Hey everyone,
My non rev flight benefits are going to run out this April. Although I plan on taking some time off to circumnavigate the globe before they run out, it will be a major change in my lifestyle. I am currently instructing and I am planning on hiring on with a regional in several months.

My question is about the ability to jumpseat as a pilot. Can you offer me some insight into this process. Do you need to be an airline pilot before you get jump seat privledges. If so, do cargo companies like Ameriflight count. How does the process work?
Thanks a lot,

 

Yes, you have to work for an airline/company that the airline you want to jumpseat on recognizes as jumpseat able. Better known as "Get Past The Gate Agent"! In reality, CASS means that you can sit in the jumpseat when all seats in back are full. A non CASS airline pilot can jumpseat, but he must sit in the cabin, if there are seats available.

 

The policy differs among companies, but most are similar to this: 121 and 135 pilots can jumpseat on most other us airlines (incl cargo). Most often the "jumpseat" privelege really is just like non-rev because you ride in the back on a space available basis. Under some circumstances, you may be able to actually occupy the cockpit jumpseat if the cabin is full:
1) Your company aircraft.
2) Certain code-share aircraft.
3) If your company and the company you're riding are on CASS.

2&3 probably don't apply if you're 135. Also I understand that it's real hard to jumpseat on 135 aircraft, although the regs allow it. I know that amflight will NOT let anyone ride their aircraft (liaibility I assume).

Also, it is difficult or impossible to jumpseat INTO the united states from a foreign country.

Your company will provide all the details. Basically, it's a pretty flexible system. I've never been stranded anywhere for more than a few hours.