I heard that there are no discounts due to conflict of interest.Random question that I've never seen addressed on here--Does anyone know if ATCers receive flight benefits from their airport?
Air traffic controllers used to fly free before 9/11. They used to be able to fly in the cockpit in the jump seat if it was available. After 9/11 those benefits were taken away and haven't been reinstated as of yet. BummerRandom question that I've never seen addressed on here--Does anyone know if ATCers receive flight benefits from their airport?
Hmm. I'm a loadmaster and I've never seen anyone from the FAA on the plane.I think you can still go on military flights once or twice a year
You can....just not for free. It's a conflict of interest because if individuals start receiving benefits from those they are supposed to be overseeing, charges of misconduct could quickly start arising. You could start seeing airlines bribe controllers for preferential treatment, controllers blackmailing airlines that don't provide benefits by putting their planes into perpetual holding patterns, etc.Seriously?! I don't understand how flight benefits are a conflict of interest...if we control the planes shouldn't we be able to ride on them too?
This would fall under a Local Incentive Flight or FAM Flight (Familarization). I plan and coordinate all of these flights for my AF Base and I can ensure you there is no automatic benefit like this for FAA employees. There may be a coordinated program inplace between the military base and local FAA organizations though. We have a program in place for local buisness leaders from the area where they get an Incentive Flight once a year on our KC-135s.I think you can still go on military flights once or twice a year
What if one is already on the plane, for travel purposes? Is it then under the pilot's discretion, whether to allow you into the cockpit/jump seat, or is it more or less a crapshoot altogether? I've always been hesitant to ask.Air traffic controllers used to fly free before 9/11. They used to be able to fly in the cockpit in the jump seat if it was available. After 9/11 those benefits were taken away and haven't been reinstated as of yet. Bummer![]()
If you think FL400 would be a blast try FL500, it is extremely creepy and a little scary since it is so quite and the engines don't have much air to grab onto since it is so thin. The view is pretty amazing since you can start to see the curvature of the earth, pretty awsome experience but very dangerous.I've always dreamed of riding jump up at FL400 (for those not familiar with the lingo.. that's 40,000 feet).
That sounds glorious.If you think FL400 would be a blast try FL500, it is extremely creepy and a little scary since it is so quite and the engines don't have much air to grab onto since it is so thin. The view is pretty amazing since you can start to see the curvature of the earth, pretty awsome experience but very dangerous.
I'm 99% sure that if you work military aircraft in you area, you can have your manager coordinate with the base commander or someone in authority to make the decision and allow you a flight. I'm 100% sure this was the case in the past (pre-9/11), but I remember talking to someone at ZBW (where I work) saying that the program was still in place.This would fall under a Local Incentive Flight or FAM Flight (Familarization). I plan and coordinate all of these flights for my AF Base and I can ensure you there is no automatic benefit like this for FAA employees. There may be a coordinated program inplace between the military base and local FAA organizations though. We have a program in place for local buisness leaders from the area where they get an Incentive Flight once a year on our KC-135s.
Like I said before without adding anymore percentages, Incentive Rides can be accomplished locally but don't expect to call up a military unit and tell them you are a controller or work for the FAA and expect a ride. Good luck nowadays since the cost of JP-8 has increased dramatically. When non-essential passengers are aboard crews are very limited on the training they can accomplish. Due to the cost the Air Force is not launching many sorties where training is not being accomplished, especially just for civilians. Military members don't even have a right or ability to jump onto a plane for a local flight without it being a requirment or earning it. They can ride as a passenger (space-A) while on leave but it is usually pretty boring since they are just dead-heading somewhere else.I'm 99% sure that if you work military aircraft in you area, you can have your manager coordinate with the base commander or someone in authority to make the decision and allow you a flight. I'm 100% sure this was the case in the past (pre-9/11), but I remember talking to someone at ZBW (where I work) saying that the program was still in place.