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TREVISAN IDIOMAS

Get ready
to fly!!!
A Special Guide For Special Flight Attendants

Aline Marise Trevisan

2011

1ST EDITION
3
Get ready to fly!!!

A special guide for special flight attendants…

Designed for those who are looking for a flight attendant position… those who
want to fly higher when facing an English interview in an airline company. This
guide will help you reach a more specific English knowledge, besides reviewing
some information learned in your flight attendant course. It will help you
acquire new vocabulary, comprehension skills, listening ability and you will also
practice reading. In a short time, you will develop your conversation skills and
feel more confident in many situations you may find in your new profession.

Special thanks:
For those who believed in my job. First of all God who always made my dreams come true. Also my
family who supported me in love. My special partner and friend Alexandre Scoth for the encouragement
and ideas. For my second partner Diego Onorati, without his wisdom, knowledge and experience this
book would not be possible. My friend and revisor Rafael Barreros whom took a long time correcting
some mistakes. My cousin Jeniffer for making the summary and the corrections. Also for my friends
Victor and Tim for recording the audio CD. And for all thel students from ABC Fly that gave me the ideas
and strategies.
Notice of Rights
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,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission, in writing, of the copyright owner.

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CONTENTS

UNIT 01 - FLIGHT ATTENDANT JOB DUTIES

UNIT 02 - CREW BRIEFING

UNIT 03 - PRE-FLIGHT CHECK

UNIT 04 - BOARDING

UNIT 05 - PREPARATION FOR TAKE-OFF

UNIT 06 - MEALS AND DRINKS SERVICE

UNIT 07 - ENTERTAINMENT

UNIT 08 - EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

UNIT 09 - LANDING PREPARATION

UNIT 10 - DISEMBARK

FLIGHT SITUATIONS

GENERAL INTERVIEW

AIRPORT JOBS _

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UNIT 01- FLIGHT ATTENDANT JOB DUTIES

T
he main task of a Flight Attendant is to make sure that the passengers are both safe and comfortable
throughout the entire flight, but their work begins a little earlier than boarding. At least one hour before
each flight, the Flight Crew joins together to perform a briefing where they're informed by the Captain and
the SCCM about the specific details of the flight. These details include weather conditions expected along
the route and at destination, the number of passengers and any eventual special assistance required,
among any other unusual situation that might occur during the flight.
Once on board, the Flight Attendants must check that everything in the cabin meets the
standard needs established by the company in accordance to the international regulations. During
boarding the Attendants greet the passengers, check their boarding passes, and assist them in finding their
seats and storing the carry-on luggage.
After boarding is completed they perform the safety briefing to the passengers and prepare
the cabin for take-off, it means that all the passengers are seated with their seat belts fastened, the tables
closed and the seat backs in the vertical position. After take-off, when the airplane has reached a safe
altitude, some C.A.s distribute items like earphones or pamphlets to the passengers, while others meet in
the galleys and prepare the meals and drinks service. On longer flights, some entertainment opportunities
are usually available, such as movies or duty-free shopping.
When the airplane is approaching the destination, the C.A.s prepare the cabin for landing:
all trays and trolleys must be stored back to their position, and the passengers must be seated with their
seat backs in vertical position, the tables closed and the seat belts fastened. After the plane lands, when it
stops in the parking, the C.A.s greet the passengers while they leave the cabin, and thank them for
choosing their airline. They also help passengers-in-need leave the aircraft.
Helping passengers in the rare event of an emergency is one of the most important jobs of
the Flight Attendant. This may include, for example, opening emergency exits and inflating evacuation
slides following an emergency landing. The Attendants may also have to reassure passengers who may be
afraid, for example during occasional encounters with some turbulence.

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Flight Attendant service is often what passengers think about when choosing an airline.
Because of this, it is very important that the Attendants be friendly and courteous, provide the highest
level of service, and “go the extra mile” whenever possible.

