Flight Attendant Training Update ~ Real Talk
02.15.2017 I began training January 30th. When people tell you Flight Attendant training is one of the hardest things you'll ever go through, take them seriously. Between all the information being brand new, being stuck in a room (sometimes rooms) with 80 other people (all of whom are complete strangers at first) all day every day, and having training anywhere from 8:00 in the morning to 5:30...6:30...7:00 every night, Monday through Saturday (and Sundays are for Observation Flights), Flight Attendant training is hard. Contrary to popular believe, Flight Attendant training is not about selling Coke and handing out pillows. (We literally spent one afternoon on service. That's it.) FAs are required to know anything and everything about the interior and exterior of each type of aircraft their airline flies. They are familiar with all Federal Aviation Regulations, and uphold those policies at all times. They learn and are intensely drilled on all types of emergencies, irregularities in flight, and evacuations. They learn CPR, the proper use of an AED, how to assess medical conditions of all types aboard the aircraft, and how to treat those symptoms while in the air. They are first responders, EMTs, nurses, babysitters, therapists, security guards, profilers, the eyes and ears of the aircraft, and yes, sometimes waitresses. No one but Cabin Crew knows how hard Cabin Crew works! I was terrified of training. I thought I wouldn't pass. Exams are nearly every day and "passing" means scoring 90% or higher. Score less, and you're dismissed. Show up one second late, you're dismissed. Show up without your required duty items, without compliant attire, with your cell phone on, you're dismissed. (See a trend here?) While the behavioral stuff and punctuality are no problem for me, I was very worried I'd fail an exam. But I'm pleased and proud to say that of our (so far) 12 exams, I've scored one 98, two 99s, and nine 100s. I can't believe it. I'm dumbfounded. But my experience proves that: if you really want it, you will make it happen. My final exams (two practical and one written) are on this upcoming Monday. As long as I pass them all - and I will work hard to do so - on Wednesday, February 22nd, I will have my wings. Then it's off to my new base: Orlando, FL. I couldn't be more excited. Flight Attendant Life, here I come!! Flight Attendants can serve you beverages, but we can also save your life. We have been thoroughly trained and are happy to do so. Just don't call us "Stewardess." "Sky Goddess" is acceptable. See you in the friendly skies.
