the gospel according to boeing
Nature of the Work
Major airlines are required by law to provide flight attendants for
the safety of the traveling public. Although the primary job of the
flight attendants is to ensure that safety regulations are followed,
they also try to make flights comfortable and enjoyable for
passengers.
At least 1 hour before each flight, attendants are briefed by the captain—the pilot in command—on such things as emergency evacuation procedures, coordination of the crew, the length of the flight, expected weather conditions, and special issues having to do with passengers. Flight attendants make sure that first-aid kits and other emergency equipment are aboard and in working order and that the passenger cabin is in order, with adequate supplies of food, beverages, and blankets. As passengers board the plane, flight attendants greet them, check their tickets, and tell them where to store coats and carry-on items.
Before the plane takes off, flight attendants instruct all passengers in the use of emergency equipment and check to see that seat belts are fastened, seat backs are in upright positions, and all carry-on items are properly stowed. In the air, helping passengers in the event of an emergency is the most important responsibility of a flight attendant. Safety-related actions may range from reassuring passengers during occasional encounters with strong turbulence to directing passengers who must evacuate a plane following an emergency landing. Flight attendants also answer questions about the flight; distribute reading material, pillows, and blankets; and help small children, elderly or disabled persons, and any others needing assistance. They may administer first aid to passengers who become ill. Flight attendants generally serve beverages and other refreshments and, on many flights, heat and distribute precooked meals or snacks. Prior to landing, flight attendants take inventory of headsets, alcoholic beverages, and moneys collected. They also report any medical problems passengers may have had, the condition of cabin equipment, and lost and found articles.
Lead, or first, flight attendants, sometimes known as pursers, oversee the work of the other attendants aboard the aircraft, while performing most of the same duties.
Working Conditions
Because airlines operate around-the-clock, year-round, flight
attendants may work nights, holidays, and weekends. In most cases,
agreements between the airline and the employees’ union determine the
total daily and monthly working time. On-duty time is usually limited
to 12 hours per day, with a daily maximum of 14 hours. Attendants
usually fly 65 to 85 hours a month and, in addition, generally spend
about 50 hours a month on the ground preparing planes for flights,
writing reports following completed flights, and waiting for planes to
arrive. They may be away from their home base at least one-third of
the time. During this period, the airlines provide hotel
accommodations and an allowance for meal expenses.
Flight attendants must be flexible, reliable, and willing to relocate. Home bases and routes worked are bid for on a seniority basis. The longer the flight attendant has been employed, the more likely he or she is to work on chosen flights. Almost all flight attendants start out working on reserve status or on call. On small corporate airlines, flight attendants often work on an as-needed basis and must adapt to varying environments and passengers.
The combination of free time and discount airfares provides flight attendants the opportunity to travel and see new places. However, the work can be strenuous and trying. Short flights require speedy service if meals are served, and turbulent flights can make serving drinks and meals difficult. Flight attendants stand during much of the flight and must remain pleasant and efficient, regardless of how tired they are or how demanding passengers may be. Occasionally, flight attendants must deal with disruptive passengers.
Flight attendants are susceptible to injuries because of the job demands in a moving aircraft. Back injuries and mishaps incurred by opening overhead compartments are common. In addition, medical problems can arise from irregular sleeping and eating patterns, dealing with stressful passengers, working in a pressurized environment, and breathing recycled air.
Employment
Flight attendants held about 104,000 jobs in 2002. Commercial airlines
employed the vast majority of flight attendants, most of who lived in
their employer’s home base city. A small number of flight attendants
worked for large companies that operated company aircraft for business
purposes.
Comments and faves
Claudine (89 months ago | reply)
picasa helped do this? so cool!
Claudine added this photo to her favorites. (89 months ago)
Ben McLeod (89 months ago | reply)
I used a few of the tools in Picasa2, including the soft focus. I just downloaded it a few days ago and so far I like it. I'm glad you like the picture.
jessamyn.n added this photo to her favorites. (89 months ago)
Fotorob (89 months ago | reply)
Great shot AND title
the angriest dog in the world added this photo to her favorites. (81 months ago)
Johnnie Rotten or My Little Pony are both sick (81 months ago | reply)
104 000 !
that means that one in 65 000 people in this world is one
racingsquirrel (79 months ago | reply)
This is priceless. Consider adding to Airlines Crew.
airbusky (77 months ago | reply)
great shot!
melinda.b, lizziebee53, M.K..., pygmy_owl2, and galearii added this photo to their favorites.
NowPublic (66 months ago | reply)
This photograph appears in a NowPublic news story: And you think you've had probs getting reimbursed....
jaho, Stevanovitzsch, and PhotojLisa added this photo to their favorites.
PhotojLisa (65 months ago | reply)
hahahahaha that is awesome. The title really perfects it.
happeningfish added this photo to her favorites. (64 months ago)
sfPhotocraft (63 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for a group called Inside the plane, and we'd love to have your photo added to the group.
Richard Reynolds and YAP S S added this photo to their favorites.
Dannyjw (57 months ago | reply)
still maughing, great shot
Dannyjw, Tony Webster, Tiago S Costa, heartbot, and septuagesima added this photo to their favorites.
AIA_Aerospace (22 months ago | reply)
Hi, I'm an admin for the National Aerospace Week Contests group and this is an awesome aerospace shot!
We'd love to have you submit this picture to the group - we are running a contest with a grand prize of an iPad!