WHAT IS A PRIVATE OR CORPORATE JET FLIGHT ATTENDANT?

A private jet or corporate jet flight attendant, also known as a “business aviation flight attendant”, is someone who works on a private, non-­‐commercial, business aircraft. Unlike a commercial airline, a private jet crewmember does not work according to a schedule and/or roster, they are usually employed full-‐time or on a contract basis, and often, unless working on a Boeing Business Jet, will be the only crewmember on board, in addition to the pilots.

Passengers choose to fly on business jets for the convenience of flying whenever and wherever they want to. They have the privacy, anonymity and a safe luxurious comfortable space with full deluxe in-­‐flight amenities. Business aviation provides the ability to create a non-­‐structured time schedule that is changeable at any moment. This of course adds to the corporate flight attendant’s stress, as there are always last-­‐minute schedule changes, passenger count changes, cancellations and extensions of trips.
Commercial Airlines are very different, their scheduled flights/time tables do not change, unless there are unforeseen circumstances. Most of the time there is a team of crewmembers, except in the case of a small feeder airline, where one crewmember is sufficient.

As an airline flight attendant, all one has to do, is show up for work on time, be on top of your game when it come to safety, be immaculately groomed and well rested for the flight. Once on board, after completing safety checks, crew will have a few preparations in the galley to do before the passengers’ board. Everything is already provided by the airline, the menus, the meals, the drinks etc, leaving the crewmember with the task of graciously providing safety, comfort and service to the passengers, until they arrive at their destination.

The difference between the two jobs, airline verses private, is extensive. The need to be completely flexible is a must if you choose this path. Some say comparing the two careers is like comparing apples with oranges. However it is a very exciting and an ever-­‐changing work place to be in. The qualities one requires are most importantly excellent organization skills, the ability to think outside of the box, creativity, and being able to multi-­‐task. One has to be able to take direction, have integrity and personal accountability and most importantly be professional at all times, especially with confidentiality.

When you fly commercially, you’re trained to be out in the cabin talking to passengers. On a corporate jet, there is a completely different mindset. You're there to be seen and not heard. These jets are flying executive offices, and one needs to know when it is okay to interrupt, and learn how to camouflage yourself in a cabin until you are needed. The skill set of a corporate flight attendant is also completely different, from the time you're given the trip by the company's flight dispatcher, you have to design the menus, order it from the catering company, and then present it in an appealing way to your guests. You have to do a lot more creative thinking and organizing. You also have to know the personal preferences of your passengers, such as which wines they prefer and if they have any food allergies and/or food preferences. Even when the flight is over and you arrive at the hotel, there is still laundry to arrange and the next catering order to sort out. Free time down route will be spent buying stock for the aircraft, and sometimes sourcing items, such as fine wines and whisky’s as per the client’s request.

Everything in the cabin is your personal responsibility; the list is endless, from the newspapers, to the flowers, to the meals, to having the correct linen, to making the beds for an overnight flight, and not forgetting serving the flight deck. In a nutshell, you will be hosting a five star dinner party at 44,000 feet for +/-­‐10 guests aboard a luxurious flying limousine.

There are many different types of private jets and each plane has unique and special features. It is important to be very knowledgeable and know your aircraft inside and out, both for the safety and service aspects. The galleys tend to be well equipped but extremely small, serving 10 passengers a full course dinner with only one microwave, in a tiny little space can be a challenge. This is where being organized is so important.
As with any occupation, there are challenges, some days can last up to 14 hours spent entirely on your feet. There are some decidedly non-­‐glamorous aspects of the job, such as cleaning the entire cabin in preparation for a flight. However the remuneration, travel and benefits far out way the toilet cleaning.
If you choose this path for a career, important to be able to do the following;

• Effectively manage time
• Book trips, keep and maintain schedules

• Manage yourself as a business
• Interface with several flight departments
• Adapt to various flight departments’ SOPs (Standard Operating procedures) • Remain open-­‐minded at all times
• Be impeccably organized
• Perform safe and creative menu planning and food execution
• Geographical knowledge and up to date with current affairs.
• Wine and food pairing knowledge
• Maintain your safety and first aid training annually 

AVIATION FIRST AID TRAINING (AVMED)

Medical incidents and emergencies can occur on flights at any time, therefore the South African Civil Aviation Regulations require that cabin crew members are fully qualified to handle any medical emergency that could happen whilst they are on duty.

Flying can worsen a passenger's health; especially the elderly and those who have existing medical conditions. Pregnant women have given birth on flights and perfectly healthy passengers have suffered heart attacks and other fatal incidents while on board. Some of these incidents are caused by stress of air travel, altitude, excessive alcohol intake to name but a few. It is not always possible for an aircraft to divert when a passenger suffers a serious medical emergency, and that is why flight attendants must be able to take control of the situation.

