Who is a flight observer?

An observer is a person who occupies a jump seat on the flight deck during a flight.

There are various reasons to have an observer on a flight:

• Checking or examination of pilots
• External (e.g. CAA) or internal (company) audit
• Pilots on positioning duty (e.g. jump-seating to another base, home, etc.)
• Pilots in training on supernumerary flight
• Or even for no special reason, for example a pilot’s family member or friend on the flight deck (this usually requires special permission)

There are special rules on how to behave as an observer. These usually include:

• No distraction of the flight crew, including a sterile cockpit
• No use of personal electronic devices (PEDs)
• No video recording during the flight

The flight crew should familiarise an observer with all applicable rules before the flight.