Entering Business Aviation, Part III: Training Options

Time for some training! So, you are not sure what type of training you will need or how it compares to the commercial side of aviation. For starters, there are some very big differences.

Please be aware that the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) do not require that a flight attendant be assigned to an aircraft with fewer than 20 seats onboard. With that being said, it is a good idea -- regardless of federal regulations -- for the person who is in charge of the cabin area to have adequate training.

There are quite a number of programs out there that train or claim to train business flight attendants. Some programs are excellent while others are awful. Caveat emptor -- let the buyer beware -- is the siren call for all of you seeking training. Do not be lulled by a low price as anyone can say they offer training, but will it get you work? Will it be recognized by the companies doing the hiring? Is the program accepted by the FAA? These are some of the things you need to uncover as you do your research.

While commercial carriers generally offer training that can last as long as six weeks, your training will be no longer than 5 or 6 days. That's it! However, those days will be jammed pack and should include the following: food handling and service; emergency training including inflight emergency, medical and defibrillator/AED training; extensive classroom time to include: decompression, hazardous materials, firefighting, passenger briefings, ditching, and more. Some programs include make-up consultations, food and wine pairing, résumé writing, and other topics. While each can be helpful consider how much of the program's schedule is geared toward core topics vs. peripheral issues.

Who do I recommend? Well, that is a touchy subject. As mentioned previously, training is not a legal requirement therefore program curriculum can vary widely. When talking with training operators, be prepared to ask a lot of questions, read their website, obtain their literature, and shop wisely. The two longest running and most well know programs are operated by FlightSafety International and FACTS/AirCare; most charter and private operators prefer their training. Alteon Training, LLC is a Boeing training company that started cabin attendant training in 2003 while Beyond and Above Corporate Flight Attendant Training got started in 2002.

Matt runs the widely popular Corporate Flight Attendant Community website at http://www.corporateflyer.net and http://www.cabinmanagers.com In addition, his busiest site is the Aviation Employment Board at http://www.aviationemploymentboard.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Cactus Fly-In, Casa Grande AZ

Every year in Arizona is the Cactus Fly-in which is... Read More

Entering Business Aviation, Part III: Training Options

Time for some training! So, you are not sure what... Read More

Laser Beam Guidance for Oshkosh Air Show

The Federal Aviation Administration is devising a method of alerting... Read More

Sport Aviation and Jet Aircraft

Do you want a little business jet with a lot... Read More

Jet Lag - 7 Steps To A Successful Trip

Don't let jet lag spoil that much needed holiday trip... Read More

Automated Following Jump System for Paratroopers, AFJS

There are many problems of safety in paratrooper drops. Many... Read More

Future Shuttle Launches

The military aircraft we have are all equipped with anti-SAM... Read More

New Airbus A-380 Beats Out 747

The A-380 has beat out the Boeing 747 as a... Read More

Downed Pilots Hibernating From the Enemy

When we watch Oliver North's "War Stories" or the "Wings... Read More

Cleaning Air Cargo Containers

If you own a pressure washing business, janitorial service or... Read More

Secrets to Finding Really Cheap Airline Tickets Online

Knowing where to find really cheap airline tickets is the... Read More

Group Check-in At Airports

Plan Ahead For A Smooth Check-in and FlightWhen traveling with... Read More

Flying With Your Dog

A pet owner must research the many requirements before taking... Read More

How to Save on Airfare

The Internet has provided a revolution in the way people... Read More

China is Starting to Build Military Fighter Trainers

China is entering the jet fighter trainer business and set... Read More

The Wright Brothers

Orville and Wilbur Wright were mere bicycle mechanics, yet they... Read More

The History of the Aircraft Wash Guys, Part One

Business scholars and students throughout recent periods have studied the... Read More

Travel Tips For Getting Through the Airport Easier and Quicker

Traveling is different now than it was before 9/11. Arriving... Read More

Private Jets: 4 Leaders in Fractional Flying

Fractional flying, you say. Is that division? Well, sort of.... Read More

De Ice Boots Preventative Care

If you have de-ice boots on your aircraft you realize... Read More

Budget Airlines ? Cheap Airfares for Flights around Europe can Reduce Your Vacation Costs

Here's a good tip to help cut the cost of... Read More

Several Facts to Obtaining Cheap Airfares

AirfaresNeed a vacation but dont want to stay around town?... Read More

Private Jet Ownership Indeed

Wouldn't you like to own your own private jet? Have... Read More

Really Cheap Airline Tickets

When you're looking for airline tickets to your specific destination,... Read More

Common Cockpit Concepts and Convenient Configurations

One of the big pushes in aviation and military is... Read More

Airbus to Build $600 Million Aircraft Manufacturing Plant in US

Airbus has announced that it will build a $600 million... Read More

Find Cheap Tickets From all the Major Airlines

All of the major airlines are now associated with different... Read More

Young Men Trying to Imitate the 9-11 Scenario, Part II

What happened to General Aviation after 9-11? Why did we... Read More

Entering Business Aviation, Part II: Pay Rates for Flight Attendants

Pay. You know that aviation pays better than commercial, in... Read More

Making a Mechanical Manta with Material Memory Manufacturing Methods

I propose building a mechanical manta ray as a Underwater... Read More

Airport Travel Tips: Reducing Waiting Times

Key Travel TipsFollowing these tips will help you reduce your... Read More

Is your air traffic control person real?

Have you ever been flying around in your private plane... Read More

Young Men Trying to Imitate the 9-11 Scenario, Part III

What caused a teenager to crash an aircraft into the... Read More