An announcement is usually made requesting the assistance of a medical doctor who may be traveling on the flight, but often no doctor is available. Medical/First Aid Kits are stowed on board which contain stocks of pain killers, eye drops etc. and a sealed Doctor’s Bag is stowed in a safe location for use by medically qualified personnel only.

The following is a list of all medical emergency situations that cabin crew will have to be trained to handle:

* CHILD BIRTH ON BOARD

* EFFECTS OF FLYING ON THE HUMAN BODY

* CARDIOVASCULAR, BREATHING AND CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM PROBLEMS

* DIABETES, LOW BLOOD SUGAR, SHOCK, DEHYDRATION

* WOUND CARE, BURNS, BROKEN BONES, SPRAINS.

* HEAD, NECK AND SPINAL INJURIES

* CHOKING

* AED TRAINING (AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR)

* DEATH ON BOARD

* CPR (CARDIO PULMONARY RESUSCITATION)

STUDENTS WILL LEARN THE IMPORTANT CHAIN OF SURVIVAL

INTRODUCING EPT AVIATION'S AVMED TRAINER:

René van der Bank qualified as a Registered Nurse and Midwife in December 1983, and Occupational Health Practitioner in 2002. She spent her first years of her career in General Nursing, and worked in different private practices and Casualty. In 2002, she joined South African Airways as occupational Healthcare Professional Nurse and Aviation Medicine Instructor. René developed a passion for training in the Aviation medicine field, and qualified as Assessor and Moderator, and registered as Civil Aviation Avmed Designated Examiner.

For the past 15 years she has also been affiliated with the South African Resuscitation Council as a Registered Basic Life Support and First Aid Instructor, which keeps her training up to date with the latest International Standards and Training guidelines.

René registered ECG/Avmed Training Organization in 2008 to fulfil her dream of becoming an Independent Avmed Training provider, and is currently conducting the Avmed training for EPT Aviation Training.

She sees her Training contribution not as only a mere, day to day job, but as a value adding contribution to the skills and personal growth of her trainees.

MRS VAN DER BANK TRAINS INITIAL FLIGHT ATTENDANT AVMED AND RECURRENT

YOU KNOW YOU ARE A FLIGHT ATTENDANT WHEN...

You know if you are a flight attendant when:

1. You can eat a 4 course meal standing at the kitchen counter

2. You search for a button to flush the toilet

3. You look for the "crew line" at the grocery store

4. You can pack for a 2 week trip to Europe in 1 pull along

5. All of your pens have different hotel names on them

6. You NEVER unpack

7. You can recognize pilots by the back of their heads-but not their faces

8. You can tell from 70 yards away if a piece of luggage will fit in the overhead bin

9. You care about the local news in a city three states away

10. You can tie a neck scarf 36 different ways

11. You know at least 25 uses for air sickness bags-none of which pertain to vomit

12. You understand and actually use the 24-hour clock

13. You own 2 sets of uniforms: fat and thin

14. You don't think in "months"-you think in "roster periods"

15. You always point with two fingers

16. You get a little too excited by certain types of ice

17. You stand at the front door and politely say "Bye, bye, thank you, have a nice day" when someone leaves your home

18. You can make a sentence using all the following phrases: "At this time," "For your safety," "Feel free," and "As a reminder"

19. You know what's on the cover of the current issues of In Touch, Star, and People magazines

20. You stop and inspect every fire extinguisher you pass, just to make sure the "gauge is in the green"

21. Your thighs are covered in bruises from armrests and elbows

22. You wake up and have to look at the hotel stationery to figure out where you are

23. You refer to cities by their airport codes

24. Every time the doorbell rings you look at the ceiling

25. You actually understand every item on this list

BECOME A WORLD TRAVELLER

One of the wonderful perks of being a Flight Attendant with an International Airline means you get to travel the World!! Keep checking our blog for exciting destination information.

HONG KONG, CHINA

A Layover in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, is a bustling metropolis, with over 7 million people occupying an area similar to the size of Pretoria, the population is scattered throughout its more than 200

islands. Hong Kong is in fact a city and a country, although it was officially handed back to China in 1997, it still has its own government and currency. Hong Kong offers diversity in culture, lifestyle and religion and is certainly an exciting place to visit.

Hong Kong, known for its unique energetic vibe, interesting food, and beautiful skyline is the perfect city for a layover, shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing, whatever you wish to do is possible, however my suggestion is comfortable walking shoes and loose clothing especially in the summer months as temperatures and humidity can be very uncomfortable.

Getting around Hong Kong is easy, the public transport system is efficient and you can go almost anywhere in Hong Kong by tram, bus or Mass Transit Railway (MTR). Taxi’s are all over Hong Kong but a little more expensive than public transport.

