Flght Attendant Jumpseat Rider Briefing Card
Flight Attendant jumpseat briefing card for when jumpseat riders end up actually in a jumpseat.
May I Fly in the Jumpseat?
Many airlines in the United States have an agreement where flight attendants from one airline may jumpseat on another airline at no cost to the flight attendant. This is often extended only to crewmembers that are trying to go to or from a flight assignment and not for personal travel.
More often than not, flight attendants are permitted to jumpseat yet they are provided a passenger seat. Seldom are they assigned an empty flight attendant jumpseat. Should a jump seating flight attendant be assigned to an actual flight attendant jumpseat, a member of the working crew of that flight must ensure that the flight attendant jumpseating on their aircraft receives the appropriate safety briefing.
You may wonder, why would a flight attendant need to receive a safety briefing when they themselves perform a safety briefing to passengers every time they go to work? The answer is twofold. First, regulations require that all passengers must be briefed on the safety features of that aircraft prior to takeoff for each flight. Second, persons on board the airplane fall into one of two categories: they are either a working crewmember, or they are a passenger. While it is true that flight attendants are offered additional privileges, such as being able to sit in a flight attendant seat when not working, they are still considered passengers with regard to the safety briefing.
Applicable regulations
The regulation that requires all passengers to receive a safety briefing prior to each takeoff is 14 CFR 121.571 Briefing passengers before takeoff.
It states:
(a) Each certificate holder operating a passenger-carrying airplane shall insure that all passengers are orally briefed by the appropriate crewmember as follows:
(1) Before each takeoff, on each of the following:
(Lots of required content here, not shown)
(c) The certificate holder shall describe in its manual the procedure to be followed in the briefing required by paragraph (a) of this section.
If the flight operates overwater, there is an additional regulation the airline must be in compliance: 14 CFR 121.573 Briefing passengers: Extended overwater operations.
Riding the jumpseat
Since the flight attendant riding the jumpseat is not assigned to work that flight, and this applies to flight attendants of the same airline not assigned as a working crewmember and flight attendants from other airlines wanting to jumpseat on the aircraft, each person must receive a safety demonstration briefing. When you consider the status of the jumpseat rider, although they are riding in the jumpseat, they are treated as passengers. That means during the safety briefing, they are most likely in an aft jumpseat with their harness fastened. They will not be able to see the safety demonstration being performed as they are not allowed out of their seat to stand and watch. This is where the flight attendant jumpseat briefing card becomes useful in ensuring all necessary topics are covered.
Considering flight attendants are knowledgeable of aircraft through aircraft ground training as most aircraft have equipment similarities regardless of the make, model, or series of any airplane. Certain features are standard on all aircraft, including the emergency equipment on board, so the individual briefing will not necessarily be as detailed for them, as compared to someone who does not work as a crewmember, for example, someone from the airline’s accounting department.
Jumpseat briefing card
Creating a jumpseat briefing card takes the burden off of the flight attendants trying to determine what they need to brief the person in the jumpseat, as well as keep it concise. The briefing card can be a part of the flight attendant manual with its own heading. Doing it this way the card is revised per normal manual revision procedures and does not require a unique form number, revision number or revision date..
Alternatively, if you decide to create a jumpseat briefing card as an extract, remember you must assign a form control number, a revision number, and a revision date to ensure the jumpseat briefing card is kept current.
Responsibility for conduct of the briefing
This briefing card shall be used by the Purser or designee while conducting a preflight briefing to anyone authorized to occupy a flight attendant jumpseat.
The form should contain the following content and edited to match the installed equipment on that aircraft.
Jumpseat form:
Legend: Items must be P = point out; D = demonstrated
Authorized jumpseat/s
Jumpseat by (location) and (location) are the only authorized jumpseats for use by a jumpseat riders. The sequence of occupancy: (location) must be occupied first; then (location) jumpseat will be occupied.
Use of Seatbelt and Shoulder Harness (P, D)
Your seatbelt and shoulder harness must be fastened for taxi, takeoff, during turbulence, and landing. To fasten, tighten the lap belt first, then attach/tighten the shoulder harness. Twist the buckle to open. Whenever the seatbelt sign is on, you must return to your seat and fasten your seatbelt. Only flight attendants assigned to work this flight are authorized to remain standing, except when instructed to sit by the PIC or PUR.
Life Vest (P, D)
There is a life vest under your jumpseat. To use, place the vest over your head. Wrap the strap around your waist and tighten. As you exit the aircraft, pull down one of the red tabs to inflate. Manual inflation tubes on the side can also be used.
Oxygen Mask (P, D)
Your emergency oxygen mask is located in a panel above your head. If the masks drop, pull one down, place the mask over your nose and mouth, place straps over your head, adjust fit by pulling on the tabs. Keep your mask on until told to remove it by a crewmember.
Emergency Exits in Cabin (P)
The aircraft has (__) emergency exits. In the event of an emergency, do not operate the exit unless advised. If your are told to operate the door, move the door handle in direction of the arrow.
Smoking
Smoking cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vape devices is prohibited at all times.
Takeoff and Landing
During takeoff and landing, casual conversation is not permitted. Only if an emergency exists should you talk with a working crewmember.
Safety Information Card (D)
Here is a safety information card for your review. (Present card to jumpseat rider.)