Groundhog

Professional courtesy and (more importantly) safety.

I was going to write a long post, but realized I was wasting my time. The short version is: when things go bad, the flightdeck may benefit from knowing that there is another pilot onboard. (UAL 232 ring a bell?) It's easy stuff, and it doesn't take that long. If they're busy, or if it's a larger aircraft where it's difficult to access the cockpit, ask the FA to let them know you're there. Now you've just added to the overall safety of the flight. Chances are you're not going to be needed. But if things hit the fan, your input and knowledge may be invaluable.

CRM. In training we talk about using all of the available resources in an emergency situation. Jumpseaters, DHing crewmembers and non-reving pilots are usually in the list. They are useless if we don't know that they are back there.
For those pilots that roll their eyes when I come up to introduce myself; that's fine. Most pilots are glad that I stopped by.


Hog

oldmako

Agreed.

I jump seat a fair amount and always TRY to get up front and display the genuflecting subservience that some guys require, but it's not always possible. Some airlines almost frown on your going up front. I once had an FA damn near tackle me in my attempt to grovel and beg. It would help if more Captains knew their own airlines policies.

And on UAL, if the flight is wide open, and the CSR gives you a seat assignment, what is the big deal? I always identify myself to the cabin crew in case they need an ABA and ask them to inform the Captain. It is nice to know from a CLR / CRM standpoint when there is an asset available.

In my experience, half of the Captains I see summarily dismiss a guy to the back when he has been issued a seat assignment. Many will tell a jump seater that there is NO need for them to come up front when issued a boarding pass. So.....is there any wonder that guys do not come forward? It's not as black and white as some think.

In a previous life I had 11 years in the left seat, so I do have some experience with this issue. My PRIMARY JS concern was to never let a scab ride on the plane. So I suppose if a guy can deny a scab a seat in the back given to him by the CSR....well good on ya!

joepilot

While I agree that the manifest makes that clear, not all passenger agents get around to delivering the manifest to the cockpit, and not all FAs who are handed a manifest by the passenger agent are diligent about actually delivering that manifest to the cockpit.

Joe

jonnyjetprop

Call me old school, but I still introduce myself and hang back at the other end to thank the guys for the ride. Bring back the hat!

NERD

That is the way it should be. I see a lot of the younger guys non reving in uniform jumping up and blocking the aisle to get their bags. Would it hurt to wait for the paying customers to get off before jumping up? Or at least waiting for a window when someone else blocks the aisle? I have been commuting for over 15 years and have always done this whether online or offline.

krudawg

Get a life. Maybe we should also send our shoes back to the Jumpseaters for a nice shine and while you are at it, a months worth of revisions.

SpeedyVagabond

Is it so hard to take a few minutes out of your busy day and hang a left and introduce yourself while politely asking for a free ride? Respect for others and good manners are attributes not faults.