Originally Posted by
Flyer2000
FA's are not allowed under FAR 121.547 in the cockpit jumpseat for commuting purposes. If an FA is up front is is either in an approved cockpit familiarity program (i.e. JetBlue), or due to the biological needs of the pilots (through your FOM/OM/GOM, and SOP or whatever your company calls it). Mechanics must be "on duty" and have a direct need to monitor the inflight systems.
The benefits, or distractions of having either group allowed in the cockpit are not relevant. Incorporating training into class so that they are educated on sterile cockpit thereby allowing you to help a fellow employee get home is not relevant. Look up FSIMS Vol. 3 Chapter 2 Para 3-41 on the FAA website, and it will help clear things up for you.
JB is not complying with FAR 121.547. They do not have to, because their FAA approved manual says they can allow the FA's to ride in the JS (once).
FAR 121 is a template for airlines, but each airline may modify it via their OPSPECS as they see fit (with FAA concurrence).
Any company which could convince their federal overseers to allow it could open up the cockpit JS to FA's. This would not be trivial, but I suspect if a company required required FA jumpseaters to possess a 2nd class medical you might be able to get it approved. Plenty of FA's would spend $100/year to improve their commute.