Hong Kong offers many great upscale shopping districts that rival the high-end streets of: Shanghai, London and Paris. The best places to shop however are the small shops that line the roads, and street markets that exhibit the charm and uniqueness of the locality.

It is wise to look around at the various stores to compare prices before buying anything. Bargaining is a must, however in the very local Chinese markets, prices are fixed.

Top sights to see in Hong Kong:

Victoria Peak – Take the Peak Tram up to 1810 feet above sea level and get a birds eye view of downtown Hong Kong, Kowloon, and Victoria Harbour. Go another step higher and take a 10-minute hike to the actual Victoria Peak.

Ocean Park – is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, and animal theme park. As well as being able to see the amazing panda bear, there is a butterfly house and live animal shows. Once you take the cable car across to the other side of the park, you will find an amazing amusement park with wild rides and rollercoaster’s, not for the faint hearted.

Central District -Lan Kwai Fong is a great spot for a night on the town, the street is lined with great bars and restaurants. The Mid-Levels famous escalator will lead you to the Soho district, where there are numerous boutique shops, beauty salons, nightclubs and restaurants.

If you are interested in Antiques and Art then a walk down Hollywood road is a must.

Kowloon – The most famous street in Hong Kong, Nathan road, stretches from Tsim Sha Tsiu all the way past Mong Kok up to Prince Edward. This is the best shopping street, but beware of electronic shops that inflate their prices when they see a tourist.

Hong Kong’s Light Show- Every night at 8pm, Hong Kong’s skyline lights up for a 10-minutes, it is amazingly choreographed to music, which you can hear if you wonder down the Avenue of The Stars located on Kowloon’s Victoria Harbour waterfront.

Ngong Ping 360C- this is one of Hong Kong’s must see attractions on Lantau Island. It is a cable car that starts in Tung Chung (near the airport) and takes you up to the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, the world’s tallest outdoor-seated Buddha, and the Po Lin Monastery. This is the major centre of Buddhism in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Markets- Some of the best markets are:

Stanley Market- this market is great for souvenirs, art, clothing and shoes; it is located on Hong Kong Island near Repulse Bay.

Ladies Market-open everyday in busy Mongkok, here bargaining is essential, great for handbags and watches.

Prince Edward Flower Market- a colourful street lined with flower sellers and beautiful orchid shops.

Temple street night market- open from 10pm onwards, this market is great for everyone, you can also experience the taste of local food at one of the street cafes.

Overall there is something for everyone in Hong Kong, whether you have 2 days or 2 weeks you’ll have enough time to experience this great city!

THINGS TO DO AS A FLIGHT ATTENDANT ON A LAY-OVER IN LISBON

Lisbon is a saucy flirt that you fall in love with at first sight, so go the lyrics of traditional Portuguese Fado songs.

When sitting on your jump seat as you approach this historical city, you can’t help but be in awe of the magnificent view of the Tagus River (Rio Tejo) and the Statue of Christ (Christo Rei) that faces the landmark statue in Rio de Janeiro.

Lisbon’s geographical location, history, modernity and wide choice of hotels and cuisine are just some of the factors that make Lisbon one of Europe’s most competitive and popular cities to visit. It is a small picturesque, charming port city characterised by romantic cobblestone streets, mosaic sidewalks, rolling hills and pastel houses. It is also diverse, blending a range of

cultures. The oldest part of the city, the Alfama Quarter, still retains its medieval feel. It hosted the Grand Expo 98 and was named the European City of Culture in 1994.

Once you’ve checked in at your hotel, put on comfortable walking shoes and head to the concierge counter for your complimentary map of Lisboa.

Then proceed by either: train, bus, tram or underground (Metro) to the Gare do Oriente Station, a central point where you will be able to take any means of transport to a preferred destination.

Summertime in Lisbon is about freedom to play. Throw out the rules and do whatever pleases you because it relaxes you. Enjoy your time and the people around you to the fullest and head for the outdoors (Jardim Zoologico, Jardim de Estrela, Parque Principe Real, Parque Eduardo VII). Must see sites include: Castelo de Saõ Jorge, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Tower of Belem, Cascais and Sintra.

Lisbon sports a vibrant nightlife where dinner only commences at 10 pm. Visit either the Fado Houses in the Alfama District or the Bairro Alto nightclubs and bars, but make sure you turn on your inner compass as you are bound to get lost. Fortunately there is a taxi on every corner in Lisbon. Travel lightly, as with any cosmopolitan city, Lisbon is rife with pickpockets.

Most of all - be like Vasco da Gama, and explore to your heart’s content…

Make sure that you are well-rested before you commence your duties as a safety officer on board the aircraft, but with so much to do in Lisbon, this can be challenging!