Air Traffic Controllers Jumpseating at your airline?
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Air Traffic Controllers Jumpseating at your airline?
One of my co-workers recently got to jumpseat on one airline that happens to be halfway across the pond 
I wonder if any of the airlines guys/gals fly for on here allow jumpseating of Air Traffic Controllers? Not for a fare reduction, simply for the benefit of both parties?
I wonder if any of the airlines guys/gals fly for on here allow jumpseating of Air Traffic Controllers? Not for a fare reduction, simply for the benefit of both parties?
Yes it still happens with certain airlines/crews. It will most likely not happen with U.S. and U.K. carriers. I was pleasantly surprised to be invited to the front office on a major European airline when flying to Canada last year. Have to say that I didn't request it; incidental conversation resulted in CC informing the FD about me and they decided to invite me up front. Company I/D was requested and checked first.
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Yup, over here (germany) still allowed if a company ID (if that lacks a picture in conjunction with any other ID that has) is shown. I gladly take them up front since it is a benefit to both sides.
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Interesting.
I've flown jump within the last year or so here in Canada, but it required a lot of string pulling.
It's kind of sad considering that in Canada at least we have a higher level of security clearence.
If I was to go flying on a certain German airline (which I am this summer likely) how would I go about requesting it ahead of my flight? Or is it on an ad-hoc basis only?
I've flown jump within the last year or so here in Canada, but it required a lot of string pulling.
It's kind of sad considering that in Canada at least we have a higher level of security clearence.
If I was to go flying on a certain German airline (which I am this summer likely) how would I go about requesting it ahead of my flight? Or is it on an ad-hoc basis only?
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i have always enjoyed jumpseating ATCOs in the aircraft I have flown, they normally do around here since some commute from out of the ways airports where they work to home.
They get always the right seat if single pilot (private) and if comm multicrew the invite to cockpit is welcome. Both parties learn a lot of other colleague's environment of work.
If scheduled, only a copy of their licence in ops and they're in.
They get always the right seat if single pilot (private) and if comm multicrew the invite to cockpit is welcome. Both parties learn a lot of other colleague's environment of work.
If scheduled, only a copy of their licence in ops and they're in.
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It's too bad it's not still like this everywhere.
Banning everyone from the cockpit was a knee-jerk reaction in the US/Canada/UK obviously.
I'm sure someday it will comeback, but there are controllers here with 5 years or more experience who have never seen a live flightdeck before, which I think definately hurts both sides.
Banning everyone from the cockpit was a knee-jerk reaction in the US/Canada/UK obviously.
I'm sure someday it will comeback, but there are controllers here with 5 years or more experience who have never seen a live flightdeck before, which I think definately hurts both sides.
P Pop, granted that may be so in the UK, but gone (with UK and US airlines) are the days when one could identify oneself once on board and be invited up front. I can still apply for official Fam Flights, but I'm talking about flights I make as a regular fare paying pax for example.
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No problem here in France if a valid ID is provided.
I have always accepted ATC personnel for cockpit visits if for no other reason that it's interesting to have their point of view on operational subjects . Over here, controllers fly fairly often with us as an official part of their ongoing training and this can only have a positive effect for all concerned
I have always accepted ATC personnel for cockpit visits if for no other reason that it's interesting to have their point of view on operational subjects . Over here, controllers fly fairly often with us as an official part of their ongoing training and this can only have a positive effect for all concerned
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Reverse, sadly the lunatics are running the asylum here in the UK...there are terrorists EVERYWHERE, an airport security manager reliably informed me the other day!
I'd love to be able to invite a geniune ATC person upfront, but sadly the idiotic and ill concieved law of this land says otherwise
I'd love to be able to invite a geniune ATC person upfront, but sadly the idiotic and ill concieved law of this land says otherwise
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A few years ago the FAA allowed US controllers to request jump seat travel as part of training. I must say during the few trips I took I learned a lot from the aircrews and it made me a better controller.
But someone decided that the program for controllers caused a conflict of interest
and it was canceled. Now we have controllers that haven't the slightest idea of what takes place in the cockpit, especially during weather days.
CZHU
But someone decided that the program for controllers caused a conflict of interest
and it was canceled. Now we have controllers that haven't the slightest idea of what takes place in the cockpit, especially during weather days.CZHU
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Well, in my airline we can accept ATCOs on an adhoc basis, however i don't know if other airlines handle it the same. Of course we have to fill out a form to document that we had an authorized flightdeck visit.
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I am confused at some of the responses here.
My understanding was that UK airlines were not able to make exceptions for anyone on the flight deck other than crew who were required to be there for completing the flight.
Isn't that why we have had the punch up over Pablo as he was exercising discretion which is not available to us?!
I hasten to add that previously carrying ATC controllers had been very beneficial in both directions!
My understanding was that UK airlines were not able to make exceptions for anyone on the flight deck other than crew who were required to be there for completing the flight.
Isn't that why we have had the punch up over Pablo as he was exercising discretion which is not available to us?!
I hasten to add that previously carrying ATC controllers had been very beneficial in both directions!
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In BA it is allowed but not 'on the day'.
You have to go through our Director of Flt ops who will then check with the captain (who, I am sure would be only too happy to help).
You have to go through our Director of Flt ops who will then check with the captain (who, I am sure would be only too happy to help).
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Remember airport fire officers being allowed to make flight deck familiarisation trips pre 9/11. As a serving airport fire officer for almost thirty years, and being privileged to be able to do several such trips with various operators (Both British and Foreign) on various types, I found it an invaluable training exercise, which made me a far more informed, experienced and better understanding officer. Such a shame that the same opportunities will not be afforded to colleagues entering the service post 9/11.
What a sad state of affairs!!
What a sad state of affairs!!
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I remember years ago we were sent for familiarisation flights on the sectors we controlled....when I presented myself to the Captain, he asked me to take the next flight, he didnt want me to fly with him because - quote "if anything goes wrong, you would be an expert witness" - unquote....I was left standing there with my mouth open! I can tell you that since this bloke had so much confidence in his own ability, I was actually glad to take the next flight!!!
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willoz269.....mate...as much as I want to believe that story ...I cant!!!!...in my wildest dreams/nightmares...I could or would not conjure up that type of attitude(from the capt).....ball****e for sure.
whenever I can,I invite as many as I can(and Ive been spanked by my company for it)up to the cockpit and have them ride the jumpseat....the benefits are numerous and rewarding......ATC controllers are the best to get up there,for obvious reasons......it is a 2 way street,we all win
whenever I can,I invite as many as I can(and Ive been spanked by my company for it)up to the cockpit and have them ride the jumpseat....the benefits are numerous and rewarding......ATC controllers are the best to get up there,for obvious reasons......it is a 2 way street,we all win