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1. Comprehension check. Write True or False ( T ) or ( F ):

a) ( ____ ) The flight attendant’s job begins a little later than boarding.

b) ( ____ ) The briefing details include weather conditions expected along the route and at
destination.

c) ( ____ ) Everything in the cabin must be in accordance to the national regulations.

d) ( ____ ) Books and sandals are distributed after take-off.

e) ( ____ ) Movies and duty-free shopping are available only on longer flights.

f) ( ____ ) Only some passengers must be seated in vertical position when the airplane in approaching
the destination.

g) ( ____ ) The C.A.s help passengers-in-need leave the aircraft.

h) ( ____ ) Help passengers in case of an emergency is one of the least important jobs of a flight
attendant.

i) ( ____ ) When passengers are going to choose an airline they think about the flight attendant
service.

2. Choose the best synonym for each word:

Briefing -_________ a.Atmospheric condition

Fasten -__________ b.Keep

Weather -________ c.Ticket

Pass -___________ d. Instructions

Store -___________ e. tighten

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3. Practice the questions about the following main words:

What’s briefing exactly?

Briefing Who is responsible for the briefing?

Have you ever made a briefing?

What’s the Captain’s main job?

Would you like to be a Captain?


Captain
Do you know anyone who’s a Captain?

What’s the weather like in your city today?


Weather
What’s your favorite season?

Do you like to pack your luggage when you travel?

Do you usually take big or small luggage?


Luggage
Do you help other people carrying their luggage?

Do you think seat belts are important?

Do you fasten your seat belts when driving?


Seat Belts
How often do you forget to fasten your seat belts?

What can you find in the galleys?


Galleys
Are the passengers allowed to remain in the galleys?

What kinds of passengers are included in the

“passengers-in-need” group?
Passenger-in-need
Have you ever helped a passenger-in-need?

Have you ever passed through any turbulence?


Turbulence
Are you afraid of turbulences?

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4. Listen and fill-in the blanks:

A. “The main _______________ of a Flight Attendant is to make sure that passengers are

_______________ safe and comfortable throughout the _______________ flight…”

B. “During boarding the Attendants _______________ the passengers, check their boarding passes,

and _______________ them in finding their seats and _______________ the carry-on luggage.”

C. . “On longer flights, some ___________________ opportunities are usually available, such as

movies or ___________________ shopping.”

D. “Opening emergency _______________ and inflating evacuation slides ___________________ an

emergency ________________.”

E. “Because of this, it is very important that the Attendants be __________________ and courteous,

provide the __________________ level of service, and “go the extra mile” ____________________

possible”.

5. Complete the following sentence with at least 5 lines:

“Once I was planning the trip of my life when…”


_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________

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UNIT 02 - CREW BRIEFING

T
he Flight Crew is composed by a group of professionals who work in an aircraft when it is flying from one
city to another on a domestic or international flight. The Flight Crew is internally divided in two inner
groups that differ by the type of work they perform and the workplace they occupy in the airplane: the
Cockpit Crew and the Cabin Crew.

The Cockpit Crew is responsible for piloting the aircraft and, on modern airplanes is
normally composed by two members, the Captain and the Copilot or First Officer.

The Captain is the pilot in command of the aircraft and is responsible for its operation and
safety. The Copilot or First Officer is the Captain's second and assists him in operating the aircraft. On some
older airplanes there is a third crew member, called Flight Engineer. He is required in the cockpit and is
responsible for the aircraft's engines and other systems during the flight.

The Cabin Crew is made up of Flight Attendants whose main duty is to take care of the
passengers' comfort and safety. The Purse or Senior Cabin Crew Member is the chief of the Flight
Attendants, and among other duties, works as interface between the Cockpit Crew and the Cabin Crew.

Although these two groups work in different areas of the aircraft and perform different
duties, it is very important that they work in a coordinated manner and in a predefined synchrony, because
one group's work influences the other and vice-versa. This hierarchic organization guarantees the
communication through all the crew members and establishes the responsibilities for each member.

The Flight Crew gathers in the operations room to prepare and perform the Crew briefing.
During the briefing all the Crew is informed by the Captain and the SCCM about specific details of the
flight.

The subjects usually covered are: the weather conditions expected along the route and at
the destination, the number of passengers expected on board, the passengers who need special
assistances such as disabled passengers, special meals and unaccompanied children, inoperative items on
the aircraft and any other unusual situation that may occur during the flight. It's during the briefing that
each Crew Member is assigned to their position on board and the respective responsibilities assigned to
that role. It means they will be responsible for a specific area of the cabin with its respective door or doors
to be operated, and the relative tasks to be accomplished during the flight.

