Cabin Crew Eligibility and
Training, Cabin Crew Duties
0 and Documentation, Passenger
UNI
Information List, Inflight
3 Announcements
UNIT STRUCTURE
3.1 Learning Objectives
3.2 Introduction
3.3 Requirements for the job of a Cabin Crew
3.3.1 Eligibility Criteria for Cabin Crew
3.3.2 Essential Skills Required for a Successful Career as an Air
Hostess/Cabin Crew
3.3.3 How to Apply for Cabin Crew Job
3.4 Cabin Crew Training
3.4.1 Training for Different Emergency Situations
3.4.2 Duration of Training
3.5 Duties and Responsibilities of a Cabin Crew
3.5.1 Duties for Cabin Crew
3.6 Flight Crew on Board an Aircraft
3.6.1 Flight Deck Crew and Cabin Crew
3.7 Hierarchy of Flight Crew
3.7.1 Hierarchy of Flight Deck/Cockpit Crew
3.7.2 Hierarchy of Cabin Crew/Flight Attendant
3.7.3 Chain of Command During an Emergency
3.8 Cabin Crew Requirement on an Aircraft
3.8.1 Minimum Cabin Crew Requirement on a Flight
3.9 Cabin Crew Documentation
3.9.1 Documentation for Domestic Airline
3.9.2 Documentation for International Airline
3.9.3 Documentation Handled by Cabin Crew on an Aircraft
3.9.4 General Declaration
3.10 Cabin Crew Breaks During a Flight
3.10.1 Cabin Crew Breaks in Flight on Very Long Flights
3.11 Cabin Crew Uniform
3.11.1 Importance of Cabin Crew Uniform
3.12 In flight Announcements
3.12.1 In flight Announcements by Cabin Crew
3.12.2 Tips for making Announcements
3.12.3 Announcements are made during
3.13 Passenger Information List (PIL)
3.13.1 Passenger Information/Manifest List
3.14 Let Us Sum Up
3.15 Answer for Check Your Progress
3.1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
After learning this unit, you will be able to understand about:
Requirements for the job of a Cabin crew, Cabin crew training, Duties and
Responsibilities for Cabin Crew, Flight crew on board an aircraft, Hierarchy of
Flight crew, Cabin crew requirement on an aircraft, Cabin crew Documentation,
Cabin crew breaks during a flight, Cabin crew uniform, In flight Announcements,
and Passenger Information List.
3.2 INTRODUCTION:
From the moment a Cabin Crew signs in for duty, until after the plane
lands at the destination, there are several duties and responsibilities that they have
to follow. Being alert, and always wearing a smile no matter what the situation
maybe, is what puts the passengers at ease, even during emergency situations,
paying special attention to the passengers during boarding a flight, while the
flight is in progress, and on landing. Cabin crew have to handle documentation
and in flight announcements as well, besides their other regular duties.
3.3 REQUIREMENTS FOR THE JOB OF A CABIN CREW:
3.3.1 Eligibility Criteria for Cabin Crew:
Cabin Crew Requirements for Domestic (within India) Airline:
• The applicant should have good spoken and written communication skills
in English, and Hindi
• Minimum age of 18 years, and maximum age of 26 years, for both boys
and girls
• Educational Qualification–most of the domestic airline hire candidates
who have completed their 10+2 (H.S) examination, from any recognized
Board or University
• Height of around 157 centimeters (requirement varies in different airlines),
Weight proportionate to the height, as per BMI (for girls)
• Height of around 170 centimeters (requirement varies in different airlines), Cabin Crew Eligibility
Weight proportionate to the height, as per BMI (for boys) and Training, Cabin
Crew Duties and
• Should be eligible for an Indian Passport
Documentation,
• Should be unmarried Passenger
• Acceptable Eyesight 6/6, Acceptable limit –+/–1.5 Information List,
Inflight
• Clear skin Announcements
• Even teeth
Cabin Crew Requirements for International Airline:
• At least 21 years of age at the time of joining for both girls and boys
• The height requirement is minimum arm–reach of 212 cms.(on tip toes for
female)
• Should hold a valid Passport
• Minimum height of 160cm (girls)
• Minimum height of 170cm (boys)
• High school graduate (Grade12)
• Fluency in English (written and spoken), fluency in Hindi, and preference
of at least one regional and/or foreign language
3.3.2 Essential skills required for a successful career as an Air
Hostess/Cabin Crew:
• Sense of responsibility and Patience to work long hours
• Step by step approach towards work
• Alert mind and ready to take initiative
• Pleasing personality with a pleasant voice, and good body language
• No visible tattoos in airline uniform
• Should be comfortable with handling cash, including foreign currency
• Can adapt to new people, places, and new situations
• Physically fit for this demanding role
• Ability to work within a multi–cultural team
• Outgoing personality with excellent interpersonal skills
• Positive attitude with a good sense of humor
• Passionate about customer service
• Empathy, humility, and people skills
• Should be willing to relocate anywhere in the World
• It is an advantage to know swimming (some airlines insist on it)
3.3.3 How to Apply for Cabin Crew job:
To apply for any domestic airline there are two options:
• Walk–in Interview
• Online application
To apply for a cabin crew post, you need to visit the airline official page
for vacancy details or apply online.
