Doc 10148

ICAO Handbook for Cabin Crew

Recurrent Training during COVID-19
First Edition, 2020

Approved by and published under the authority of the Secretary General

INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION

Doc 10148

ICAO Handbook for Cabin Crew

Recurrent Training during COVID-19
First Edition, 2020

Approved by and published under the authority of the Secretary General

INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION

Published in separate English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Russian
and Spanish editions by the
INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION
999 Robert-Bourassa Boulevard, Montréal, Quebec, Canada H3C 5H7

For ordering information and for a complete listing of sales agents

and booksellers, please go to the ICAO website at www.icao.int

First edition, 2020

Doc 10148, ICAO Handbook for Cabin Crew Recurrent Training during COVID-19

© ICAO 2020

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a

retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, without prior
permission in writing from the International Civil Aviation Organization.
 AMENDMENTS

Amendments are announced in the supplements to the Products and

Services Catalogue; the Catalogue and its supplements are available
on the ICAO website at www.icao.int. The space below is provided to
keep a record of such amendments.

RECORD OF AMENDMENTS AND CORRIGENDA

AMENDMENTS CORRIGENDA

No. Date Entered by No. Date Entered by

(iii)
 FOREWORD

Restrictions to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), physical distancing and work place closures
make it increasingly difficult for cabin crew members to complete the required annual recurrent training programme,
mainly with regard to hands-on and simulated exercises such as donning of emergency equipment and participating in
group drills. As the inability to complete these portions of recurrent training will result in a lapse of cabin crew
qualifications (and licences, where applicable), a contingency plan should be implemented.

To alleviate the potential operational challenges faced by operators during the COVID-19 pandemic, States should
consider options to extend the validity of cabin crew qualifications (and licences, where applicable) and allow alternative
means for operators to provide recurrent training, using established regulatory approval processes. The development of
online recurrent training programmes by operators can reduce the severity of operational training disruptions and enable
a seamless transition when the normal operation of recurrent classroom (i.e. face-to-face) training programmes resumes.

The ICAO Handbook for Cabin Crew Recurrent Training during COVID-19 (Doc 10148) was developed to provide
guidance to States on interim measures that can be taken by operators to modify their approved training programmes
due to restrictions that have been put in place to mitigate the spread of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic. It
provides guidance that may be used to establish an online recurrent training programme, which can reduce the severity
of operational training disruptions.

This handbook was developed with input from experts from civil aviation authorities, operators, aircraft manufacturers,
training organizations and international organizations. It was thereafter submitted for an extensive peer review to
account for comments from the expert community.

ICAO gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the ICAO Cabin Safety Group and experts who provided support,
advice and input for this handbook.

______________________

(v)
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Glossary ........................................................................................................................................................... (ix)

Chapter 1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.1 General ............................................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Training contingency for cabin crew during COVID-19 ........................................................................ 1-1
1.3 Temporary nature and scope of alleviations ........................................................................................ 1-2
1.4 Guidelines on digital learning for cabin crew training .......................................................................... 1-2

Chapter 2. Cabin crew recurrent training ......................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1 ICAO provisions on cabin crew recurrent training ............................................................................... 2-1

2.2 Alternate means of training delivery .................................................................................................... 2-2
2.3 Cabin crew assessments..................................................................................................................... 2-2
2.4 Aspects for consideration by the operator ........................................................................................... 2-3
2.5 Aspects for consideration by the State ................................................................................................ 2-3
2.6 Adapting a traditional training programme during COVID-19 .............................................................. 2-4
2.7 Content of online recurrent training programme .................................................................................. 2-4

Chapter 3. Additional considerations ............................................................................................................... 3-1

3.1 General................................................................................................................................................ 3-1

3.2 Cabin crew instructors and evaluators................................................................................................. 3-3
3.3 Return to normal operations plan ........................................................................................................ 3-3

______________________

(vii)
 GLOSSARY

DEFINITIONS

Approved training — cabin crew. Training conducted under special curricula and supervision approved by a Member
State that, where applicable, is conducted within an approved training organization.

Assessment. The determination by an instructor, assessor or evaluator as to whether a candidate meets a required
competency standard under given conditions, by collecting evidence from observable behaviours. Assessment
takes place during instruction and evaluation.

Cabin crew member. A crew member who performs, in the interest of safety of passengers, duties assigned by the
operator or the pilot-in-command of the aircraft, but who shall not act as a flight crew member.

Change management. A formal process to manage changes within an organization in a systematic manner, so that
changes which may impact identified hazards and risk mitigation strategies are accounted for, before the
implementation of such changes.

Classroom training. In-person, instructor-led training which may include group exercises and interactive instructional
sessions.

Competency. A dimension of human performance that is used to reliably predict successful performance on the job. A
competency is manifested and observed through behaviours that mobilize the relevant knowledge, skills and
attitudes to carry out activities or tasks under specified conditions.

