Who is allowed to fly in the jumpseat?

Answer: The FAA, NTSB, pilots and air traffic controllers all ride in jump seats. Occasionally a technical expert will ride to observe specific equipment operation in flight.



The jumpseat (the extra seat in the cockpit or cabin) is strictly regulated and is generally reserved for specific professional individuals authorized by the airline and government regulations. In the United States, under FAA Part 121 rules, this typically includes the airline's own crew members, FAA inspectors performing official duties, and pilots from other airlines that have a "jumpseat agreement" with the operating carrier (often verified through the CASS security system). In some cases, airline dispatchers or air traffic controllers on approved training missions may also be granted access. The "Pilot in Command" (the Captain) always has the final authority to refuse jumpseat access to anyone for safety or security reasons. Passengers, regardless of their status or frequent flyer level, are never allowed to sit in a cockpit jumpseat. For cabin jumpseats, these are strictly for off-duty flight attendants or crew members when all passenger seats are full, provided they meet the airline's specific safety and training criteria.

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While the flight deck used to be accessible to passengers and especially children, it has been strictly closed off since the beginning of the millennium. In the meantime, only the pilots and, in exceptional cases such as some standby flights, airline employees are allowed to fly in the cockpit.

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Usually, the answer is Yes, but sadly some pilots do not think the same way. This can only be done before takeoff during the time of boarding or after landing when the aircraft is at the gate with the doors open.

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Are pilots allowed to let passengers fly the plane? In part 91 operations generally yes. Flight instruction and flying friends the pilot can let anyone operate the controls but the pilot is still responsible. There are other part 91 operations where this is also allowed.

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Look professional. If you are not in uniform, make sure you dress appropriately. My airline states that jumpseat occupants will be dressed in business casual attire (no jeans) or approved pilot uniform.

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The pilots can eat in the cockpit, but they tend to not eat at the same time, so that one is always at the controls.

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Yes, the FAA permits pilots to listen to music as long as it's not distracting. Some headphones have the ability to have two inputs, one for comms and one for music, and can silence the music whenever audio is detected on the comms input.

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If you are flying an aircraft for pleasure, it is certainly allowed to take photos. There is no rule against it. A good pilot does not allow anything to distract them when the right thing to be doing at a particular moment is aviating, navigating, or communicating.

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While the flight deck used to be accessible to passengers and especially children, it has been strictly closed off since the beginning of the millennium. In the meantime, only the pilots and, in exceptional cases such as some standby flights, airline employees are allowed to fly in the cockpit.

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This benefit varies from airline to airline. Family members may fly free when space is available or at discounted rates. Flying stand-by is a common benefit, but it can be challenging when there is a group. Some airlines provide “buddy passes” to pilots to share with friends and families.

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Free travel is a perk of the job, but it has limitations. Here's a quick look at how flight crew travel perks work. It is no secret that pilots, especially airline pilots, have great travel perks, able to travel in their off time for little cost, often free.

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