3.4 CABIN CREW TRAINING:
3.4.1 Training for Different Emergency Situations:
Even though some aircraft flights do not offer refreshments, the aircraft
will still carry cabin crew staff, simply for the purposes of safety. They are fully
trained on what to do in the event of an emergency.
Aircraft Evacuation: Cabin crew is required to initiate a controlled
evacuation of the aircraft if the pilot determines that evacuation is required. How
they do this will be dependent on whether the evacuation takes place on land or
sea (Crash landing or Ditching).
Decompression: After aircraft cabin pressure is lost, it is vital that
passengers wear oxygen mask. A thorough understanding and knowledge of
working procedures of oxygen is known by every single cabin crewmember.
Fire fighting: There can be many different causes of fire on board an
aircraft, including a fire in the ovens used by the cabin crew team. If there is a
fire, the cabin crew would usually be left to deal with it, while the pilot controls
the aircraft.
Passenger management: This involves the requirement to keep all
passengers safe, deal with boarding and disembarking procedures, deal with
passenger complaints and also deal with unruly or drunken passengers. Safety of
everyone is of utmost importance at all time, especially when the aircraft is in the
air.
Security related issues: This can involve a hijacking situation. If this type
of situation occurs then cabin crew are expected to know how to deal with the
occurrence. Full training is provided for these kinds of situations.
Extra ordinary situations: There can be many different types of
situations where cabin crew is required to act using common sense, and safety
initiative.
First Aid: Whilst flying at 40,000 ft over the Atlantic Ocean there is no
hospital or doctor to call on, unless if there is one present among the passengers.
Therefore, cabin crew are trained in basic first aid skills, and they will usually be
required to conduct initial first aid procedures. There is also the chance that a
passenger may die whilst In flight, or even have a lady go into labour for child
birth. If these extreme situation occur then it will be the responsibility of the
cabin crew to take action accordingly.
3.4.2 Duration of Training:
In order to handle emergencies in the aircraft successfully, cabin crew need
to be clam, self–controlled, professional, committed, and fearless and
knowledge able about the aircraft. To achieve this, training is crucial, and after
the training, the cabin crew members should perform intuitively.
In order to achieve successful result, training, instruction, the correct
equipment and detailed information of the equipment are important to the crew
cabin. Duration of training is generally anywhere between six to twelve weeks,
depending on the airline.
Training would be on the following areas:
• First aid and Survival
• Grooming
• Safety related issues
• Security related issues
• Dangerous goods
• Fire–fighting drill
• Smoke drill
• Ditching (on water) wet drill
• Aircraft evacuation (on land) dry drill
• Emergency situations
• Survival procedures
• Decompression
• Passenger Management
• Different in flight Services
• Food and Beverage service
Example of Cabin crew training in Ditching
(emergency landing on water) (DELTA Airline)
3.5 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A CABIN CREW:
3.5.1 Duties for Cabin Crew:
Cabin crew have to be professional, punctual and courteous at all times.
Alcohol test is conducted before every flight, to check if the alcohol
content in your body is more than the permissible level. The test result have to be
negative. This test is compulsory in India. The test may not be compulsory before
every flight, in International airlines.
Attend a pre–flight briefing, during which you'll be assigned your work
position for the upcoming flight. Crew are informed of flight details, the
schedule, the number of infants on board, and if there are passengers with any
special requirements, such as diabetic passengers or passengers in wheel chairs.
Flight deck crew may also be present during these briefing.
Carry out pre–flight duties, including checking the safety equipment and
doing security checks, ensuring the aircraft is clean and tidy and that information
in these at pockets is up to date and all meals, drinks and stock are on board.
Welcome passengers on board, and direct them to their seats.
Inform passengers in the aircraft about safety procedures and ensure that
all hand luggage is securely stowed away.
Check all seat belts are fastened, and galleys are secure, prior to take–off.
Make announcements, and answer questions during the flight.
Serve meals and refreshments.
Sell duty–free goods (tax–free items like alcohol, perfumes, cigarettes etc.)
and advise passengers of any restrictions (certain countries do not allow alcohol)
at their destination.
Reassure passengers, and ensure they follow safety procedures in case of
any emergency situations.
Deal with any difficult passengers (who may be acting in a rude or anti–
social way) politely but firmly, to ensure the safety and comfort of every one on
the flight.
Give first aid, if and where necessary.
