Don't let anyone convince you that Flight Attendant training is a walk in the park. It's tough, it's long, you'll be testing constantly, and frequently, you aren't paid until you finish (although some airlines do pay). Once you've received a Conditional Job Offer (CJO), you'll be assigned a training class date and emailed materials to prepare yourself. Don't waste time reviewing these materials. There will be information in there that they may expect you to know on day one. On the first day of training for my airline, we were tested on airport codes and the 24-hour clock, and were required to memorize most of the safety demonstration announcement.
In another post, I have a list of airport codes. It's mostly U.S. domestic, but I will update it soon to include international as well. Here is a link to practice the 24-hour clock. Or you can download these documents to practice as well.
You're going to learn a lot in training. There will be emergency medical training, evacuation training, basic aerodynamics, passenger handling, security, and firefighting training. You'll also learn the various aircraft you'll be expected to work on. Your airline may have a large fleet of multiple aircraft, or there may be only one. However, even if there is only one, for example, such as the Airbus or Boeing 737, there will still be differences between the various models of this aircraft that you will need to learn and be tested on. You'll learn how to inspect all safety equipment (preflight) and perform a security search. International procedures will also be taught if your airline operates abroad. You will need to be familiar with the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) and learn aviation terminology. In-flight announcements will be covered, and you will learn the exact procedure your airline uses for the safety demonstration. Any devices you'll be using will be taught.
Customer service will not be a significant part of the training. That's why they tend to hire people who already have a background in that area, as well as strong people skills. You'll learn the basics of beverage service, and if your airline offers multi-class service, you'll likely receive training on the different classes of service. No doubt, passengers' interactions will be discussed. However, a good majority of this will be covered during your IOE.
Make friends
Make friends. Be social. You may be making lifelong friends in training, even if you part ways and go to different bases or leave the airline. These friends can also serve as study buddies and people to learn from. You'll come across these new friends many times in the future. Expect to have a Facebook group formed for your class and receive numerous friend requests from your classmates. You'll learn from these classmates, and they will learn from you. So don't be a loner! Open yourself up to new friendships.
Get Enough Sleep
It's crucial during training that you get enough sleep. I recall that during both training sessions I've attended with the airlines, some of my younger classmates spent a lot of time partying and staying up late. Some individuals still succeeded in training, while others did not. I can guarantee that had I been doing that, I wouldn't have succeeded. Don't be tempted to stay up super late or all night studying as well. It's essential to get enough sleep to absorb all the information you will be expected to learn.
Be on Time
Tardiness is frequently grounds for dismissal. Consider extending the interview. You don't actually have the job until you've completed training. On-time performance is the goal of all airlines, so they're unlikely to take kindly to their employees being lax in this area. If training begins at 0800, be there at 0750.
Take Notes
Bring a notebook and a pen to class and write down your notes. Sometimes you'll notice your instructors giving you clues that something will be on the test. They may say, "You might want to write this down". In my most recent training I had an instructor that would "a little golden nugget for you". That meant we needed to write it down and remember it. You'll be given lots of handouts for that day's training. Feel free to take notes on those as well.
Study
Study every night, especially if there is a test the night before. You'll be given homework. Sometimes this homework is optional, but it serves as a valuable study tool for an upcoming test. DO this homework even if you don't have to. People study best in different ways. If you're someone who studies best in a group, consider joining or forming one. If you're unsure whether it would be helpful, consider whether it's offered. It may be very beneficial. If you're like me, you study better on your own or with just one other person. But remove all distractions. Turn off the TV, stay off the phone, and focus. Match your studying method to the exam method. There may be oral exams, written exams, or demonstrative exams. You may find that, depending on the exam, you'll study better with classmates or on your own. Evacuations and CPR/AED training are examples of things you may want to study for with others. It's helpful to recite these commands out loud.
Study Aids
Use study aids such as flashcards that you can make yourself. Look online for training aids such as Quizlet. I know people who've had posters of the different aircraft on their walls with the other parts outlined. Many people, including myself, learn visually, so I utilize these visual aids.
Participate
Participate in training. Ask questions and get involved in classroom discussions. If volunteers are needed: volunteer. Get involved and become engaged in the entire day-to-day process.
Money
Training can be 4-8 weeks or longer. Some airlines will pay a set amount, or you may receive the basic guarantee or a per diem for the duration of your stay. You may not get paid until training is completed. Plan ahead and ensure you have some money set aside, as well as that your bills while you are away are taken care of. This can be challenging for some people, so do what you can.
Packing
Here is a list of items you should bring with you to training. Although you will get some chances to head to the store, make sure you've packed everything you need before you go. You'll be able to bring a large suitcase, but pack wisely. Don't pack items you're unlikely to wear or need. In your pre-training package emailed to you, there should be information on a dress code. It may be business attire or business casual. At my training, we were required to wear black and white every day. It could've been a black dress, or a white dress with a black jacket, black pants with a white shirt, white pants with a black shirt, etc. After gathering everything I already had and could use, I had to buy some additional items. I highly recommend investing in packing cubes. You can use them once you're on the line as well. These are the ones I bought. 
Here is a packing list you can use as a guide.
Required
Items
·
Passport
·
Watch
·
Vaccine card
Clothing
·
Coat or jacket
·
Dress skirts
·
Dress Pants
·
Dress socks
·
Pantyhose, tights, or compression hose
·
Sweaters
·
Blouse or button-down shirts
·
One complete business suit (what you wore to the
interview)
·
Jeans
·
PJs
·
Uniform shoes/heels/closed-toed flats
·
Athletic shoes
·
Casual shirts such as polos
Study Materials
·
Notebooks
·
Pens
·
Flashcards
·
Highlighters
·
Training Printouts
Toiletries
·
Body Wash/soap
·
Facewash
·
Shampoo
·
Conditioner
·
Deodorant
·
Toothbrush
·
Toothpaste
·
Skin care
·
Other hair care items
·
Razor
·
Shaving Cream
·
Aftershave
·
Brush/comb
·
Makeup/kit
·
Makeup remover wipes
·
Sunscreen
Miscellaneous
·
Laundry soap
·
Dryer Sheets
·
Quarters
·
Tide to Go Pen
This is obviously not an exhaustive list. You will need to tailor it to your specific situation. But pack wisely and try not to OVERPACK. Also, be sure to bring a small, lightweight bag to carry your materials to training.
One thing to keep in mind is that you may be leaving training with a new travel roller board and tote. This can make heading home more awkward since you'll also have your large suitcase with you.
Here are some other links that also have information on preparing for training.
Flight Attendant School
After you finish training, you will then complete your Initial Operating Experience (IOE). Your IOE will consist of several hours of flight time with a line instructor, during which you will be evaluated on your performance of safety-related duties as required by the FAA. Be prepared for any type of assignment. I know of some that just did a turn, while others did a complete 4-day trip. At the regional, I worked for my IOE, which was a 2-day trip for me. In my current career, it was a red-eye turn. It's normal to feel nervous, but try to remain calm. You should be contacted by your IOE instructor beforehand. Ask questions about anything you are unsure about. Ensure you follow any instructions provided. Just remember your training, and you will do fine!
I remember before I started flying, I watched the entire series of Flight Attendant School on TV. It was intimidating, but I was determined; if I ever made it there, I'd do well and finish. Now available on YouTube, be sure to check it out.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for commenting!