After the briefing, the Captain files the flight plan and the Crew members are ready to board
the airplane, occupy their relative positions on board and perform the pre-flight checks and tests.

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1. Link each column:

Flight ______ a. place

Inner _______ b. Officer

Take _______ c. Crew

Work _______ d. care

First _______ e. groups

Weather _______ f. up

Made _______ g. conditions

2. Choose the best response:

A. The Flight Crew is composed by:

( ____ ) Captain or Copilot ( ____ ) many flight attendants ( ____ ) a group of professionals

B. The Cockpit Crew is responsible for:

( ____ ) serving drinks and meals

( ____ ) piloting the aircraft

( ____ ) passenger’s comfortable and safety

C. The Cabin Crew is made up of:

( ____ ) flight attendants ( ____ ) receptionists ( ____ ) pilot and copilot

D. Some briefing information is:

( ____ ) ticket’s price ( ____ ) magazines available ( ____ ) weather conditions

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3. Practice the questions about the following main words:

Who’s part of the Flight Crew?

Would you like to join this team?


Flight crew
Is this group responsible for many tasks?

Who’s part of Cockpit Crew?

What are they responsible for?


Cockpit Crew
Would you be a good Pilot?

Who’s part of Cabin Crew?

What are they responsible for?


Cabin Crew
Would you be a good SCCM?

What duties must a flight attendant do?


Duties
Are you responsible for many duties in your job?

Is the number of passengers important?

Who should assist the passengers?


Passengers
What do passengers look for when choosing an airline?

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4. Listen and fill-in the blanks:

A. “The Flight Crew is internally divided in two inner groups that _______________ by the type of

work they perform and the workplace they _______________ in the airplane:

the Cockpit _______________and the Cabin _______________”.

B. “The Captain is the pilot in _______________ of the aircraft and is responsible for

its _______________ and safety”.

C. “Although these two groups work in different areas of the _______________ and perform different

duties, it is very important that they work in a _______________ manner and in a predefined

synchrony, because one group's work _______________ the other and vice-versa”.

D. “The subjects usually covered are: the _______________ conditions expected along the route and

at destination, the number of passengers _______________ on board, the passengers who need

special assistances such as _______________ passengers, special meals and unaccompanied

children, inoperative items on the aircraft and any other unusual situation that _______________

occur during the flight”.

5. With your own words explain each position:

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

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UNIT 03 – PRE-FLIGHT CHECK

W
hen the crew enters the aircraft, they have to perform a number of checks and tests to assure the aircraft
is properly set up and organized to begin the flight. The Crew Members have specific items to check,
depending on their role and which seats they have been assigned to.

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

The first task to be performed on board is to check the emergency equipment installed on the airplane:
-fire extinguishers
-smoke hoods
-crash axe
-first aid kit
-oxygen bottles
-extra life vests and infant life vests
-the life raft, crew members life vests
-flashlights
-megaphones
-emergency radio beacon

All the previous items must be on board, functional and properly stowed in their positions.
Every time the crew enters an airplane, they must also perform a security check throughout the cabin to
ensure that there are no foreign objects hidden in the cabin that may endanger the safety of the aircraft
and its occupants.

After performing these security checks, the Flight Attendants dedicate to the tasks they have been
assigned to.

● Galleys: the responsible C.A check: the meals and drinks quantity, any special meals, the accessories
and any other items depending on the kind of service that will be provided on that flight.

● Magazines: a special trolley is set up to show the passengers all the reading options available.

● Toilets: they are checked to be clean and equipped with toilet paper, paper towels, soap and
sometimes moist towelettes and perfume.

After these duties have been accomplished and the cabin is ready, the SCCM asks the Captain if he can
authorize the passengers' boarding.

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1. Link each column:

Smoke - _________ a.Vest

Crash - _________ b. Kit

First aid - _________ c. Hoods

Oxygen - _________ d. Phones

Life - _________ e. axe

Mega - _________ f. bottle

2. Comprehension check. Write True or False ( T ) or ( F ):

a) ( ____ ) When the crew enters the aircraft, they have to perform a check list.

b) ( ____ ) The entertainment area is the first to be checked.

c) ( ____) Crash axe, oxygen bottles, earphones and megaphones are all emergency
equipment.

d) ( ____ ) The meals and drinks quantity must be checked by the Pilot and Copilot.

e) ( ____ ) A special trolley of magazines is set up to show the passengers all the options.

