A flight attendant is someone whose primary duty is to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers during an airline flight.
They are part of the cabin crew for the plane, a team of personnel who operate a commercial, business, or even military aircraft while traveling domestically or internationally.
Flight Attendant Job Responsibilities in South Africa
The duties of a flight attendant begin with a flight briefing. During the flight briefing, the pilot of the aircraft gives the attendants information about the flight, weather conditions and evacuation procedures.
Before passengers board the plane, attendants check emergency equipment, food and beverage supplies and the cleanliness of the cabin.
Flight attendant’s primary responsibility is the safety of the passengers.
To ensure passenger safety, flight attendants give instructions on safety equipment, make sure passengers secure their seat belts and help them to stow their carry-on items.
In addition to ensuring the safety of passengers, flight attendants provide food and beverages and make sure passengers are comfortable. When passengers leave the plane, flight attendants inventory supplies and prepare reports on the condition of the cabin.
Education and Training Requirements To Become A Flight Attendant In South Africa
According to the BLS, the minimum education requirement for a flight attendant is a high school diploma. Some airlines prefer applicants with a college education.
Degree programs that enhance an aspiring flight attendant’s resume include communications, hospitality or public relations.
Airlines provide training for new hires. The company training includes instruction in first aid, evacuating the plane and operating the aircraft’s emergency equipment. Flight attendant training also includes practice flights.
FAA Certification of Flight Attendant
The BLS reports that all flight attendants must have a certification from the Federal Aviation Administration to work on an aircraft.
Flight attendants must pass a proficiency check after completing the airline training to receive the Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency from the FAA. Attendants must complete airline training and pass a proficiency check for the specific type of aircraft the airline operates.
What are the requirements to be a flight attendant?
The job requirements are actually quite basic. These usually include:
HEIGHT- Normally the minimum height is between 5’0-5’1 and the maximum ranges between 5’8-6’4. The height requirements are very different at every airline. Many airlines do not list height requirements but instead, require that you be able to reach a specified vertical height.
WEIGHT: There are no weight standards at US airlines. You will only be visually assessed. You must also be able to fit comfortably into a jumpseat.
EDUCATION: A high school diploma or GED is required.
VISION: Correctable eyewear/contacts are normally allowed to ensure you can meet the corrected vision requirements.
BACKGROUND CHECK: You must be able to pass a full background check, fingerprint and drug screening.
MEDICAL EVALUATION/AGILITY TEST: Once selected, at some airlines you will undergo a medical physical/agility test to ensure you are in good health and able to perform the job duties.
APPEARANCE: Flight Attendants are ordinary-looking people doing an extraordinary job, you only need to be well-groomed and neat in appearance.
Flight Training Schools In South Africa
Aviacom Flight Academy
Big Sky Cabin Training Academy
EPT Aviation Training
Flitedux
Future Flyers
High Flyerz Academy
Skyy Aviation Academy
Cabin Crew Training
Flysaa Cabin Crew Training
Cranfield Aviation Training
How long do you have to go to school to be a flight attendant In South Africa?
Flight Attendant Training. Once a flight attendant is hired, airlines provide their initial training, ranging from 3 to 6 weeks. The training usually takes place at the airline’s flight training center and is required for FAA certification.
How old do you have to be to become a flight attendant In South Africa?
First in a long list of flight attendant requirements is the minimum age. All flight attendants must be at least 18 years of age, but the minimum age can be higher depending on the airline – but never higher than 21 years. For example: at United Airlines, you must be 19.
How tall do you have to be to be a flight attendant In South Africa?
Flight attendants must be tall enough to reach overhead safety equipment. Typically flight attendants range between five foot three to six foot one. There may be a lower height restriction at some regional airlines where the aircraft type operated has a maximum height allowance of 5’10”.
How long do you have to go to school to be a flight attendant In South Africa?
Flight Attendant Training. Once a flight attendant is hired, airlines provide their initial training, ranging from 3 to 6 weeks. The training usually takes place at the airline’s flight training center and is required for FAA certification.
How old do you have to be to become a flight attendant In South Africa?
First in a long list of flight attendant requirements is the minimum age. All flight attendants must be at least 18 years of age, but the minimum age can be higher depending on the airline – but never higher than 21 years. For example: at United Airlines, you must be 19.
How tall do you have to be to be a flight attendant In South Africa?
Flight attendants must be tall enough to reach overhead safety equipment. Typically flight attendants range between five foot three to six foot one. There may be a lower height restriction at some regional airlines where the aircraft type operated has a maximum height allowance of 5’10”.