As I understand it...and after some time reviewing the FAA policy and the documents discussed by Tony earlier..I offer the following 2.5 HKD's worth of opinion:
The current FCIF and "policy" clearly conflicts with the FAR that states a mechanic can occupy a Cockpit seat if "on duty" and is required to be perform duties on the flight deck. (Pilots are allowed in the cockpit off duty-clearly stated)
On duty is defined under the FARs. Personal jumpseats doesn't even come close to meeting that requirement or definition.
Several POIs have made mistakes in the past on this issue and after being reminded through letters and conversations with the FAA from ALPA legal, and FAA HHQ, these poorly implemented policies have been rescinded.(don't believe me, contact our MEC JUMPSEAT chair and ask for case history on these issues, all a matter or record)
Hopefully someone will take up this issue, to protect our pilots before we have an incident where a PIC denies a mechanic last minute. A PIC could very well feel that he would be violating the FAR by allowing him off duty to ride in the cockpit. (And then said PIC is talked to by a FCA about not bumping him 12 hours earlier...)
(Also, the mechanics now enjoy a status we don't get when we book thru JUMPSEAT admin - booked and confirmed in the cockpit)
I personally would recommend that pilots within 3 days of any event for Fedex book business, as is allowed. Don't book staging - business. You have priority and won't be bumped by a mechanic.
And just an observation..Soon we will be seeing a significant reduction in the amount of jumpseats due to the AC changes in our system. With the reduction of commercial flights into Memphis, life is getting tougher as a commuter.
I would recommend a conversation with your block rep on this issue to make sure he has been fully briefed and understands the implications of this questionable new policy. (and the jeopardy our PICs could face and difficulty any crew member could have getting a ride to work)
And for the record, I have no problems with Mech's riding...I welcome them. I am more concerned with the policy and chilling of PIC authority that could take place.
The bottom line is that for a mechanic to ride in cockpit,
Originally Posted by
kronan
To me-the relevant person being admitted under the CFRs is
(4) Any person who has the permission of the pilot in command, an appropriate management official of the part 119 certificate holder and the Administrator. Paragraph (a)(2) of this section does not limit the emergency authority of the pilot in command to exclude any person from the flightdeck in the interests of safety.
We can certainly argue that the decision to allow mechanics into the cockpit wasn't done by an "Appropriate management official"- but, IMO, the mere fact that the FCIF was published indicates tacit approval.
Argument hinges on whether our POI is allowed to act for the Administrator. Certainly not a great argument to argue this decision isn't consistent with guidance from HHQ. Shoot, look at the fact that FedEx's sector of the FAA has locked cockpit doors while UPS was exempt
And, personally, I read 121.583 (e) as authorization for the PIC to admit ANY company employee to the cockpit. So, why should J/S admin have the Veto over your authority to allow a mechanic to ride the J/S if the cockpit door is MEL'd?
121.583 (e) The pilot in command may authorize a person covered by paragraph (a) of this section to be admitted to the crew compartment of the airplane
eCFR ? Code of Federal Regulations