What is CASS!?!?!?!?!?
 

I have been able to search around on this website and find out who is and isn't CASS approved, but I am an outsider to the airlines and don't understand CASS. If anyone could be so kind to explain, I would be very. very greatly appreciative!

CitationJason

I think it is a database that allows you to sit in the cockpit on any airline that is also a part of the CASS database. I may be way off though.

I asked that question a while back too. As I understand it and this is coming from a nonairline pilot, YET! but it is a program that airlines participate in and that allows you, if you are part of a CASS approved airline, to jumpseat as much as you want. I believe, not sure, but that it also means backround checks are done with pilots participating in CASS airlines. I think its almost like a special security clearence to jump seat up front. Just look under Majors and CASS approved airlines and there is probably more helpful info too.

Chris

Its just jumpseat privilages for various airlines. Where you go to work find out what airlines are in your CASS database. No biggy

Yep, electronic database that allows employment verification across airlines. If you're in it then you can occupy the cockpit jumpseat on another cass airline. If no cass, then you're restricted to available seats in the back when "jumpseating".

Yep, these guys know what they are talking about. Its basically a barcode that is attached to your airline ID. If your airline participates, its a quick swipe by the gate agent to verify your employment with said airline and off you go in the jumpseat. Cuts down on all the hand written vouchers from before. Of course, if you work for an airline that everyone hates (like I do), its still up to the captain to say yea or nay if you can go.

Last I looked the jumpseat still belongs to the Captain and it IS a professional courtesy from THE CAPTAIN to allow another carrier's employee [pilot] to ride in the cockpit - or in the cabin - for free.

Most airlines would like to do away with CASS, after all it cost them money with NO return to the bottom line. Contrary to what some may feel (or want) a free ride in the jumpseat is not a birthright. A C-207 Captain or a B-747 Captain, should both be given the opportunity to extent the courtesy. There is a reason they call it "Captain's Authority".

That said, the industry does have some captains (small "c") that use the jumpseat to punish other carriers or pilot groups who they think have done them wrong. IMO, that is SO wrong, but it seems to be best suited for a different thread than this one.

CASS: Cockpit Access Security System

Data base to verify employment before being allowed on the jumpseat or non rev rider in cabin. Not all airlines are participating in the program. Capt still has to verify credentials. CASS allows gate agents to do the verification for the Capt.

Your very right HSLD. I haven't experienced any "c"aptains yet. Definitely NOT a birthright.

If there were a "c" aptain at my airline, he'd be weeded out very quickly. We have to submit a written report anytime we deny a jumpseat (cockpit). Since we have unlimited JS, gate agents will assign the Jumpseater as a non rev if OAL and open seats in cabin. Captains are taken out of the loop. I still appreciate the JS to come to the cockpit and say "Hello".

Making a Captain justify his denial of a JS will stop "Cry babies" from taking out their anger on the individual. The system really works.