Ensure passengers disembark safely at the end of a flight, and check that
there is no luggage left in the overhead bins/lockers and no stowaways or
suspicious items are on board.
Complete paperwork, including writing a flight report.
Check Your Progress–1:
1. Cabin crew duty–free goods on board a flight.
(a) Distributes (b)Showcases (c)Sells
3.5 FLIGHT CREW ON BOARD AN AIRCRAFT:
3.5.1 Flight Deck Crew and Cabin Crew:
The total number of crew on board a flight includes the Flight deck crew
and the Cabin Crew.
Flight deck or Cockpit crew consists of Captain, First Officer, and Flight
Engineer (not on all flights).
Captain is the head of the aircraft.
The In–flight Supervisor, or the Cabin senior/Manager (different airlines
have different designation for the senior most Cabin Crew on–board a flight), is
in charge of the cabins. Supervisor reports directly to the Captain. The other
Cabin Crew reports to the supervisor.
Check Your Progress–2:
1. Flight crew consists of:
(a) Flight deck crew (b)Flight deck crew and Cabin crew
(c)Cabin crew
3.6 HIERARCHY OF FLIGHT CREW:
3.6.1 Hierarchy of Flight Deck/Cockpit Crew:
• Captain/Commander pilot
• For bigger aircrafts, possibly another Captain
• Senior First Officer (SFO)/Co–Pilot or First Officer
• For bigger aircrafts, possibly another SFO
• Observers/Engineer
Example of Cockpit Flight Crew
3.6.2 Hierarchy of Cabin Crew/Flight Attendant:
• Cabin Service Director (on bigger Aircrafts/very long Haul flights)
• Purser/In flight Manager/In flight Supervisor
• Grade One crew
• Grade Two crew
• Air Hostess/Stewards (if there is no grading)
• Trainees
3.6.3 Chain of Command During an Emergency:
Captain/Commander
Senior First Officer or First Officer/Copilot
Cabin Service Director/Inflight Manager or Supervisor
Rest of the Cabin crew
Check Your Progress–3:
1. Purser/Inflight Manager/Inflight Supervisor, are different designation for
the same position, i.e. Senior most position in the cabin.
(a) Yes (b)No (c)Not sure
3.7 CABIN CREW REQUIREMENT ON AN AIRCRAFT:
3.7.1 Minimum Cabin Crew Requirement on a Flight:
Cabin crew members play a key role with regard to passenger and
operational safety. The number of cabin crew on board, and their performance,
are significant factors in the successful evacuation of aircraft. Therefore, a
minimum number of cabin crew members are required to effectively conduct a
timely evacuation and increase the survivability of passengers during an accident,
according to ICAO requirement.
Up to 50 Passenger seats–One Cabin crew
51 to 150 seats–Two Cabin crew
151 to 200 seats–Four Cabin crew
Above 200 seats–Five Cabin crew and more
(Practically, the number of Cabin Crew in a flight depends on factors like,
number of Passenger seats and emergency exits on an aircraft, type of Food and
Beverage service, and length of the Flight and Duty time (sometimes on very
long haul flights, more than one set of crew are present). On commercial planes
the practice is: one cabin crew per door of the aircraft. The smallest of
commercial aircrafts have four doors, so minimum of four cabin crew would be
present on any commercial plane.)
All Cabin Crew reports to their Base Manager, headed by the Head In
flight, at the base station.
Check Your Progress–4:
1. Who is the head of the Aircraft?
(a) Cabin Supervisor (b)Captain (c)First Officer
3.8 CABIN CREW DOCUMENTATION:
3.8.1 Documentation for Domestic Airline:
• Airline Identity card
• Airport Entry pass (AEP)
• Flight Safety certificate
• Health certificate
• SEP card (Safety and Emergency Procedure)
• Passport (if required)
3.8.2 Documentation for International Airline:
• Airline Identity card
• Airport Entry pass (AEP)
• SEP card (Safety and Emergency Procedure)
• Health certificate Cabin Crew Eligibility
• Meal service booklet and Training, Cabin
Crew Duties and
• Public Address (PA) Announcement booklet Documentation,
• Passport Passenger
Information List,
• Crew Member certificate (valid visa) Inflight
3.8.3 Documentation Handled by Cabin Crew on an Aircraft: Announcements
• Flight report
• Galley report (food and dry store)
• Duty free item report (on international flights)
• Bar report (on international flights)
• Reports on: Unaccompanied minor, Deportee
• Report on use of First Aid kit and Physician's kit
• Report on usage of Oxygen cylinder, Fire extinguisher, and any other
safety equipment
3.8.4 General Declaration:
On all international flights there will be a GD (General Declaration) which
lists:
Crew names, there in bound flight and out bound flight.
This is a "guarantee" to the immigration authority that the crew members
Listed will leave the country on the nominated flight/date.