Competency standard. A level of performance that is defined as acceptable when assessing whether or not
competency has been achieved.

Conditions. Anything that may qualify a specific environment in which performance will be demonstrated.

Computer-based training. Training involving instructional aids, such as computers and tablets. Computer-based
training may encompass the use of data storage medium (such as CD-ROM or flash drive), as well as web-based
training (commonly referred to as e-learning), distance learning and digital learning (such as virtual learning and
gamification).

Emergency exit. Door, window exit, or any other type of exit (e.g. hatch in the flight deck, tail cone exit) used as an
egress point to allow maximum opportunity for cabin evacuation within an appropriate time period.

Hands-on exercise. Exercise on the use of equipment or aircraft systems that is conducted without a specific context.
Equipment that is removed from operation, or other representative training equipment considered acceptable by the
State, can be used for the purposes of this training.

Hazard. A condition or an object with the potential to cause or contribute to an aircraft incident or accident.

Operator. The person, organization or enterprise engaged in or offering to engage in an aircraft operation.

Risk mitigation. The process of incorporating defences, preventive controls or recovery measures to lower the severity
and/or likelihood of a hazard’s projected consequence.

(ix)
(x) ICAO Handbook for Cabin Crew Recurrent Training during COVID-19

Safety management system (SMS). A systematic approach to managing safety, including the necessary organizational
structures, accountability, responsibilities, policies and procedures.

Safety risk. The predicted probability and severity of the consequences or outcomes of a hazard.

Simulated exercise. Exercise representing a full context scenario (e.g. aircraft evacuation) where cabin crew apply the
operator’s procedures and associated crew responsibilities for dealing with the specific situation. This is typically
conducted in a representative training device capable of reproducing the appropriate environment or equipment
characteristics (e.g. cabin, flight deck, accessible cargo compartment, crew rest area, etc.), or on an actual aircraft.

State of the Operator. The State in which the operator’s principal place of business is located, or if there is no such
place of business, the operator’s permanent residence.

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS

AED Automated external defibrillator

BLS Basic life support
CBT Computer-based training
COVID-19 Coronavirus disease 2019
CPR Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CRM Crew resource management
EMK Emergency medical kit
ELT Emergency locator transmitter
FAK First-aid kit
FRMS Fatigue risk management system
LMS Learning management system
PED Portable electronic device
PPE Personal protective equipment
SARPs Standards and Recommended Practices
SMS Safety management system
UPK Universal precautions kit

______________________
 Chapter 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL

1.1.1 Each operator is required to establish and maintain a training programme that is approved by the State of
the Operator and is to be completed by each person before their assignment as a cabin crew member as per the
requirements in Annex 6 — Operation of Aircraft, Part I — International Commercial Air Transport — Aeroplanes. ICAO
Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) in Annex 6 also require cabin crew to undergo annual recurrent
training.

1.1.2 Restrictions to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), physical distancing and work
place closures make it increasingly difficult for cabin crew members to complete the required annual recurrent training
programme, mainly with regard to hands-on and simulated exercises such as donning of emergency equipment and
participating in group drills. As the inability to complete these portions of recurrent training will result in a lapse of cabin
crew qualifications (and licences, where applicable), a contingency plan should be implemented.

1.2 TRAINING CONTINGENCY FOR CABIN CREW DURING COVID-19

1.2.1 The socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is yet to be determined. It has already resulted in
drastic restrictions and arrangements preventing aviation personnel, including licence holders, from timely completion of
necessary training and assessments needed to ensure that their qualifications, ratings and other privileges are
revalidated prior to expiry.

1.2.2 To alleviate the potential operational challenges faced by operators during the COVID-19 pandemic, the
State should consider options to extend the validity of cabin crew qualifications (and licences, where applicable) and
allow alternative means for operators to provide recurrent training, using established regulatory approval processes.

Note. For the purpose of this manual, “State” refers to State of the Operator, unless specified otherwise.

1.2.3 The development of online recurrent training programmes by the operator can reduce the severity of
operational training disruptions. This will enable a seamless transition when the normal operation of recurrent classroom
(i.e. face-to-face) training programmes resumes.

1.2.4 Due to the unforeseen circumstances associated with the pandemic, the State should work closely with its
national operators to:

a) immediately respond to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and reduce
the severity of training disruptions on the qualification of cabin crew members and, consequently, line
operations;

b) allow alternate means of compliance with cabin crew recurrent training requirements and modified
training delivery methods until alleviations expire or until classroom training can be safely resumed;
and

1-1
1-2 ICAO Handbook for Cabin Crew Recurrent Training during COVID-19

c) verify that all alleviations are established using a safety risk management approach, therefore,
ensuring safety risks introduced from alleviations are addressed.

