Introduction
For many student pilots, one of the most exciting steps in their aviation journey is the chance to sit in the cockpit of a commercial jet and observe the professionals at work.
Experiencing how airline pilots operate in a multi-crew environment (MCC) provides invaluable insight into real-world jet operations—something textbooks and simulators alone can’t fully replicate. If you’re studying to become a pilot in Europe, there’s good news: jump-seating on airline flights in the EU is not only possible, it’s encouraged.
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Why Jump-Seating Matters?
Sitting in the cockpit jump seat allows you to:
• Observe standard operating procedures in action
• See MCC (Multi-Crew Cooperation) dynamics firsthand
• Understand how commercial jet systems are managed in real-time
• Gain exposure to ATC communication, flight deck coordination, and operational decision-making
It’s a powerful educational experience that can help you transition more confidently into airline training.
Jump-Seating in the EU vs. North America
In North America, cockpit access is tightly restricted by the Cockpit Access Security System (CASS)—a program managed by the TSA that allows only authorized airline employees, primarily active commercial pilots, to access flight decks. This makes it virtually impossible for student pilots to jumpseat on U.S. or Canadian airline flights.
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Europe, however, operates differently.
Within the Schengen Zone—a group of 29 European countries that have abolished passport control at their mutual borders—security policies are generally more flexible. As a result, EASA student pilots and private pilot license (PPL) holders studying within the EU can often request cockpit access on commercial flights operated within Schengen airspace.
How to Request a Jump Seat
1. Buy a valid airline ticket
You must be a fare-paying passenger traveling within the Schengen Zone.
2. Bring your credentials
Carry your student pilot ID, and if you have already earned it, your ICAO PPL or CPL license.
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3. Dress professionally
Wear business casual attire.
⚬ Acceptable: khakis or dress pants, dress shoes or low boots, a polo shirt or pilot shirt
⚬ Not acceptable: jeans, T-shirts, or sneakers. Wear your pilot ID on a lanyard and look clean, presentable, well-groomed and professional. In other words –look like a part of the team – the airline pilot team!
4. Request access at the gate
Politely ask the gate agent if they can check with the Captain about a possible cockpit jump seat for observation. The agent will usually take photos of your credentials and pass them along to the flight deck.
5.Respect the Captain’s discretion
The final decision always rests with the Captain. However, many pilots for Schengenbased carriers such as Lufthansa, Air France, Wizz Air (and many more), and others are often receptive to student pilots requesting jump-seat access—especially if you look professional and show genuine interest in learning.
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Tips for Your First Jump-Seat Experience
• Be respectful and quiet on the flight deck unless spoken to. Do not ask pilots any questions until you are outside of the critical operations or “sterile cockpit”, which is normally all operations below 10,000 feet. And that incudes the pushback and taxi.
• Don’t take photos or videos unless explicitly permitted by the crew. Preferably, turn your mobile devises off, or, at least, silence them.
• Take mental notes of procedures, checklists, and communications. Airbus cockpit normally has spare headsets for the observers. Politely request to wear one. (by the way, your 2-pin GA headset will not work – Airbus uses a completely different plug, so don’t try to set it up).
• Once you arrived, do not open the flight deck door without permission. Wait for the Captain to clear you. Thank the crew afterward, shake hands and wish them a safe day.
Learn How to Use the A320 Observer Seat
To help student pilots prepare, Aerocadet airline pilot mentor Capt. Russ Sherwood has recorded a brief instructional video inside an Airbus A320 showing how to properly deploy and sit in the central cockpit observer jump seat. Watching it will help you feel more prepared and professional during your cockpit visit. aerocadet.com
