Non Rev / Jump Seat

[icephalt24]

I'd been wondering if ATCers can fly jumpseat pretty much because as a CTI student and a pilot I'd love to drool over some flight decks. Anyway in searching if that is kosher post 9/11, I ran across a page on the American Airlines ite that clasified controlers as non rev. I asked a friend's dad who is a US Air Captain and he said he loved flying with them jumpseat, but didn't know if it was still allowed non rev or otherwise. I was in the jumpseat once and loved it. Seems the pilots of an Aer Lingus flight were looking for company on an SNN - BOS run and my instrument ticket was enough to get me to the flight deck. Thanks in advance for replies.

[TonyWilliams]

No, ATC cannot jumpseat (and could never non-rev) since Sept 11, 2001.

ATC in the jumpseat is still in the OpSpec of probably every U.S. airline. It's TSA that prevents it.

Of couse, there is no technical reason that ATC couldn't be added to the CASS system.

[BobDDuck]

Originally Posted by TonyWilliams

ATC in the jumpseat is still in the OpSpec of probably every U.S. airline. It's TSA that prevents it.

Actually I had a ATC guy in the jumpseat just last week. He was on official business though. He was a "specialist" what ever that means and all he did was monitor what we did and the radio communications we made and how they effected the flight and our interaction with ATC. It was actually pretty interesting. He said he wasn't actually a controller so I guess he was more of a fed then an ATC guy.

[Fox Xray]

Originally Posted by BobDDuck

He said he wasn't actually a controller so I guess he was more of a fed then an ATC guy.

That sounds about right for the FAA ... have a non controller observe the flight deck... LOL.

It is my understanding that even before 9/11 the FAA was trying to kill the ATC FAM program.

I can't see us ever getting it back... though I have been wrong before.

[BillH]

If you desire to be in the cockpit, be a pilot!

[Seggy]

Originally Posted by BillH

If you desire to be in the cockpit, be a pilot!

I wish ATC guys could jumpseat on our flights. It is important to have open dialouge with others in the aviation profession, to further the profession, get pointers from others, and network.

[Fox Xray]

Originally Posted by BillH

If you desire to be in the cockpit, be a pilot!

I think that comment does not address ATC on the flight deck. The charm of riding up front wears off after the first trip or two... at least it did with me after my first trip jammed in a 727 behind the Capt. The flight deck is tight, you can't read, going to the head is a PITA, the part that I miss is the dialogue between the flight crew and me, the controller. I learned a lot watching a flight crew work and speaking with them about everything from how they flew the A/C to how the company operated. Like anything in life I'm sure the jump seat privilege was abused a some in the ATC world but over all it was a good program. I feel it made me a better controller.

[TonyWilliams]

Originally Posted by BillH

If you desire to be in the cockpit, be a pilot!

Do you tell that to your company (non-pilot) employees in the jump?

[BobDDuck]

Originally Posted by TonyWilliams

Do you tell that to your company (non-pilot) employees in the jump?

There are VERY few non pilots in the jumpseat anymore.