 A
Flight Attendant Talks About Her Job
Marianne Moore is a flight attendant with US Air.
She has had more than 16 years of service as a flight attendant.
"Very intensive training is necessary to become a flight
attendant. First of all, over the years, it's become a lot
more popular job, and the airline companies go through a
big screening process in selecting the applicants who will
go through training school.
"Different airlines have different educational requirements.
Their physical requirements are not as strict as they used
to be, mostly due to legal battles and union representation.
We now have mothers who can fly, and weight restrictions
are much more lenient.
"The training schools are run by the airlines according
to FAA requirements. You spend most of your time studying,
learning the Federal Aviation Regulations inside and out.
You must know the aircraft that you're going to be flying.
You have to know how to evacuate an airplane under many
different conditions, and you go through all the scenarios
that might be countered in an emergency. We are taught first
aid.
"Once a year we have to go through recurrent training
and learn anything new that's come out. It's sad to say,
but every time an airplane crashes we learn a lot from it.
Also, we have to practice emergency procedures, including
a mock exercise in evacuating an airplane. You get into
the simulator and go to your exit and sometimes the exit
will be blocked by fire and you have to know what to do
in that situation.
"After the TWA incident in Beirut, we were required to
go through eight hours of hijack training because the government
and the airlines felt the crews needed more background in
that area.
"In order to make an informed choice as to an airline
career, I would most definitely research the airline that
I was giving my application to. The airlines can be selective,
but you can be selective, too. Contact the FAA or the Department
of Transportation and try to find out if the airline of
your choice is financially stable and has a good operating
record.
"Apply to several airlines; don't put all your eggs into
one basket. I think it's very important to realize that
it's a transient job, especially with mergers and acquisitions
and the way that the airline industry is growing. But you
have to be flexible. That's the name of the game. You might
be told one day-or you might just pick up a newspaper and
find out-that your airline was bought by somebody else,
which more than likely means you'll have a move on your
hands. You have to go to where the flying is.
"You have to realize that it's not all a glamour job.
You do get to work with the public and you can get a lot
of fulfillment by the things you do for your passengers,
but it's hard and tedious work, and it's very uncertain
these days."
The History of Flight
Attendants
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Integrity and High Ethical Standards
Successful applicants are expected to be honest and ethical. You may be responsible for inventorying and handling valuable equipment, as well as collecting, managing cash and credit sales. You must have a high work ethic and standard. Your treatment of customers and co-workers is expected to be truthful and sincere.
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