FAM Flights/Jumpseat Rides
 

Hello all,
I've been doing some browsing in forums across the net, and no one seems to have any clue about the availability of the jumpseat to air traffic controllers. Some say the Feds no longer allow such rides, but if one were to go directly to the FAR governing "Admission to Flight Deck" (121.547 subpart C para (2)), it says the following:

FAR 121.547 subpart (c): No person may admit any person to the flight deck unless there is a seat available for his use in the passenger compartment, except—

(2) An air traffic controller who is authorized by the Administrator to observe ATC procedures

You can see the FAR directly, http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text...0.3.11&idno=14

What I've been able to glean from the Fedspeak is that ATCs can fly the jumpseat, if it's for training purposes; i.e. a FAM flight.

Can anyone confirm or deny this? Any pilots out there who have controllers fly the jumpseat occationally? Any controllers who have done so recently? Any info would be appreciated.

Fly & separate safely, my friends.

There are definately some US Airlines who permit pilots of other US and a select few National State Carriers (BA comes to mind) access to the jump seat.
In the UK there are a few airlines who positively encourage flight deck access, but the process is pretty long winded and, departing from the UK, we often have to pay hefty security taxes - on "low cost" flights these are often substantially more than the air fare.
A lot of ATC employers positively encourage famil' visits but balk at the idea of the substantial costs involved.

in the US, it's my understanding that the fam program has been discontinued since 2001 by the faa.

have not heard of any controllers going on fam flights since 2001.

From the UK perspective FAM flights are encouraged and are generally available without too much fuss. We have several airlines that have no issue with it as long as it has been organised through work. We have indvidiuals at each unit who liase with the necessary people at the airlines.

MAN specific.

We (ex Tourists, Orange Ones, now Blue) have been doing them for ages, however one problem seems to be on the side of the ATC management.

It would be really good if guys and gals could be allowed a day to do one of these flights during a working shift pattern. We offer, but the inference is that if the ATC folk want to come, they do it on a day off................

Come on MAN - this is good for everyone, I would love to have a controller or an assistant on shorthaul flights so they can see our frustrations and joys.

I have taken the opportunity to visit tower, area etc when around MAN and played on the sim - yep - all UK based aircraft were cleared to the centre fix, all foreigners were sent to DAYNE........... well, it made me laugh !

Come on, lets work together :ok:

The MAN guys will know me - I chat too much and get the lad to say hello to his dad !

The benefits of a fam flight are too esoteric and it cannot be quantified. If it is not evident on a balance sheet it is of no use whatever to a nats manager.