Who is allowed to sit in the jump seat?

Eligibility for Jump Seat Occupancy

In aviation, a jump seat refers to a seat located in the cockpit or flight deck that is typically reserved for additional crew members, observers, or individuals with specific expertise. The use of jump seats is subject to strict regulations, particularly regarding who is authorized to occupy them during flight.

Authorized Occupants

According to established guidelines, the following individuals are permitted to sit in the jump seat:

• Specialized Personnel: Individuals with specialized knowledge or expertise relevant to the aircraft or its personnel, such as engineers, inspectors, or auditors.
• Operational Support: Representatives from the aircraft operator, maintenance providers, or other organizations who need to provide services during the flight.
• Observers: Qualified observers, such as representatives from regulatory authorities or aviation research organizations, may be permitted to occupy the jump seat for observational or training purposes.

Conditions for Occupancy

Occupying a jump seat is only permitted under the following conditions:

• Absence of Passenger Seats: The jump seat may only be used when there are no available passenger seats.
• Necessary Services: The individual’s presence in the cockpit must be essential for providing services to the operator or performing authorized duties.
• Safety and Compliance: The individual must not interfere with the duties of the flight crew or compromise the safety of the operation.

Safety Considerations

Occupants of the jump seat must adhere to specific safety protocols, including:

• Wearing appropriate safety equipment
• Following instructions from the flight crew
• Remaining seated and secured during critical phases of flight
• Respecting the authority and decision-making of the captain

Authorization and Procedures

Authorization to occupy a jump seat is typically granted by the aircraft operator or the appropriate regulatory authority. Specific procedures and requirements may vary depending on the organization and the nature of the flight.

In summary, the occupancy of jump seats is restricted to individuals with specialized knowledge or operational support requirements. It is only permitted when passenger seats are unavailable and when the individual’s presence is necessary for the safe and efficient operation of the flight.