Example of Cabin Crew Identity Card
Check Your Progress–5:
1. Documentation for Domestic and International travel are the same.
(a) True (b)False (c)Not sure
3.9 CABIN CREW BREAKS DURING A FLIGHT:
3.9.1 Cabin Crew Breaks in Flight on Very Long Flights:
On very long flights, for e.g. New York to Beijing, which is around 14
hours, cabin crew gets a four–hour break. Cabin crew does their regular service
like, the beverage service, the meal service, clearing of trays, do the dessert
service, clear the cabin again, and then they start taking breaks. Half of the crew
go to the crew rest bunks for four hours, while the other half stay up and manage
the cabin and galleys.
The bunks, which are up a very small spiral staircase in the tail of the
plane, are small. You can't sit up in them, you have to lie down. The opening is
on the
Side and there's a curtain to separate the bunks. You have a chance to sleep or
listen to music or just relax, whatever you want to do.
Example of a Cabin crew bunk bed on an aircraft
3.10 CABIN CREW UNIFORM:
3.10.1 Importance of Cabin crew Uniform:
Airline uniforms are worn on duty, mainly to be recognisable. It is
important that the flight crew can be easily identified by passengers and staff,
whether this be in the terminal or on–board the aircraft.
Uniforms are tailored to allow crew to move freely in the cabin, serve
drinks and meals and perform multiple tasks. Uniforms is usually made from fire
retardant fabrics in case fighting fires while wearing a full face mask is part of
emergency handling on board the aircraft. The uniform must also be non–
absorbent, not just for liquid spills, but also for sea water. Ditching procedure
involves being in water/raft wearing a full uniform.
Example of Cabin Crew Uniform
Check Your Progress–6:
1. Is it compulsory for cabin crew to wear uniform on duty?
(a) Yes (b)No (c)Sometimes
3.11 IN FLIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS :
In flight announcements are made over Public Address system (PA) by
both, Cockpit crew and Cabin crew.
3.11.1 In flight Announcements by Cabin Crew:
Cabin crew makes announcements on all sectors using PA hand microphones.
Some of the reasons for announcements are to greet passengers, give them
information like, time and distance covered during flight, weather conditions, and
to give information regarding laws, rules and regulations at the destination, and
meal services.
Announcements are also made during any emergency situation.
3.11.2 Tips for Making Announcements:
While making anannouncement, you must stand upright and speak in a
clear natural voice. Stress on important words to convey precise meaning.
Modulate your voice for better grasping of announcements.
Speak slowly, clearly, and politely for everyone to follow what you are
saying.
Do not hold the PA too close to your mouth.
Do not use technical terms or Jargons while making announcements, keep
the language simple and easy to understand.
Example of Inflight announcement using PA hand microphone
3.11.3 Announcements are Made During:
• Boarding
• Door closure
• Safety demonstration
• Take–off/Ascent
• Turbulence
• Descent/Final approach to landing
• Landing
• Any emergencies
• Check Your Progress–7:
1. Are announcements made in both English and Hindi in Domestic Airlines?
(a) Yes (b)No (c)Don't know
3.12 PASSENGER INFORMATION LIST (PIL):
3.12.1Passenger Information/Manifest List:
Passenger list provides essential information on various aspects of a flight.
A flight manifest is a list of cargo, passengers, and crew of an aircraft compiled
before departure based on flight check–in information. It is a confidential
document, for the use of customs and other officials.
PIL used by Cabin Crew: Once all the passengers have boarded the
flight, the senior cabin crew member is given a list of the names of every
passenger on board, their seat number, and if they have checked in any baggage.
PIL also gives information about special need passengers, VIP's, any special
meal request, etc.
3.13 LET US SUM UP:
In this unit we learned about:
• Eligibility criteria for Cabin crew
• Essential skills required for a successful career as an Air Hostess/Cabin
crew
• How to apply for a Cabin crew job
• Training for different emergency situations
• Duration of training
• Duties for Cabin crew
• Flight deck crew
• Cabin crew
• Hierarchy of Flight deck
• Hierarchy of Cabin crew
• Chain of command during an emergency
• Minimum Cabin crew requirement on a flight
• Documentation for Domestic Airlines
• Documentation for International Airlines
• Documentation handled by Cabin crew on an aircraft
• General Declaration
• Cabin crew breaks in flight on very long flights
• Importance of Cabin crew Uniform
• In flight announcements by Cabin crew
• Tips for making announcements
• Announcements are made during
• Passenger Information List
3.14 ANSWER FOR CHECK YOUR PROGRESS:
Check Your Progress1:
1.(C)
Check Your Progress2:
1.(B)
Check Your Progress3:
1.(A)
Check Your Progress4:
1.(B)
Check Your Progress5:
1.(B)
Check Your Progress6:
1.(A)
Check Your Progress7:
1.(A)
