Flight Deck Observer Seat Clarification (Flight Deck Jumpseat)
Dear Members,
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to us.
We are wanting to provide further clarification and update/correction to April’s Newsletter regarding access to the flight deck jumpseat.
The reason for the discrepancy was due to a discrepancy in the WIN (WestJet's Information Network- aka the CSA manual) that a reciprocal pilot could bypass the priority list, ahead of non-pilot employees, if they sat in the flight deck jumpseat.
The Company has clarified the following and corrected the WIN now. Please see below.
For clarity, reciprocal pilots do not get a higher priority for the flight deck jumpseat. WS and WR pilots not in uniform do not get a higher priority for the flight deck jumpseat.
Flight Deck Observer Seat:
After Transport Canada Air Carrier Inspectors, the following have first priority for flight deck observer seats, regardless of the priority list:
WestJet/WestJet Encore Check Pilots on inspection duties and persons with expertise related to the aircraft on the aircraft to complete their duties.
Pilots in uniform travelling standby on a full flight.
Only WestJet (WS) pilots in uniform are eligible for higher priority to occupy the flight deck observer seat on a flight operated by WS.
Only WestJet Encore (WR) pilots in uniform are eligible for higher priority to occupy the flight deck observer seat on a flight operated by WR.
Pilots not in uniform, who are willing to travel in a flight deck observer seat identify themselves to the gate agent, up to 30 minutes before scheduled departure (D-30); they are not eligible to hold a higher priority to occupy the flight deck observer seat. The pilot presents their WestJet Company ID and RAIC to verify they are a WS or WR pilot to the gate controller.
Pilots from a Canadian carrier travelling standby on a reciprocal pilot agreement may access the flight deck observer seat based on their priority code.
Applicable to WS and WR-operated domestic flights within Canada when no seats are available in the cabin.
ID and Documentation requirements are in place. Refer to: Policy: Reciprocal Pilot/Dispatcher Agreements for more information.
If you have further questions, please reach out to your inflight leader.
Your Local 4070 Executives:
President, Alia Hussain
Vice President, YWG Base VP, Tyson Conrod
Recording Secretary, Calvin Gautschi
Secretary-Treasurer, Alex Grigoriev
WestJet Encore YYC Base VP, Heather Crippen
WestJet Encore YYZ Base VP, Marcus Johnstone-McKinney
WestJet YEG/YVR Base VP, Chris Brewer
WestJet YYC Interim Base VP, Lisa Blayney
WestJet YYZ Base VP, Bryan Hansraj