Emergency Training for Flight Attendants

Calling for the flight attendant

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, major airlines are required by law to provide flight attendants on every flight for the safety and security of the traveling public. The primary job of flight attendants is to ensure that security and safety regulations are followed, but they also make efforts to make flights comfortable and enjoyable for passengers.

Importance of Emergency Training for Flight Attendants

Where flight attendants work.

Although flight attendants undergo emergency training, it can hardly duplicate the atmosphere of an actual midair emergency survived by a flight attendant aboard a flight departing from Atlanta on August 21, 1995, according to Susan C. Friedenberg in an article on the Corporate Flight Attendant Training website.

At 18,000 feet, the aircraft's right propeller broke and a portion lodged inside the engine cowling, resulting in an explosion. The lone flight attendant took immediate action, reassuring passengers during a 6 1/2-minute period while the aircraft continuously lost altitude. The flight attendant continued to brief her passengers on the locations and operation of all exits.

Unfortunately the aircraft crashed, but the flight attendant, with serious bodily injuries, performed first aid on survivors and directed the rescue of the co-pilot from the burning cockpit. The importance of emergency training for flight attendants is expressed most succinctly by these words from a surviving passenger:

"Because of her, folks inside the cabin remained calm. No one was screaming ... We did not panic. [She] behaved like a drill sergeant."

Where Flight Attendants Get Emergency Training

Flight attendant training, typically three to six weeks long, is usually provided at the airline's training center. Airlines that do not operate flight attendant training centers generally send new hires to another airline's training center. During training the trainees learn emergency procedures such as those involved in evacuating an airplane, operating emergency equipment, administering fist aid and water survival tactics. Trainees are also taught how to deal with disruptive passengers as well as hijacking and terrorist situations.

Requirements to Become a Flight Attendant

A high school diploma or GED (general equivalency diploma) is sufficient to qualify for a flight attendant position. Height requirements vary among airlines. Some have specific requirements, while many just require the ability to reach up to a certain height. Vision requirements can be met with corrective eyewear or contacts, and weight standards hinge on height in proportion to weight. A 10-year background check and drug screening are also required along with a medical evaluation.

Salary Range for Flight Attendants

Pay for flight attendants ranges from about $13 to $40 per flight hour or more. Most airlines guarantee a monthly number of flight hours, ranging from 65 to 80. Flight attendants are paid these hours whether they actually work them or not. Newly-hired flight attendants earn $16,000 to $23,000 annually, with the potential to earn up to $75,000 per year.

Job Outlook for Flight Attendants

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects the employment of flight attendants to grow by 8 percent from 2008 to 2018. College graduates with customer service experience should have advantages in landing positions. Professionally trained flight attendants may find opportunities with private aircraft operators.

References

• Cabin Crew Jobs: Flight Attendant Training
• BLS: Flight Attendants
• Corporate Flight Attendant Training: The Power of Emergency Training
• Flightsafety: Aviation Training Services
• Flight Attendant Career: Flight Attendant Career FAQs

Resources

• Flight Attendant Facts: Flight Attendant Jobs