While this sounds wayyy over the top. When you look back in history you can see the line they were trying to get on.
Correct me if i'm wrong? But the helios flight could have been saved if one of the cabincrew who managed to get into the flightdeck knew how to fly the plane down using autopilot, or even to use the ATC coms to get instructions.
None of the airlines that i've worked for have come remotely near to doing that. However, a lot of kind pilots have shown me the ropes which i find very interesting knowing that if the worst happened i could give it a good go using atc for help!
On the issue of jumpseats etc, In the UK at least it is quite common practice to let the new Cabincrew sit in the jumpseats for take off and landing on their first flight/flights. Familiarity with the environment, plus on shorthaul flights that might be the only time we as cabincrew get to do it!
Sounds a bit OTT though with some of the other things