3. Choose the best definition:

Set up - _________ a. get something done

Duties - _________ b. attributes or credit to

Perform - _________ c. make certain of

Assure - _________ d. get ready for a particular purpose or event

Properly - _________ e. work that you are obligated to perform

Assigned - _________ f. in the right manner

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4. Listen and fill in the blanks:

A. “The Crew Members have ______________ items to check, depending on their ______________

and which seat they have been ______________”.

B. “Every time the crew enters an airplane, they must also ______________ a security check

throughout the cabin to ensure that there are no ______________ objects hidden in the cabin that

may endanger the safety of the aircraft and its ______________”.

C. “Galleys: the responsible C.A check the ______________ and drinks quantity, any special meals, the

______________ and any other items depending on the ______________ of service that will be

______________ on that flight”.

“After these ______________ have been accomplished and the cabin is ready, the SCCM asks the
______________ if he can authorize the passengers' ______________”.

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D.

5. Practice the questions about the following main words:

Which items must be checked before the airplanes take-off?

Items Before travelling, do you check all the items?

Why do you think a first aid kit is important for?

What things can you find in a first aid kit?


First aid kit
Do you have a first aid kit at home?

What does a foreign object mean?

Have you ever met a foreign person?


Foreign
Have you ever lived in a foreign country?

What kinds of passengers take long flights?

Kind What kinds of meals are served in an airplane?

What kinds of magazines do you like reading?

Magazines Do you like reading magazines when flying?

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UNIT 04 - BOARDING

B
oarding is the process through which the passengers enter the airplane, stow their hand luggage in the
appropriate places and occupy their seats. During the boarding, the Flight Attendants greet the passengers
and help them find their seats. They also help them in finding a place for the hand luggage.
Passengers who need special assistance (for example disabled passengers and unaccompanied
minors) are usually boarded and guided to their seats before the other passengers. They receive a
personalized briefing about the emergency equipment and procedures, as well as the position of the
nearest emergency exits. They are told to remain at their place in case of emergency and wait for a Flight
Attendant to help them in case of an emergency evacuation.
In the First Class of big airplanes, on longer flights, the Flight Attendants offer the passengers the
opportunity to hang their coats and jackets in a located wardrobe.
It is Flight Attendants responsibility to check that all the aisles are not obstructed by any object, the
hand luggage are properly stowed in the overhead lockers or under the seats, and the access to the
emergency exits is completely free of luggage or any other object.
During boarding, an announcement similar to the following is repeatedly read through the public address
system (P.A.):
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WELCOME ON BOARD.
FOR YOUR SAFETY, WE KINDLY ASK YOU TO PLACE YOUR HAND LUGGAGE UNDER THE SEAT IN FRONT OF
YOU OR IN THE OVERHEAD LOCKERS. FOR ANYTHING YOU MAY REQUIRE PLEASE CONTACT A MEMBER OF
THE CABIN CREW.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.
When all the passengers are on board, before the aircraft starts taxiing, there is time for distributing gifts.
In the First Class some extra services are provided: a welcome drink (normally a choice of water, juice or
sparkling wine and also a selection of magazines and newspapers).

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1. Link the appropriate synonym:

Enter _______________ a. alone


Greet _______________ b. continue
Unaccompanied ______________ c. announcement
Remain _______________ d. lockers
Wardrobe _____________ e. respond
Obstructed _____________ f. blocked
Speech ______________ g. goes into

2. Choose the best response:

A. Boarding is when…

( ) the airplane takes - off


( ) passengers enter the airplane
( ) passengers leave the check-in area

B. Flight attendants during boarding:

( ) Help passengers find their seats


( ) Show the meals and drinks options
( ) Check the passenger’s tickets

C. An important flight attendants` direction is:

( ) The position of the toilets


( ) How to close the airplane doors
( ) The nearest emergency exits

D. Another emergency responsibility of the flight attendants is:

( ) the aisles are not obstructed by any other object


( ) the trolleys are well closed
( ) the windows are well closed

E. Before the aircraft starts, in the First Class some things are offered like:

( ) a special dish
( ) chocolate or souvenirs
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( ) a choice between water or juice

