Flight Attendant Training Basics
Once the euphoria of getting hired wears off, it is very common for anxiety about new-hire training to set in. We have received several member e-mails about flight attendant training, such as when tests are given, what scores are required, how much to prepare before training, etc. We reiterate here what we have been telling you all along. Don’t worry! You will be trained by professionals on everything you need to know.
Length of Training
Flight attendant training usually takes place at the airline’s training center and typically lasts from three to six weeks. Classes are usually made up of between 30 and 100 trainees and run from approximately 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Accommodations and some meals and expense money are provided.
What you will Learn
Subjects covered during training typically include:
Time computations (adding/subtracting hours and minutes)
Cabin service
Company policy and procedures
Aircraft Familiarization
First Aid/CPR/AED
Ditching
Evacuation drills/commands
Security/Bomb threats, etc.
Uniform regs.
FARs
Bidding/Reserve
Specific aircraft training
Non-specific aircraft training…etc.
Testing
Generally you will be given tests after each segment of your flight attendant training. Passing grades are typically 90%. Some airlines allow retakes. Some do not. It might be helpful to practice airport codes and practice adding time. You can also expect about 4 training flights with real passengers where you will perform your duties under the supervision of working flight attendants.
The “Dream Sheet”
During the second or third week, you will be asked to fill out your “dream sheet” for base assignments which will be awarded later in the program, depending upon the needs of the airline. The order of awards is based on your seniority in the class. Since you are all in the same flight attendant training class and all have the same date of hire, assignments are usually awarded by age. The oldest person in the class is awarded first, while the youngest has the honor of getting the last choice.
