The Job Search

[derg]

That was one of my interview stories.

I talked about how I did quite a bit of jumpseating and how the airline I was applying to was "different" and more fraternal than the others.

Not that they were, but actually jumpseating the carrier is a easy way to make a positive story to tell during an interview. And, in the age of CASS, they can look it up and see that you're not bs'ing.

 

[🦈💜]

Silly/odd question, apropos a prior comment... assuming one is in CASS, and that one is svelte and one feels that there's a lot they can learn by observing professional crews, is it looked at sideways if they prefer to ride the jumpseat? Is it even possible?

-Fox

 

[BobDDuck]

Silly/odd question, apropos a prior comment... assuming one is in CASS, and that one is svelte and one feels that there's a lot they can learn by observing professional crews, is it looked at sideways if they prefer to ride the jumpseat? Is it even possible?

-Fox

It varies from company to company (and even crew to crew). Many companies have policy where an offline pilot must ride in a seat in the back if there is one available. Pilots who work for the company flying the plane are normally always allowed to ride the jumpseat, even if there are seats open in the back. However, there are several companies who don't seem to have that rule (or, the captains of the flights I experienced that on, just didn't care or didn't know the rule).

But in general, I'd say no.

 

[Boris Badenov]

You won't prefer it for long.

 

[BobDDuck]

You won't prefer it for long.

There are times where the 777 or A330 jumpseat are much more preferable to sitting 32B between two large guys from Omaha and with a screaming baby in 33B.

 

[Toobdrvr]

Svelt or not, I would say your request will AT LEAST render a raised eyebrow. Every time.

As a guest, take whatever seat offered, say thank you, and sit down.

 

[PhilosopherPilot]

There are times where the 777 or A330 jumpseat are much more preferable to sitting 32B between two large guys from Omaha and with a screaming baby in 33B.

Agreed. The Jumpseat on a CRJ is the best seat in the house if it's a full flight.

 

[Lee D]

I actually prefer the Airbus jump seat behind the captain (IF the other seat is unoccupied) to sitting in the back on a full flight. I do not, however, prefer the 737 jump seat behind the captain in ANY circumstances.

Great advice in this thread!

From what I have seen once you have an airlines minimums it primarily becomes a game of how well you network first over how many hours turbine PIC you have and tenure in the industry.

That being said I am trying to up my networking skills. . . . . . As well as my skills with a bow staff.

 

[alaskadrifter]

. . . . . As well as my skills with a bow staff.

Only that one gang is into that
Maybe you will have better luck if you build them a cake or something...

 

[mikecweb]

I do not, however, prefer the 737 jump seat behind the captain in ANY circumstances.

That was actually my favorite. It meant I was that close to not making it but I was still going home.

 

[tonyw]

Personally I have a tough time figuring out how to go from "May I occupy your jumpseat?" to "hey what's your phone number or email?" or something similar. It just feels like I'm being way too forward and there may seem like an agenda behind my asking.

There is an agenda behind it. Everyone knows that there's an agenda behind it.

Try this.

"I'd like to keep in touch with you. It's always good to have people to talk to in the same industry."

I only network with people who I can honestly say that to. If I think someone is an ass hat, even if he can open doors for me AND he likes me, I excuse myself from the conversation real quick.

 

[Lee D]

That was actually my favorite. It meant I was that close to not making it but I was still going home.

True. I would rather fold my 6'4" frame in behind that seat than sleep on a crew room couch, but that's one tight fit!