The general public sees flight attendants as glorified waitstaff in the sky. Flight attendants are portrayed as scared, unsure and a bit ditzy in emergency situations in Hollywood movies. Nothing could be further from the truth. Flight Attendants are safety professionals. When training for the position of a professional flight attendant, you are training to become a safety professional.
The training is intense and a score lower than a 90% on any test is unacceptable for the FAA to certify anyone as a flight attendant. For four to six weeks the focus will be mostly on safety procedures and emergency procedures. Service is always secondary.
Trainees are expected to memorize evacuation commands, locations of safety equipment, how to use safety equipment. Also, trainees are taught how to handle non-routine situations on the airplane, and other FAA regulations and company policies.
Testing
Training can consist of written tests and performance tests. Both have a pass/fail score, which can never be below 90% per FAA standards. Training and testing standards, and all training programs are approved by the FAA.
The key to being a confident trainee is to always prepare. For performance testing, practice is crucial. Using training aids and being familiar with the equipment is important. Written tests must be prepared for by studying notes, the manual, and other information provided.
Study/Practice Tips
People study in different ways. My suggestion though is to always “crosscheck” what you’ve studied with at least one other person to make sure that you have understood the information correctly. This will instill confidence for testing.
Study groups are a great idea and can provide positive motivation to move forward towards your graduation day and earning your wings. However, if it’s a group larger than 5-7 people, it becomes more like a party environment. I highly encourage study groups no higher than those numbers.
Being prepared will also help you relax and not have too much anxiety during tests. I highly suggest during the classroom period to volunteer to demonstrate as much as possible when/if they ask for people to show what has been learned. Eventually everyone will have to do the task, but if you approach it with confidence you will grow stronger in your determination.
Give Yourself Time To Rest
As intense as training can be, always give yourself plenty of rest. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ulterior-motives/201611/how-sleep-enhances-studying. Training can be five to six days a week, with long days on some of them. Take time during the day on your breaks to close your eyes and rest. During the evenings when not at the training center, finish your studies at a time where you can still get plenty of rest. This also is a way to help you adjust to being on the line flying. As safety professionals, a clear mind is key.
Avoid falling asleep in class. I can’t stress enough how important rest is during training. Remember to always set time aside to get fresh air, food, and relax. It will help you sail through your training and reach your goal of being a flight attendant.
Earning Your Wings
Your wings are your ultimate goal. It signifies that you have made it through the intense training program and are a trusted safety professional. I still wear mine with pride. Touch them, stare at them, show them off, and be proud of your accomplishment.
When you have successfully graduated from the training program you will look back on your journey and realize how far you’ve come from a new-hire trainee to a full-fledged flight attendant. A sense of pride and confidence that you are ready for any situation is what flight attendants is what it’s all about. You will see situations much differently and be ready for what takes place each day.
Conclusion
This career isn’t for everyone, but if it’s something you strongly desire, it is obtainable. Take your training seriously, study hard, rest, and study some more. Your success depends on your effort. Ask any questions you have to your instructors. They love to hear them. I always encouraged my students to ask me any question. Remember to take good notes, practice and be prepared. You will be amazed how far you can go. Read my story on my first flight here Stories, Good luck.
Jason.
