Who was that WOMAN???

[Rick93]

I was recently on board QF 859, returning from the Gold Coast to Sydney at 2035hrs. (the flight was delayed by 15 minutes.... so they didn't give us 'dinner'..... but that's a different story!)
The 737 was full to capacity, and most passengers were already seated, when I observed a blonde female, aged about 35 - 40 years, run down the aisle from the forward section of the aircraft. She placed a package into an over head locker in the economy section (about the fourth one down), then ran back to the flightdeck door. To me, it appeared as if the door wasn't locked, as she simply just turned the handle and opened it. She was on the flightdeck for the entire flight.... I didn't see her come out. However, as I was leaving the aircraft, past the flightdeck door, this woman was standing there, speaking with a female flight attendant.

So, who was she LIKELY to be?

1. A wife / girlfriend of a member of the flightdeck crew?
2. A Qantas staff member hitching a ride in the flightdeck.... because all the other seats were full?
3. The Air Security Officer (Air Marshall)..... not going to be much use hiding on the flightdeck?
4. A trainee (of some description)..... doesn't account for NO UNIFORM!

In this day and age of increased security measures, how can people in civilian clothes travel inside the fligtdeck of a passenger aircraft?

...... and of course, the other mystery, what did she place in the overhead locker...... that was not removed until all passengers had alighted the aircraft (I was one of the very last to leave)???

....concerned (I think)

 

[redrat]

Gordon, most of the flight deck riders these days are there for a reason, ie. staff/crew/trainees/vendor engineers/CASA.
To get up there during a flight QF/CASA requirements are that you submit all your passport details 2 or more days before the flight. I've seen their own staff refused entry for flight deck rider because the notice was too short
Of course the flight captain can throw all caution to the wind and let someone come up. That is usually a career shortening move, though.

 

[dajop]

Yes, wondered what the practice was post Sept 11. A friend of mine who was with AN would occassionally get the jump seat on AN when travelling standby, and all other seats were full. Of course that practice was phased out on Sept 14 2001.....

 

[straitman]

...... and of course, the other mystery, what did she place in the overhead locker...... that was not removed until all passengers had alighted the aircraft (I was one of the very last to leave)???

However, as I was leaving the aircraft, past the flightdeck door, this woman was standing there, speaking with a female flight attendant.

Gordon,
I believe that redrat has given you the first part of the answer.
Now to the second part. The mystery package was no doubt just her personal gear, and as you said she was still on board when you left. I'm not sure why you are being so curious. Did anyone ask what was in anyone elses carry on baggage? I think not :!:

 

[Rick93]

My suspicion comes from being 'security' conscious. I would query anyone in civilian dress entering the flightdeck (male or female). This is THE post 9/11 environment!
Anyway, it just looked odd to me, at the time.

regards,

 

[redrat]

... I would query anyone in civilian dress entering the flightdeck (male or female). This is THE post 9/11 environment!
Anyway, it just looked odd to me, at the time.

regards,

Most of us that support the airline industry are in "civilian dress". It doesn't feel odd to me. :?

 

[straitman]

... I would query anyone in civilian dress entering the flightdeck (male or female). This is THE post 9/11 environment!
Anyway, it just looked odd to me, at the time.

regards,

Most of us that support the airline industry are in "civilian dress". It doesn't feel odd to me. :?

If the flight crew are comfortable with the arrangement then I most certainly would be happy.