1.3 TEMPORARY NATURE AND SCOPE OF ALLEVIATIONS

1.3.1 Alleviations, including related exemptions, and alternate means of compliance with cabin crew recurrent
training requirements should be clearly presented as temporary in nature. These alleviations are a means to balance the
need for physical distancing (and other measures or national requirements meant to slow the rate of infection of COVID-
19) and management of safety risks necessary for continued operations. Therefore, the State should include a specific
expiry date for the alleviations when the operator will need to resume training in compliance with the previously
approved programme and the associated delivery methods.

1.3.2 The State should also define the scope of the alleviations. These should apply to cabin crew members
whose recurrent training must be completed in the alleviation period established by the State (i.e. crew members whose
qualifications’ validity expires during that time) and ending no later than the expiry date of the alleviation. The State
should not permit lapses in cabin crew qualifications once training has resumed as part of a return to normal operations.

1.3.3 The operator should not use alleviations to reduce the content in the approved cabin crew recurrent
training programme syllabus. The training delivery method may be modified to satisfy the need for physical distancing,
however, all content needs to be either addressed or deferred for successful completion at a later date by each cabin
crew member (e.g. for hands-on and simulated exercises).

1.4 GUIDELINES ON DIGITAL LEARNING FOR CABIN CREW TRAINING

The Guidelines on Digital Learning for Cabin Crew Training (Cir 356) provide guidance on designing, developing and
using digital learning for cabin crew safety training. They also provide basic concepts and information on the processes
and resources involved in digital learning development. These guidelines focus on formal learning, specifically on
structured courses designed to meet job-related learning objectives for cabin crew. This manual should be used in
conjunction with Cir 356, particularly its Chapter 1, on the different levels of user interactivity associated with digital
learning and their suitability for cabin crew training.

______________________
 Chapter 2

CABIN CREW RECURRENT TRAINING

2.1 ICAO PROVISIONS ON CABIN CREW RECURRENT TRAINING

2.1.1 The Cabin Crew Safety Training Manual (Doc 10002) provides guidance on the content of initial and
recurrent training for cabin crew. Recurrent training is conducted annually to maintain and enhance cabin crew members’
competence at the desired level through a series of hands-on exercises, simulated exercises, exams, etc., for general
training elements such as first aid, as well as for training elements relevant to each aircraft type on which the cabin crew
member is assigned to operate. It may also be provided to familiarize crew members with new requirements, procedures
and equipment introduced since their last training. Recurrent training ensures that cabin crew members maintain the
required level of performance by practising most tasks and their associated competencies.

2.1.2 The content of recurrent training may vary depending on the tasks covered, the training media used for
training as well as the competencies that may be assessed within a cycle (e.g. 36-month cycle). The content of recurrent
training must be covered within the cycle defined by the State.

2.1.3 Recurrent training and assessments should be accomplished through classroom instruction and/or
computer-based training (CBT), and hands-on and simulated exercises with a representative training device capable of
reproducing the appropriate environment/equipment characteristics, or on an actual aircraft.

2.1.4 Recurrent training should include the following, as a minimum (see Doc 10002, 1.11):

a) exits (type, number, location and operation);

b) assisting evacuation means (slide, slide-raft, life raft, rope, etc.);

c) safety and emergency equipment, including location and operation;

d) aircraft systems relevant to cabin crew tasks;

e) normal procedures and the related hands-on and/or simulated exercises;

f) abnormal and emergency procedures and the related hands-on and/or simulated exercises;

g) crew resource management;

h) passenger handling and crowd control;

i) aviation security;

j) first aid;

k) dangerous goods;

l) review of recent incidents and/or accidents pertinent to the operator; and

2-1
2-2 ICAO Handbook for Cabin Crew Recurrent Training during COVID-19

m) identifying and responding to trafficking in persons.

2.1.5 In addition, the operator should provide recurrent training on its safety management system (SMS) and
fatigue management.

2.1.6 The main challenge being faced by operators during the COVID-19 pandemic is meeting the requirements
for cabin crew members to complete hands-on and simulated exercises, such as practical demonstrations on the use of
emergency equipment and participation in group drills, as described in 2.1.3. Additionally, physical distancing
requirements pose challenges for classroom instruction. States’ orders related to public health may result in the
complete shutdown of training facilities. In some States, facilities may remain open but travel restrictions, including those
on domestic flights and movements between cities by any mode of transportation may make it impossible for cabin crew
members to commute to the operator’s training facilities.

2.2 ALTERNATE MEANS OF TRAINING DELIVERY

2.2.1 As part of the ongoing operational challenges faced with the COVID-19 pandemic, the operator may
propose the use of an online recurrent training programme to reduce the severity of the operational training disruptions.
The operator should design new online modules, which may be used in conjunction with existing prerequisite CBT
modules.

2.2.2 Through the online recurrent training programme, the operator can cover portions of the training
programme, which are typically delivered through classroom lectures. Interactive platforms (e.g. webinars) can be used
to cover topics that typically call for group discussions and “question and answer” (Q&A) sessions. Theoretical aspects
related to equipment and procedures may also be covered in the online recurrent training programme. However, the
hands-on and simulated exercises associated to those pieces of equipment or procedures (e.g. physical opening of an
aircraft door) should be deferred until the alleviation expires or until classroom training can be safely resumed.

