FAA brings back cockpit ride-alongs for air traffic controllers, paused since the pandemic
FAA brings back cockpit ride-alongs for air traffic controllers, paused since the pandemic Controllers will be able to apply for two commercial or general aviation flights and one military flight a year. All major U.S. airlines have agreed to take part, according to the FAA. By Alberto Zamudio | The Southbound 105 | Oct. 18, 2026 The people who guide planes in and out of LAX may soon be riding up front. The Federal Aviation Administration has reinstated its Flight Deck Training program, which lets air traffic controllers apply for jumpseat access on airline, general aviation and military flights, according to the FAA's announcement as reported by General Aviation News and Aero-News Network on Oct. 18. The idea: give controllers a firsthand look at pilot workload, cockpit procedures and how their instructions affect the people flying, the FAA said. Paused since the pandemic The FAA said it worked with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the controllers' uni...