Jump Seats

[VORTIME]

I know this topic has been raised recently, but maybe someone in the industry could clarify.

If you're not related to the caption or known to the the Ops dept, is the possibility of a jump-seat ruled out indefinitly? Do we ever stand a chance of being allowed on the F/D again and if so, what is the best way to ask? where/when/who/how etc?

Thank You!

VT

[scroggs]

Essentially, you have little or no chance of being on an airliner's flight deck in flight unless you are airline staff, an official guest of the airline, or travelling with crew.

Unless you now join an airline or suddenly develop a relationship with flight crew, that leaves only the 'official guest' route. I don't think it's very likely to work, but you could write to the cheif pilot of a couple of airlines, explain your position, and ask to view the operation at first hand. If your request wasn't just binned, you could expect a considerable delay while extensive (and expensive) security checks are carried out before anyone lets you anywhere near an aeroplane. Don't hold your breath for this to work out!

Alternatively, some airlines will allow a flight deck visit on the ground during the turnround between flights. This may be your best bet, and can be achieved by a polite word with the senior cabin crew or perhaps a letter to the pilot.

You, I'm sure, will understand why things have changed so much. I do not expect things ever to go back to how they were.

[rob_frost]

Don't know how old you are, but if you can do CCF/ Air cadets, you may be able to get a ride in a jumpseat of a Tristar from Brize to Akrotiri. That hasn't stopped after 9/11.

[Groove-ryder]

I arrived back in the UK last week on BA and the flight was so full they gave the jump seat to a pax. Gutted that it wasn't me who was the chosen one I was still very surprised that this was allowed. I was one of the last to get to the gate a overheard that they would have to use it so don't think it was pre arranged by a relative or friend of staff.

Might as well ask every time you fly mate - if you don't play you can't win.

[M.Mouse]

Groove-ryder

I think you may have misheard or misunderstood.

The rules are quite specific and it would be a foolish Captain that chose to ignore them.

In BA only bona-fide BA staff passengers and certain other officials (CAA inspectors etc.) or somebody specifically authorised, in writing, by our management are allowed to travel on the flight deck.

[ETOPS]

Groove-ryder

In BA parlance the spare cabin crew seats in the cabin are also known as "jumpseats". I have often been asked by cabin crew to release those in order to get their relatives on the full flights.
The only people to get a cockpit ride are BA staff and the CAA........

[cwatters]

> Don't know how old you are, but if you can do CCF/ Air cadets,
> you may be able to get a ride in a jumpseat of a Tristar from
> Brize to Akrotiri. That hasn't stopped after 9/11.

It's amazing how people trust air cadets. Years ago when I was one we spent a week on an active RAF air base. By way of introduction we were split into groups and were set an exercise that required us to make a map of the base. We then had to work out where three 'bombs' should be placed in order to 'take out' the base and cause the most disruption. The team that did the best job in the opinion of the CO would get extra rounds on the range, or some prize like that.

Our team decided to go to the main gate house and ask for a map. The armed man in the gate gave us a photocopied map but it didn't say on it what each of the buildings contained. So we went back and explained to him that we wanted to know where to place three bombs so as to cause the most damage. To our surprise he told us exactly what we wanted to know! "Don't bother blowing up that hanger, that actually the gym so it's got no aircraft in it, Oh and that building is the ammo store, and that one's the aircrew mess...

I wonder what happened to him?

Colin

[Avman]

So, as I understand it, post 11/9 any BA staff member can occupy the cockpit jumpseat but an air traffic controller (travelling on a paid ticket) can't! Or am I wrong?

[M.Mouse]

Unless by prior arrangement with management permission the answer is sadly no. It can be arranged but do so in good time.

I am taking ATC cadets on famil flights twice this month but it has been arranged and authorised prior to the flights.

[CameronW]

I recently returned from a deployment, and a major airline was chartered to bring us home in a B777. Since we were all military, we were allowed to sit in one of the two jumpseats and chat with the pilots as much as we like. I got to sit up there and talk flying with the pilots for a good 2 hours. That FD is incredible BTW.

For civilians on a normal airline flight, I can't imagine that anyone would ever be allowed up there in light of current events.