2.2.3 The individual approval by the State of each operator’s online recurrent training programme will assist to
manage the backlog of crew members affected by the alleviations. As part of the approval process, the State should
verify that the operator develops modules that ensure the standard of delivery is consistent across all areas of recurrent
training (e.g. safety and emergency procedures, dangerous goods, aviation security). This approach will allow for a
seamless transition when classroom training programmes return to normal operations post-pandemic.

2.3 CABIN CREW ASSESSMENTS

2.3.1 The operator should assign the online recurrent training programme to those crew members who cannot
attend annual recurrent training and would subsequently have their cabin crew qualifications’ (or licences, where
applicable) validity extended by a certain time period, as approved by the State.

2.3.2 The operator should develop a plan for cabin crew members to complete the required online modules. The
plan should specify the implementation start date, list which learning modules will be launched, the associated launch
dates for the different portions of training (e.g. dangerous goods, aviation security), and the time allocated for completion
by cabin crew members. The operator should make the modules available on an online platform, as specified in the plan,
and communicate the requirement to complete the modules and the time allocated for completion to all affected cabin
crew members.

2.3.3 The operator should monitor the completion of each module and verify that each assigned cabin crew
member has completed the module within the allocated timeframe. The timeframe allocated for completion should be in
Chapter 2. Cabin crew recurrent training 2-3

line with the validity period of each affected cabin crew member’s qualifications (and licences, where applicable). The
completion of modules should be documented and cabin crew records maintained.

2.4 ASPECTS FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE OPERATOR

When exploring the use of an online recurrent training programme as an alternate means of delivering training, the
operator should consider:

a) conducting safety risk assessments and developing risk mitigations, through the established
processes of its SMS, to support approval by the State of the requested modifications/alternate means
of compliance;

b) conducting a detailed training needs analysis for the State to review, as part of the approval process,
to establish and determine that the required level of knowledge is maintained by cabin crew members;

c) evaluating the capability of the digital learning platform for providing data and feedback to measure
instructor effectiveness, cabin crew member competence and programme quality; and

d) assigning an appropriately qualified evaluator to conduct module completion checks (upon successful
completion of the recurrent training and assessment by cabin crew members) and to complete
relevant documentation for training records, management systems records and issuance of
qualification.

2.5 ASPECTS FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE STATE

When evaluating the operator’s proposal for the use of an online recurrent training programme as an alternate means of
delivering training, the State should consider:

a) approval of content and online delivery;

b) the operator’s experience with digital learning (including technological proficiency of its cabin crew
members);

c) the assignment of modules;

d) the completion of modules and method for tracking completion;

e) the use of progressive assessments (e.g. quizzes) by the operator, based on module content, to
establish cabin crew understanding;

f) assessment methods (invigilated assessment in class with physical distancing, or online non-
invigilated assessment in lockdown circumstances);

g) documentation process (how, when, where, tracking, date signoff extension);

h) cabin crew members’ access to internet and a computer;

i) ease of access through the operator’s learning management system (LMS);

2-4 ICAO Handbook for Cabin Crew Recurrent Training during COVID-19

j) time allocated for cabin crew members to complete training (e.g. allocating 10 modules over a two-
week period and/or providing rostered days for the completion of the modules);

k) assessments to establish cabin crew understanding through modules and/or webinars for Q&A of
modules;

l) the operator’s recurrent training matrix (which may be already approved by the State) – for example,
for States where the content of recurrent training may be covered over a 24- or 36-month cycle; and

m) operator’s documented safety risk assessments and associated risk mitigations.

2.6 ADAPTING A TRADITIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMME DURING COVID-19

2.6.1 In a traditional approach to cabin crew recurrent training, theoretical aspects are typically covered during
in-person, instructor-led training, as they encompass predominantly knowledge-based items, which do not call upon the
use of equipment or aircraft systems or the application of the operator’s procedures by cabin crew members. Some of
these theoretical aspects may be covered via CBT. In this approach, training related to abnormal and emergency
procedures, safety and emergency equipment and aircraft systems are concurrently augmented by hands-on exercises
and simulated exercises. These exercises offer an acceptable level of practical experience close to what can be
expected in actual occurrences.

2.6.2 In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, all theoretical aspects usually covered in classroom training and
CBT can be addressed in the online recurrent training programme. For each online module, the operator should use
videos or virtual reality to demonstrate the practical application of competencies, procedures, use of equipment and
aircraft systems (e.g. decompression procedures, use of oxygen) to reinforce the retention of knowledge. Online training
should also incorporate progressive assessments (e.g. quizzes) and revision sessions (e.g. via webinars) to establish
cabin crew understanding of the content. The hands-on and simulated exercises, which are an integral part of the
operator’s cabin crew recurrent training programme, would need to be deferred, as described in 2.2.

