A while back there was a Fed out on the west coast that was threatening enforcement for guys who didn't check the required documents per the FOM. The fed even went back and asked jumpseaters with a cabin seat if the capt had checked their documents. I heard this while I was checking in asking for a jumpseat myself. The capt was almost apologetic that he was going through my docs so carefully, but he didn't want to risk a violation. The point is that it is not always an ego thing when you get asked, it is just a by the book process, and if someone asks to see your docs just smile and comply.

That's interesting. I didn't think it was required if you have a ticket that shows a cabin seat? It's not as though the feds know what they're talking about half the time anyway.

If you are on a non rev or space available pass, document check is not required. If you are traveling on jumpseat privileges, doc check is required, even if sitting in back. You are riding as a working crew member, and may be expected to help out if something goes wrong. Same reason you can't drink while on a JS, not even if riding in back. An FAA inspector told me this very thing while riding in my jumpseat. Maybe different FSDOs have different attitudes about this. The guy I talked to was west coast IIRC. It's also in our FOM this way.

It's not a power trip at all. It's required and if you're asked, it's not because the Capt is trying to be a douche, it's just CYA.

It's one more layer in the Swiss cheese model to make sure unwanted people aren't allowed cockpit access. I'd rather have my docs checked every time than a one time event where someone who wasn't authorized got up front.

Not required to sit in the back.

Anyone remember the TSA guy who grabbed an FA jumpseat on Jet Blue? Once the captain realized what happened he had to turn back around and land at JFK.

Still not required. I don't blame guys for the cya factor, just talking technicalities.

Not all FOM's are alike.

When a pilot pops his head in and says "hey guys I'm bob with xyz, they gave me a seat in back, here's my ID and the captain copy slip" are you guys really saying "Whoah Whoah Whoah ice man let me see your medical and atp"? For the record I always have it ready to go but in my experience this has been like 1/100.

I don't see the problem...he is, after all, required to inspect your documents.

Now, admittedly, if we have a guy that we know from our company jumpseating on our own metal, I've never seen a CA ask the dude for his credentials. But if the CA doesn't know you personally? All kinds of Fed nonsense could ensue if he skips the credentials check.

In my experience I'd say 33% of the captains just wave me off without glancing at the paperwork, 33% give the paperwork a cursory check, and 33% actually do check everything.

Dude I was just contributing to the conversation and in no way was he a TOTD. I commend you for defending the guy but I think we are both in agreement that it is not the norm.

I'd say the answer to this is directly correlated to hat usage by the captain.

Truth. I have a hat too, but my ex made me get the hat. I think she wanted me to wear the hat, only the hat, and nothing but the hat.
That will make you looke differently at pilots who wear the hat ;)

Woah, what kind of tool are we talking about now?[emoji37]

Yes and to see what FA's are riding via jumpseat agreements too.

Think about it and tell me why I'm wrong.

"SDS" Shiny D**k Syndrome but thats a lesson plan for another day ;)

Did the other 1% make you pay a hefty fee? Those darn 1% are keeping us down, man!

This being a pilot forum, I just knew someone would do the math and point out that it didn't sum to 100% 😉 And it only took 2 posts!

Glad to help.

1. It's required by every 121 operator that I know of.

2. It's a professional courtesy to have it handy.

3. The CA is supposed to be mentoring his/her FO. Great opportunity for the CA to show some class and handle this introduction and interaction the right way.

The CA may only look at it for a second. But that checks the box. Security is still a big deal, so expect some Captains to ask a few questions about your airplane and/or operation/domicile.

I am over being lectured on this issue. It says specifically in our FOM that jumpseat riders flowing back to the cabin are not required to provide credentials to the PIC. You might review yours as well. And if you are the guy quizzing a commuter about his job/aircraft/whatever to "prove he is really a pilot" that is just plain wrong.

I just came home from a trip, am drinking a glass of wine and am laughing heartily as I read some of these posts. Some of you guys have a good sense of humor. :)

+1... FOM is most restrictive, so I imagine some airlines require it and some don't. Spirit does not (until they change the FOM again).

Apparently some jumpseat-police "respect ma authoratah"-types can't comprehend this.

Our SOP is a bit vague and may contradict itself as to whether a cabin jumpseater needs all the paperwork. SOP is clear that they do need to check in with the CA.

I don't check the docs for a cabin jumpseater because I don't think anyone cares, and the SOP probably did not intend that. But I wouldn't blame someone who felt the need to dot i's and cross t's either.

When I get a 135 pilot I do check our reciprocal list, because half the time they're not on it. While I might let such a person in the cabin, no way are they sitting in the actual. It pizzes me off that they even ask because they know darn well whether they have an agreement with us, and they should know I could get fired for letting a random non-authorized person in the cockpit.

Each airline is different in what is normal and what will get you fired. Your airline might fire you but that isn't a global outcome.

I believe a reciprocal isn't FAA related. If they are in CASS then it is up to your airlines individual practices (and you).

Another nominee for TOTD: the FO who left his seat jacked all the way up and forward (if you've ever tried to squeeze into a CRJ, you'll know how annoying that is), with a full trash bag draped on the armrest and a sticky, leaking, extra-large soda cup in the cupholder.

And of course the ACARS printer is out of paper (it's traditionally an FO responsibility to replace the paper when it runs out)...plus the FO skipped the post flight, which was instantly obvious because not just one, but FOUR of the external security seals (an FO responsibility at my airline) are nowhere to be seen on the airframe.

Seriously? Where do we get these people?

Sign of the times.....

Bet it was an LCA giving a captain upgrade.

LOL...

Actually it was a brand-new FO (I checked the can, saw his employee number.) That said, some of the most inconsiderate FOs in terms of flight deck cleanliness have been super senior guys who could've upgraded 5 or 6 years ago. (You can tell by the employee number.)

Said every old man since the dawn of time. Nice one

Give your colleague a call, send and email, or drop a note in their "V" File, and politely remind him/her of proper cockpit etiquette. There has been many a time when I met the inbound crew as they were getting off the jet, discovering the same situation. Politely called them back to the jet to collect their rubbish. Never had any issues and was given an apology.

Better yet, take the trash bag and stuff it in his v-file with a note saying " You left this on the airplane, figured you must want it"

What airport? Bet the GSC was clueless again.

Ha! I did that once when the FO I took the plane from left a cup full of sucked on pistachio shells in the cup holder. Left the cup and a nasty-gram in the v-file of the offending pilot. I doubt it solved the problem but it was very gratifying. Would have loved to see their face when s/he opened up that little surprise!

Seriously, I'd love to go back in time to hear what you old timers parents were saying about your generation in the 60s and 70s.

Mostly referencing the regional carriers grabbing anybody and everybody that can meet their mins. There's some real winners out there....

As a guy recently removed from the left seat at a regional, I can tell you that I noticed a marked decline in the quality of pilots occupying the right seat over the last 5 years. There were quite a few military guys just treading water, getting some 121 stink on 'em and waiting for the big boys to call. The vast, overwhelming majority were great to fly with. But there were a few who, after flying C-17s to every backwater on earth (respect!) or flying AC-130 gunships in the dark over Afghanistan (mad respect!) seemed to view the whole RJ thing as beneath them or seemed to chafe under the whole airline seniority thing. And of the civvies coming up, most were good too. In both groups however, there were more than a few that ran the gambit from requiring a little extra "mentoring" all the way up to just shake your head and mumble to yourself or the FA "What is this guy's DEAL!? Is it day four yet?!"

However, that could just be my slow transition to being an "old guy" showing.