says other September 11 hijackings attempted

From Kathleen Koch
CNN Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Federal Aviation Administrator Jane Garvey says that there were other airline hijackings attempted on September 11 that were thwarted.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday at a National Press Club luncheon, Garvey said, "I certainly have been persuaded by the discussions with the FBI and others that there were others that were thwarted."

Garvey went on to add she didn't know how many hijacking attempts were blocked.

The FAA administrator's statement confirmed what other federal officials had only been willing to acknowledge on background.

Garvey also expressed guarded approval of airline pilots encouraging their passengers to be vigilant and intercede in any future hijacking attempts.

"That's good advice," said Garvey, cautioning, "I think we always have to be concerned about taking that too far."