2.7 CONTENT OF ONLINE RECURRENT TRAINING PROGRAMME

2.7.1 The content of a recurrent training (see 2.1.4) is based on the topics listed in Doc 10002. From that list of
topics, there are a series of theoretical items which the operator may transfer to the online training programme so that
cabin crew members can complete them as part of the alleviation measures. The operator should ensure that cabin crew
members affected by the alleviation complete the hands-on and simulated exercises that are more critical in nature as
soon as practicable when the alleviation expires or classroom training can be safely resumed. Other items, less critical in
nature, may be covered as part of the next recurrent training cycle.

2.7.2 Detailed content of an operator’s online recurrent training programme is presented in Table 2-1 below.
Operators can use this table as an example to modify their recurrent training programme so that it may be temporarily
completed virtually. States must approve any changes to the operator’s training programme and its content should be in
accordance with national regulations. States can also use this table when reviewing the proposed modifications to the
operator’s approved recurrent training programme to ensure its completeness. The table contains information on:

a) the recurrent training items, which the operator should address in its training programme, as per
Doc 10002;

b) theoretical items that may be covered in the online recurrent training programme;
Chapter 2. Cabin crew recurrent training 2-5

c) critical items (i.e. hands-on and simulated exercises, deferred due to the pandemic), which affected
cabin crew members should complete when the alleviation expires or classroom training can be safely
resumed; and

d) other (less critical) items, which may be covered as part of the next recurrent training cycle.

Table 2-1. Content of online recurrent training programme

Recurrent Theoretical items for online Critical items to complete Other items for next
training topic recurrent training programme post-alleviation recurrent training cycle

Exits — Aircraft door pre-flight — Hands-on exercise on None/all items are critical
checks opening and closing aircraft
door (in normal and
— Aircraft door arming and emergency modes)
disarming procedures
— Hands-on exercise on
— Aircraft door opening and arming and disarming
closing procedures in normal aircraft door, if applicable
operations

— Aircraft door operation in

emergency situations

— Usable and unusable exits

Note.— For all aircraft types

cabin crew will operate.

Assisting — Aircraft type slides and slide- — Hands-on exercise on None/all items are critical
evacuation rafts, as applicable assisting evacuation means,
means if applicable
— Life-raft with life-saving
equipment Note.— Items may be
covered in evacuation.
— Lifeline

Note.— Items may be

covered in evacuation.

Safety and — Pre-flight safety — Hands-on exercise on — Axe or crowbar

emergency checks/equipment checks portable oxygen devices
equipment — Emergency
— Location and use of — Hands-on exercise on flight response kit
emergency equipment: deck oxygen system
— Child restraint
• Life jackets systems
2-6 ICAO Handbook for Cabin Crew Recurrent Training during COVID-19

Recurrent Theoretical items for online Critical items to complete Other items for next
training topic recurrent training programme post-alleviation recurrent training cycle

• Oxygen equipment — Hands-on exercise on — Extension seat belt

(portable oxygen bottle, donning life jacket
passenger mask, full — Passenger safety
face mask, flight deck — Hands-on exercise on briefing card
oxygen mask) retrieving and operating
firefighting and protective — Safety
equipment demonstration kit
• Portable breathing
equipment — Safety harness
Note.— Equipment may be
• Portable fire covered in abnormal and — Seat belt
extinguisher emergency situations (e.g. fire,
decompression, evacuation). — Emergency flashlight
• Fire containment device
— Megaphone
• Equipment for making
the pyrotechnical — Emergency locator
distress signals transmitter (ELT)
(automatic portable
• Life-saving equipment ELT and/or survival
(including means of ELT)
sustaining life/survival
kit/any additional — Signalling devices
equipment suited to the (e.g. mirrors)
likely environment, e.g.
arctic gear)

Note.— Equipment may be

covered in abnormal and
emergency situations (e.g. fire,
decompression, evacuation).

Aircraft — Emergency lights — Hands-on exercise on the — Air conditioning,

systems operation of the flight deck ventilation and
relevant to the — Evacuation alarm system oxygen system pressurization
cabin crew systems
tasks — Oxygen systems (cabin and Note.— System may be
flight deck) covered in flight crew — Communication
incapacitation. systems and
— Fire suppression and associated signalling
extinguishing systems panels
(smoke detectors)
— Control panels
Note.— Emergency lights
and evacuation alarm system — Electrical systems
may be covered in the simulated
exercise of an evacuation. — Lighting systems
(interior, exterior)
Chapter 2. Cabin crew recurrent training 2-7

Recurrent Theoretical items for online Critical items to complete Other items for next
training topic recurrent training programme post-alleviation recurrent training cycle

