F/Os James Berzon (left) and Rich Odbert (right) present Capt. Bob Spadea (center) with a commemorative plaque.

August 4, 2014 - ALPA’s International Jumpseat Council held its Jumpseat Forum on August 4, offering attending airline pilots a chance to thoroughly discuss the policies and practices outlining pilot-in-command authority and jumpseat access. More than 50 aviators from both ALPA and non-ALPA member airlines participated in this unique, day-long opportunity to review regulations, compare individual airline policies, and share line-pilot experiences.

“Why are we here?” First Officer Rich Odbert (FDX), Jumpseat Council chairman, rhetorically asked. “We face the same issues we’ve been talking about for years — technological barriers, fraudulent attempts to use the jumpseat, and the need to keep our pilots apprised of all of the resources at their disposal.” These resources include ALPA’s revised Jumpseat Guide issued this spring, which addresses subjects ranging from the use of the Cockpit Access Security System to verify employment to current TSA security restrictions. This comprehensive manual is available to ALPA members at jumpseatinfo.org.

Moderated by Odbert and ALPA jumpseat subject matter expert First Officer James Berzon (UAL), the ALPA Jumpseat Forum consisted of brief presentations followed by extensive group discussions. For example, Berzon and First Officer Greg Maatz (UAL), his pilot group’s MEC Jumpseat Committee chairman, walked the group through the list of non-pilot figures who have access to the jumpseat of U.S.-based airlines, per FAR 121.547. Forum attendees talked about related airline processing policies and what’s required for adequate screening.

MEC Jumpseat Committee chairs Captains Cap Perkins (HAL) and Mark Dunn (XJT) reviewed general protocols and decorum, and the responsibilities of the PIC in reviewing credentials and briefing jumpseaters on safety protocols. Other presentations examined international jumpseating and managing jumpseat rider baggage.

Also during the Forum, Odbert took a moment to recognize Capt. Bob Spadea (UAL), presenting the pilot with a plaque for his long-time commitment to aviation security and his “exceptional service to the Jumpseat Council.”