Obviously, dragonriders don't have a lot of time to progress in a craft during a Pass. But what about retired riders? Is it conceivable that a retired rider could get promoted within a craft? And how would that work? Is that a special circumstance or anything, or does it just require local L1 permission? Could a non-retired rider very slowly progress in a craft? What about Dragonhealing, since all JM and higher Dragonhealers need to be riders?
Riders can be promoted within their craft, it just takes them a lot longer and it's a lot harder since they don't have much time to devote to it. Retired riders would definitely have more time, but they still would have to take care of the dragon and there would be some duties around the Weyr that they would have to perform. I think becoming a Master in the craft while being a dragonrider would be especially difficult, but not impossible. It would just take a lot of focus and dedication.
As far as what you would need to do, if it's from Jr. Journeyman to Sr. Journeyman, you don't need anyone's permission. That's up to you. A Master Crafter, however, is a ranked persona, so you would need the L1's permission.