— Water and waste

systems

Normal — Procedures for securing the — Simulated exercise of the — Simulated exercise
procedures and cabin and stowage of carry- correct safety seating on conducting a pre-
related hands- on baggage position in cabin crew seat flight briefing
on and/or for take-off/landing
simulated — In-flight safety procedures — Hands-on exercise
exercises Note.— The correct safety on verifying
— Turbulence procedures seating position may be covered operative equipment
in the simulated exercise of an
evacuation. — Hands-on exercise
on securing galley
equipment

— Simulated exercise
on securing the
cabin

— Simulated exercise
on conducting
announcements to
passengers

— Simulated exercise
on conducting a
passenger briefing

— Hands-on exercise
on the use of cabin
crew seat belt and
harness

— Simulated exercise
on conducting a
safety demonstration

— Simulated exercise
of flight deck access
procedures

Note.— The use of

cabin crew seat belt and
harness may be covered
in the simulated exercise
of an evacuation.
2-8 ICAO Handbook for Cabin Crew Recurrent Training during COVID-19

Recurrent Theoretical items for online Critical items to complete Other items for next
training topic recurrent training programme post-alleviation recurrent training cycle

Firefighting — Firefighting procedures — Hands-on exercise on — Live firefighting

retrieving and operating exercise using
— Lithium battery firefighting firefighting and protective firefighting
procedures equipment equipment

— Fire containment device — Simulated firefighting Note.— As per

exercise approved training
— Class A and Class B programme or as
firefighting techniques required by the State
(e.g. every 24 or 36
— Use of portable fire months).
extinguisher

Fume events Incorporate into case study Not applicable/fully covered Not applicable/fully
webinar, as part of firefighting online covered online

Decompression — Decompression procedures — Hands-on exercise on None/all items are critical

and scenarios portable oxygen devices

— Simulated decompression
exercise

Evacuation on — Anticipated emergency — Hands-on exercise on the None/all items are critical
land and on landing procedures applicable equipment used
water during the cabin preparation
— Ditching scenarios for an emergency landing
(e.g. donning life jacket)
— Passenger management,
crowd control and post- — Hands-on exercise on
evacuation procedures assisting evacuation means,
if applicable
— Scenarios – sea, jungle,
desert, polar and — Hands-on exercise on
mountainous regions survival equipment

— Case review on previous — Simulated exercise of an

evacuations anticipated emergency
landing or ditching

— Simulated exercise of an
unanticipated emergency
landing or ditching

— Simulated exercise of an
aircraft evacuation
Chapter 2. Cabin crew recurrent training 2-9

Recurrent Theoretical items for online Critical items to complete Other items for next
training topic recurrent training programme post-alleviation recurrent training cycle

Flight and — Flight and cabin crew — Hands-on exercise on the Simulated exercise of an
cabin crew incapacitation procedures operation of the flight deck incapacitated cabin crew
member seat, harness and flight deck member (such as crew
incapacitation — Flight deck oxygen system oxygen system restraint/harness)

— Hands-on exercise on
administering first aid

Note.— This exercise may

be covered under First Aid.

Crew resource — Stress and stress Not applicable/fully covered Other competencies
management management, fatigue and online outlined in the Cabin
(CRM) vigilance Crew Competency
Framework (refer to Doc
— Workload management 10002)

— Situation awareness and

management of information

— Cabin crew reporting of

safety information (including
the proactive identification of
hazards)

— Case studies (e.g. recent

accidents and incidents)

Passenger — Captured under competency Refer to Evacuation on land and Refer to Evacuation on
handling and “passenger management”, on water land and on water
crowd control refer to Evacuation on land
and on water

Aviation — Unruly passengers: — Hands-on exercise on the — Hands-on exercise

security use of non-lethal protective on appropriate self-
• Unruly behaviour devices assigned to crew defence responses
members where their use is (e.g. physical
• Legal aspects of unruly authorized by the State of breakaway and
passengers the Operator controlling skills);

• Levels of threat
associated with unruly
behaviour

• Procedures associated
with each level of
different threat levels
2-10 ICAO Handbook for Cabin Crew Recurrent Training during COVID-19

Recurrent Theoretical items for online Critical items to complete Other items for next
training topic recurrent training programme post-alleviation recurrent training cycle

• Post-incident follow-up — Simulated exercise

of an unruly
— Preventive security passenger situation
measures: where cabin crew
apply the operator’s
• Security measures and procedures and
emerging threats associated crew
responsibilities for
• Security measures and dealing with the
shortfalls. situation

• Security searches — Simulated exercise

on applying the
— Hijacking: bomb search and
location procedures
• Flight deck access
control — Simulated exercise
on various threat
• Cyber security conditions, where
cabin crew apply the
• Hijacking scenarios, operator’s
statistics, and procedures and
procedures for hijack associated crew
resolution responsibilities for
dealing with the
situation

Note.— As per
approved training
programme or as
required by the State.

