Originally Posted by LakeshoreFlyer

Observation flights are a required part of the training curriculum. Part of the reason of the training department confirming a Jumpseat is that they see the value of both the new hire receiving line training as well as being present and available to take their sims as scheduled.

My home base is ORD. There is no confirmed seats from DEN to ORD. That's why I choose to complete my required training to a destination that I could be assured a ride back for my scheduled sims. It doesn't matter if that destination was Palm Beach or Milwaukee. It was required training that I was doing.

Looking a the big picture, I would presume the company would prefer the trainee getting to DEN and not missing a scheduled sim, hence the confirmed seating. If someone misses a sim, there is substantial cost involved to the company. At the very minimum it would cost another 4 hours of scheduled sim time, a slot with an instructor, and a seat sub. And there is also the delay in completing training. If a line pilot can't make it to work there is a reserve to take his/her place and the operation continues as planned. There are no reserve contingencies in place for a missed sim slot.

Sorry if it came off as complaining. I was just merely trying to tell the person who is coming behind me that 'confirmed seating' for the observation rides may not be as confirmed as one thinks.