FDX QA Observations
 

I have one on my next flight, first one. Have they been doing a lot of them recently. Haven't heard much lately on them.

I had one a few months back.. They will ask you several questions about your rest and such.. After reading the union's stance on these flights, I would have chosen not to participate and make them feel unwelcome.

At the time, I had no idea what it was about. The captain didn't either. At my last recurrent, one of the observers explained the program.. I still have no idea why this program exists, but I won't participate next time.

But how do you choose not to participate? If someone is on your flight, you really don't have any option. I'm not going to kick someone off the jumpseat.

The QA is a part of SMS and an IOSA requirement. Part 5 will soon be issued. Observations should be just that. . If we are to be on the IOSA registry and in compliance with SMS we have to do it.

correct, and we should be doing an ongoing LOSA per the negotiated MOU to meet those requirements.

No one has to answer any questions from a QA observer, about sleep rest or anything else. The QA observers should be listed as JS and request permission to ride instead of being listed as ACM as that implies "member of the crew" just one of many concerns ALPA raises.

One of the most poorly run programs I have ever seen, without any input from ALPA to boot.

Thanks, have a seat in the back...JUST SAY NO
 

And I won't allow them in the cockpit. And I won't answer any of their questions. And they will be instructed to be at the aircraft 20 minutes prior to pushback.

They are not a required crewmember. They are in an entry level management wanna be program, and they could still make comments that put you in front of a training review board.

Fedex continues to do their own thing, unlike all other airlines that seem to crash a lot less jets...makes you wonder. LOSA yes, QA no.

Where's the info on the program? On PFC somewhere? If it's part of SMS then where is that in writing? What's to stop the Company from disciplining a crew that declines to answer? Are there any protections? I'm asking because I honestly don't know and have no idea where to find out. Who is in charge of the program? Are all the observers non-members?

SMS so it's a safety program or part of flight ops?

All good questions and from what I know it changes daily, first based primarily on the ALPA Grievance and FAA not happy with Check Airman doing these QA rides and now with the new FO squadron who knows what they do. I suggest asking your Fleet Captain where to find out the program details and SOP.

As for giving them a ride, I think the part of where they sit or maybe not go at all is up to the Captain just like any PIC Authority decision when it comes to seats in the Cockpit (all 121.583 seats, like all in 767/777).

Interesting idea. Wonder what denying QA Observers the J/S across the fleet might yield...to facilitate their enjoyment of the summer, of course.:D