THAT AVIATION'S BLOG

Latest news and information on travel, trends, aircraft and air chartering

AN INTERVIEW WITH MONICA REGGIANI AND SOFIA PANNILINI

HOW TO BECOME A FLIGHT ATTENDANT? SMALL VADEMECUM FOR YOUNG ASPIRANTS

The profession of Flight Attendant has always been much sought after. It is an occupation that has a particular charm because, besides the fact that most of your time is passed high up in the clouds – and this is already a wonderful thing! – it also allows you to travel a lot and to relate to people of different cultures.
This, certainly, is the great attraction of this job. But how do you become a Cabin Crew Attendant? What are the characteristics and skills required?
We will ask Monica Reggiani, a former Stewardess and now the Operational Manager within That Aviation Italia and Sofia Pannilini, a young Hostess at the beginning of her career.

 

THAT!
Hello girls and thank you for your time. You have both chosen to experience the profession of Cabin Crew in your life. How did you make this decision?

 

Monica
By chance. I sent my Curriculum Vitae to a new “young” charter plane company for a job inside of the airport.
Summoned to the selection for the Flight Attendant and passed medical checks at Milan IML, I accepted to become part of this new world (at the beginning it was more a challenge than a real interest). Later, although the work was very hard, I became passionate about the new life “in the clouds”.

 

Sofia
The main reason that led me to start this career is, without any doubts, was my great desire to travel and discover different realities.
I wanted a 360 ° non monotonous job, which would allow me to be in contact with people of any age and nation.
Surely, the numerous positive comments of people who already practised this profession, helped me a lot in my final choice.

 

THAT!
What is the training path to enter this profession?

 

Sofia
The training course includes an initial phase called the Initial Course, which aims to teach the general characteristics of the aircraft, the emergency equipment on board and the respective procedures, in addition to the first aid techniques. It is necessary to know all of this in order to obtain the CCA – Cabin Crew Attestation – after which the Conversion starts, or rather the specialization for the different types of aircraft in the company’s fleet, which lasts about two / three weeks.
Once this phase is over, there is the last stage of the theoretical training which is the commercial part and which concerns everything about catering, cabin layout and service program to be followed during the flight.
After completing this training course, a period of in-flight learning begins the coaching with a trainer.
To be able to achieve the certification of Flight Attendant in all aspects, it is then necessary to perform four sections for each type of aircraft.

 

Monica
As for my training, the first training course was done at London/Crawley at the mother house, which lasted thirty days, during which I was given basic knowledge on airworthiness, safety and security, emergency procedures and first aid.
At the end of the training, a written and an oral exam selected and confirmed, who could continue the training.
Once returned to Italy, I followed the commercial courses with practical tests, including rescue in the pool and the so-called “fire test”, where a fire is simulated on board and you have to solve the problem and turn it off as quickly as possible; opening and closing of emergency doors, etc …

Meanwhile, I flew as a non-certified Flight Assistant for about 150 hours.
Once all the steps were completed, I took the ministerial exam at the ENAC to obtain the so-called “red card”, precisely the Certification by the Ministry of Transport.
The whole thing lasted four months.

 

THAT!
I would say that, except for some small differences, the training carried out is very similar. Monica, I am asking you this question because Sofia is still at the beginning of her working experience. How can you describe the role of the Flight Attendant?

 

Monica
The primary role of the Flight Attendant is to guarantee the safety of passengers in the cabin and to be able to face any emergency situations.
Nowadays, the technology gets more and more sophisticated as well as the safety standards, but the attention on board by the staff in charge must always be constant, in order to prevent any uncomfortable situations for passengers or emergencies.

 

THAT!
Sofia, what are the essential features to become a Cabin Crew?

 

Sofia
The essential characteristic is that of being a person always smiling and beautiful. Males must be at least 1.8 meters tall while girls 1.65 meters tall. Also, a good knowledge of English is required, in order be able to deal with people and be always available. Moreover, it is not allowed to have tattoos visible with the uniform worn.

 

THAT!
Sofia, you are now at the end of your training and close to making your first flights: I think you are very excited!
And Monica, you instead, for how many years did you work as a Flight Attendant?

 

Monica
Four years, alternating flight activities with land work. In fact, I collaborated with the Personnel Office for the recruitment of the crew on board and I also held commercial lessons in the classroom.

 

THAT!
How nice, Monica! You had multiple and interconnected roles: a complete and highly formative training and work experience.
Can you please tell me what, in your opinion, are the strong and weak points of the job of Flight Attendant?

 

Monica
It is a difficult job not only from a physical level but also from a psychological point of view; the Long range flights in particular makes you cohabit with Jet lag (and loose contact with your reality. For this reason many of my former colleagues moved to short-haul flights.
It is always difficult, but it allows you to spend more time at home and better manage your private life.

 

THAT!
I have already anticipated that today you are part of That Aviation Itaia Staff, but how the passage from Flight Assistant to Operations Manager occurred?

 

Monica
In 1994 after having decided to return “down to earth”, I entered the Commercial Management of the same Airline Company for which I worked as a stewardess.
With this opportunity and many hours of work, I have expanded my work experience in the following years, becoming an expert in the operational and sales field related to the world of the commercial aircraft and of the private plane rental.

 

THAT!
What advice can you give to a young aspiring Flight Attendants?

 

Monica
Like all jobs there are pros and cons but, if you have good interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt, you will face this life experience in the best way.

 

THAT!
Sofia, what are your expectations for the future?

 

Sofia
My expectations are undoubtedly positive. I am happy with the choice I made, and I am sure that when I enter 100% into this world, I will love it. I hope to learn a lot from this unique experience.

 

THAT!
Thank you girls, you were fantastic. Good job to both of you!

 

That Aviation Italia: passion for flights!
For any further information and flight price quotation, please contact us.

Share Post

You might also be interested in these articles

Top Articles Read by Our Audience

What does an incentive travel mean? What are incentive travel programs and why do companies invest part of their budget in this direction? “An incentive...
That Aviation was born in the early 2000s with a logo that characterized the company and clearly identified it over time: the triplane of...
July was a rather hectic month for the airports of Milan. In fact, the Linate airport was closed in the same period - with the...