Jumpseat Etiquette question

[PositionandHold]

I'm jumpseating for a few days for Jumpseat OE (company required), and I'm trying to figure out if it's considered bad etiquette to board prior to the pax boarding so I can introduce myself to the crew and let them know that I'm there for J/S OE.

Or are you expected to board after everyone else has even in the case of Jumpeat OE?

 

[Smacktard]

I'm jumpseating for a few days for Jumpseat OE (company required), and I'm trying to figure out if it's considered bad etiquette to board prior to the pax boarding so I can introduce myself to the crew and let them know that I'm there for J/S OE.

Or are you expected to board after everyone else has even in the case of Jumpeat OE?

Personally, I'd try to go down early so the crew knows you're gonna be there and can factor in the weight if there are potential w&b issues. But then I wouldn't necessarily stand in the flightdeck doorway waiting for them to board and finish paperwork. At that point I might stand outside in the jetway or on the ramp until they're a few minutes from closing the door.

 

[Cardinal]

No, it's perfectly acceptable. The paperwork my company issues for Jumpseat OE encourages participation from an early stage. Getting clearance, wx, performance, getting the FMS setup is part of the reason your there in the first place. For that you need to be there early. Tradition with us is for the observer to program the box to the best of their ability. Get involved to the greatest degree possible.

 

[pdub20s]

what you really want to do is... when you walk into the flight deck. just give the captain a few firm taps on the cheek and let him know your riding along in that back...kapeesh?

 

[Speedtape]

Jumpseat OE--you should be there early and hook up with the crew. Walk the preflight and observe, observe, observe! The more engaged you are, the easier it will be the first day of your actual line flying. Pick their brains--most people will share information that will help you. Operational Experience should not be a passive activity! It also makes the time go faster.

 

[Say Again Over]

I suggest you make inquiries with your jumpseat coordinator or another experienced crew member.

 

[PeanuckleCRJ]

Since it is jumpseat IOE, it is a different case. You are a working crewmember for the flight. Meet up with the captain before hand (get his phone number or something) and go down with the crew.

 

[Metro752]

Don't ask for his phone number, you don't need every phone number in the world, if he wants to lend a hand, he will be a nice guy and insist you take it down at some point.

 

[Jack-O-Lantern]

I'm jumpseating for a few days for Jumpseat OE (company required), and I'm trying to figure out if it's considered bad etiquette to board prior to the pax boarding so I can introduce myself to the crew and let them know that I'm there for J/S OE.

Or are you expected to board after everyone else has even in the case of Jumpeat OE?

Hey, at least he's asking! Some a$$holes don't even know there is a jumpseat etiquette. Somebody should explain this to these toolbags coming out of these flight schools!

 

[DrewBlows]

You should definitely go down early. If the FO is worth his weight in salt he'll take you under his wing and show you the ins and outs of the job. Don't count on it though, I had a Captain on my jump seat experience tell me to wait outside the aircraft until all the passengers had boarded and suggested I ride in the back. I politely reminded him that I would probably be fired if I road in the back so he relented and let me sit in the front. The FO let me get the clearance and was very nice about the situation. After the flight the FO said "don't worry, not all Captains are like that". I think my experience was an exception. Good luck.

 

[samballs]

You should definitely go down early. If the FO is worth his weight in salt he'll take you under his wing and show you the ins and outs of the job. Don't count on it though, I had a Captain on my jump seat experience tell me to wait outside the aircraft until all the passengers had boarded and suggested I ride in the back. I politely reminded him that I would probably be fired if I road in the back so he relented and let me sit in the front. The FO let me get the clearance and was very nice about the situation. After the flight the FO said "don't worry, not all Captains are like that". I think my experience was an exception. Good luck.

Sounds about right for the 2nd QTR of captains on the CMR seniority list