FAA Restores Flight Deck Training for Controllers

[system]

Originally published at: FAA Restores Flight Deck Training for Controllers

Program will allow controllers to observe pilot workload and cockpit procedures during actual flights.

[J_Earnie]

This program was a boondoggle for free flying for controllers, with little professional benefit. Perhaps the first flight was informative, but after that, it was nothing more than free trips for a sleeping controller. There were instances of a single controller taking over two dozen trips to Las Vegas. Pilots opposed it, because it resulted in a dozing controller taking a jumpseat from a company pilot trying to get to work.

[Oldandgrumpy]

I agree wholeheartedly with J Earnie. In thirty years of part 121 flying the controller slept in the jump seat while the wife and kids rode in the back for their vacation. More often than not, the controller wouldn’t even put on a headset. The initial introduction from the controller was usually deceptive, “I’m with the FAA” with no mention that they were with air traffic control.

[MoMule]

ATC controllers must be recognized in the CASS system before gate agents grant a jump seat boarding pass that is used to account for souls on board and where. They must also present their DOT/FAA PIV ID card along with their FAA ATC credentials. Simply saying I’m with the “FAA” ain’t gonna cut it. FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors 1825 who also have jumpseat access possess and must present their 110A credentials and verified in CASS. Bryan Bedford, FAA’s Administrator, restored this program under the guise of familiarization for ATC personnel, my spidey sense suggests it is also a recruitment/retention incentive. For the few who showed real interest and abided by the “Sterile Cockpit” period it was of value, for the majority it was a free ride.