First aid — Basic life support (BLS) and — Hands-on exercise on — Hands-on exercise
cardiopulmonary demonstrating CPR and on retrieving the
resuscitation (CPR) operating the AED, if first-aid kit (FAK),
applicable universal
— CPR in adult, child and precautions kit
infant — Hands-on exercise on (UPK), emergency
retrieving and using the medical kit (EMK),
— BLS (CPR and automated portable oxygen bottle and telemedicine
external defibrillator (AED)), device, as available
in consideration of aircraft
environment — Hands-on exercise
on using the FAK
— Unconscious person,
including unconscious
breathing casualty
Chapter 2. Cabin crew recurrent training 2-11

Recurrent Theoretical items for online Critical items to complete Other items for next
training topic recurrent training programme post-alleviation recurrent training cycle

— Simulated exercise of an ill — Hands-on exercise

passenger/crew member on using the EMK,
where the cabin crew UPK, telemedicine
member demonstrates that device, if applicable
they can recognize and
respond to the situation — Simulated exercise
using the first-aid techniques where the cabin
appropriate to the specific crew will apply the
illness or injury operator’s
procedures for
responding to an in-
flight medical event

Dangerous — General philosophy Not applicable/fully covered — Hands-on exercise

goods (within online on retrieving and
24 months of — Limitations operating firefighting
previous and protective
1
training) — Labelling and marking equipment for use in
a fire involving a
— Recognition of undeclared portable electronic
dangerous goods device (PED) or a
stand-alone lithium
— Provisions for passengers battery
and crew
— Simulated exercise
— Emergency procedures of managing a
dangerous goods
spillage

Note.— Fire
involving a PED may be
covered in the simulated
firefighting exercise.

Review of — Captured under CRM Refer to CRM Refer to CRM

recent
accidents
and/or
incidents
pertinent to the
operator

Trafficking in — Changes to legislation or Not applicable/fully covered Not applicable/fully

persons national regulations related online covered online
to trafficking in persons

1. Refer to the Technical Instructions for the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air (Doc 9284).
2-12 ICAO Handbook for Cabin Crew Recurrent Training during COVID-19

Recurrent Theoretical items for online Critical items to complete Other items for next
training topic recurrent training programme post-alleviation recurrent training cycle

— Changes to operator policy

and procedures related to
trafficking in persons

— Case studies

— References to agencies
dealing with trafficking in
persons and useful
information

Safety — Changes to SMS Not applicable/fully covered Not applicable/fully

management processes/updates, if online covered online
system applicable

Fatigue — Rules and operational Not applicable/fully covered Not applicable/fully

management processes, including any online covered online
changes

— Personal fatigue
management strategies

— Review of the operator’s

occurrences (related to
fatigue)

— Changes to fatigue risk

management system
(FRMS) processes, where
applicable

______________________
 Chapter 3

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

3.1 GENERAL

In addition to recurrent training, the operator should consider the need to provide training and communications to its
cabin crew members on new procedures and temporary measures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. To do so,
the operator may incorporate all of these procedural changes and relevant information into one COVID-19 online training
programme (see Table 3-1 below), which can be continually updated once it is developed and launched. After formal
procedural notification is released, the operator may conduct webinars to provide detailed information to cabin crew
members. The operator should use the established means of communication to relay updated information related to
COVID-19 (e.g. safety bulletin informing crew of a change to a procedure).

Table 3-1. COVID-19 online training programme content

Topic Specifics for online training programme

Live safety demo Modifications or restrictions on the use of equipment during live safety demonstration by
modification cabin crew members (e.g. not donning life jackets or placing oxygen mask on the face)

Safety demonstration New points to address, including:

(live or video)
— the use of oxygen masks in the event of a decompression if passengers are wearing
personal protective equipment (PPE)

— the ability to don life jackets over face shield/goggles, etc.

Introduction of PPE for Training aspects, including:

cabin crew members
— when to don and remove parameters

— proper use of PPE

— removal/use when occupying crew seats and crew rest areas

— decompression/first aid/firefighting

— disposal of used PPE

Passenger — Safety demo (explanation of when to don and remove PPE)

requirements (e.g.
masks) and changes — Parameters for passengers
to operator procedures
— Disposal of passenger PPE

3-1
3-2 ICAO Handbook for Cabin Crew Recurrent Training during COVID-19

Topic Specifics for online training programme

— Restrictions on types of passenger PPE permitted on board

Operational — Any changes to carry-on baggage allowances

considerations related
to a pandemic — Any temporary variations to existing flight and duty time limitations

— Lavatory allocation for crew

— Location and procedures for crew nutrition

— Crew rest

— Quarantine area on aircraft

— Use of thermometers/temperature checks of passengers (if required by State)

— Regular sanitizing of high traffic areas

— Monitoring of physical distancing (e.g. restrictions on congregation of passengers in

galleys)

— Limiting access to the flight deck

— Procedures for suspected cases of COVID-19 on board

Flights to transport Any additional training for cabin crew specific to this type of operation, including:
cargo in the cabin
(without passengers) — additional fire extinguishers or other equipment

— additional or different types of fire extinguishers carried due to the carriage of cargo in
the cabin

— webbing removal in case of fire

— monitoring of the cabin

— verifying that non-essential cabin and galley equipment is isolated

Unruly passenger Address some of the new issues that may cause unruly passenger occurrences:
events related to the
pandemic — increased passenger stress due to new airport processes, restrictions and overall
travel experience

— fear of infection from passengers and overreactions

— passengers refusing to comply with requirements, such as continued use of PPEs

— de-escalating passenger-on-passenger conflict

Chapter 3. Additional considerations 3-3

3.2 CABIN CREW INSTRUCTORS AND EVALUATORS

3.2.1 Similar to the cabin crew competencies, a set of cabin crew instructor and evaluator competencies are
defined in Doc 10002 which enables an instructor or evaluator to perform instruction and evaluation tasks and manage
the full spectrum ranging from ground instruction to evaluations during line operations. Doc 10002 presents the
recommended content of an initial training programme for cabin crew instructors and evaluators. Additionally, the
document states that all cabin crew instructors and evaluators should receive refresher training and be reassessed using
a documented training and assessment process acceptable to the State, implemented by the operator, or at intervals in
accordance with national regulations. Instructor/evaluator refresher training should be undertaken if a period of
absenteeism has occurred. This provides the instructor/evaluator with the opportunity to familiarize themselves with
changes to training modules, content and facilities.

3.2.2 The operator will face similar challenges for its instructors and evaluators, as with cabin crew members
during the COVID-19 pandemic. In cases where the State approves the appointment and ongoing qualification of cabin
crew instructors and evaluators (including requirements for refresher training), the operator should seek an alleviation,
through the established process.

3.2.3 The operator should develop online refresher training programmes for the temporary extension of
instructor and evaluator qualifications. In addition, standardization sessions via webinar should be used to ensure
consistent training delivery and assessments.

3.3 RETURN TO NORMAL OPERATIONS PLAN

3.3.1 The State should ensure that the operator develops a “return to normal operations plan” to manage the
completion of recurrent training, as per the approved training programme, by each cabin crew member affected by the
alleviation when it expires. To assist with the development and review of this plan, the operator should use its
established records management process to keep track of all cabin crew members affected by the alleviation. The State
should verify these records as part of its ongoing surveillance activities. Due to the complexity to restart or resume
normal training operations, it is imperative to plan the gradual resumption. The operator should ensure the plan is in line
with State requirements that all hazards are identified and risks managed appropriately.

3.3.2 A return to normal operations plan should include:

a) recurrent training programmes for cabin crew members whose aircraft type qualification has expired
(determined based on the applicable validity period);

b) public health-related guidelines to adhere to when reopening cabin crew training facilities (refer to
3.3.3); and

c) a change management process to identify and address hazards (refer to 3.3.4).

3.3.3 Public health-related guidelines to adhere to when reopening cabin crew training facilities should include
the following, at a minimum:

a) hygiene and safety materials that should be ordered for the facilities (e.g. hand sanitizers, liquid soap,
face masks, cleaning supplies, thermometers);

b) actions to oversee the cleaning of the facilities (e.g. instances/intervals when a thorough cleaning is
needed, cleaning of all classrooms, administrative offices, rest facilities, common areas, toilets and
other facilities to meet the required health and safety standards);
3-4 ICAO Handbook for Cabin Crew Recurrent Training during COVID-19

c) identification of risk factors for severe infection and mitigations, particularly for persons with existing
medical conditions which may place them at higher risk (including cabin crew members, instructors,
evaluators and administrative personnel) – this may include appropriate work arrangements and/or
leave of absence; and

d) physical distancing, including measures to ensure that all cabin crew members are able to maintain
the minimum required distance between workstations and each other.

3.3.4 The return to normal operations plan should be developed in accordance with the operator’s change
management process. As part of the change management activities, the operator should identify hazards and conduct a
safety risk assessment related to the changes resulting from, but not limited to:

a) national measures in place to contain the spread of COVID-19 (e.g. physical distancing, PPE
requirements);

b) cumulative risk of multiple alleviations in place;

c) lack of financial resources;

d) unavailability of key operator personnel (e.g. cabin crew training manager and other key personnel for
training operations);

e) lack of competency checks of cabin crew, instructors and evaluators;

f) inability to complete certain portions of recurrent training due to unavailability of training facilities
during the pandemic;

g) incomplete internal surveillance required to maintain validity (e.g. internal audits);

h) serviceability of equipment, tools or infrastructure (e.g. due to calibration not being completed);

i) specific areas where regulatory compliance could not be met; and

j) any other safety concern resulting from non-compliance with applicable rules or internal procedures
(e.g. organizational culture, the reporting system, effectiveness of safety risk controls, internal
findings).

— END —