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3. Write a short paragraph using the following words:

OCCUPY/ PLACE/ SEAT/ EXITS/ EVACUATION


___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________

4. Listen and fill in the blanks:

A. “Boarding is the process _______________ which the passengers enter the airplane,

_______________ their hand luggage in the appropriate places and occupy their

_______________”.

B. “Passengers who need special _______________ (for example disabled passengers and

unaccompanied minors) are usually boarded and _______________ to their seats before the other

passengers”.

C. “In the First Class of _______________ airplanes, on longer flights, the Flight Attendants

_______________ the passengers the opportunity to _______________ their coats and jackets in a

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located _______________”.

D. “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WELCOME ON BOARD. FOR YOUR _______________, WE KINDLY ASK

YOU TO PLACE YOUR HAND LUGGAGE _______________ THE SEAT IN FRONT OF YOU OR IN THE

OVERHEAD _______________. FOR ANYTHING YOU MAY REQUIRE PLEASE _______________ A

MEMBER OF THE CABIN CREW.THANK YOU FOR YOUR _______________”.

5. Practice the questions about the main words:

What do you feel when you enter on an airplane?


Enter
Do you usually travel on business?

In your opinion, which is the best seat?


Seat
Do you think airplane seats are comfortable?

What would you do if someone sits on your seat?

Are the overhead lockers big enough to stow your hand luggage?
Hand Luggage
Do you take a lot of hand luggage?

Do you like sitting next to the emergency exits?


Emergency Exits
Have you ever used any emergency exits?

Have you ever flown FIRST CLASS?


First Class
Would you like to fly FIRST CLASS?

Announcement
Do you think the announcements are important?
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Have you ever made any announcement before?

UNIT 05 - PREPARATION FOR TAKE-OFF

W
hen all the passengers are on board and the doors are closed, the cabin is prepared for taxi and take-off: all
passengers must be seated before the aircraft moves from the gate. This is the moment when the aircraft
is pushed back and the engines are started.
The following announcement is read to the passengers:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, FOR YOUR SAFETY, WE KINDLY ASK YOU TO FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS, LOCK
YOUR TRAY TABLES AND BRING YOUR SEAT BACKS TO THEIR UPRIGHT POSITION.
FROM NOW ON, YOUR MOBILE PHONES AND ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES MUST BE TURNED OFF. PLEASE,
CHECK THAT THEY HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN SWITCHED OFF.
PLEASE REMEMBER THAT SMOKING IS NOT ALLOWED ON ANY FLIGHT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR
COOPERATION.
From now on, until the airplane has reached a safe altitude after taking off, all passengers must be
seated with their seat belts fastened, the tables closed and the seat backs in the fully upright position. All
electronic devices must be switched off at this moment, to avoid interference with the aircraft
communication and navigation systems.
PASSENGERS’ ELETRONIC EQUIPMENT

Some electronic devices must be kept off for the entire duration of the flight, while others just need
to be switched off during the sensitive phases, such as take-off, approach and landing. Among those that
can't be used during the flight, there are mobile phones and wireless transmitting equipment and
technologies such as bluetooth and wi-fi, as long as others laser transmitting equipment such as laser
printers. Most of the modern mobile phones have a function called "flight mode" or similar, that means
the phone is not transmitting nor receiving any data, and only internal functions are operative. Other
electronic devices, such as laptop computers, digital cameras, digital music players, portable CD or DVD
players and others, can be turned on after the airplane has reached a safe altitude but must be turned off
before the approach phase.
Flight Attendants perform the final check through the cabin to ensure that every obstacle to the
emergency exits has been removed. Internal doors and curtains between different parts of the passengers

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cabin are secured open.

In the galleys, all movable equipment and catering supply must be secured using the security locks.
When the doors are closed and the stairs or fingers are removed, the airplane is officially considered on
flight, this means that the safety of the airplane is under the responsibility of the crew.

The SCCM, through the P.A., orders the Flight Attendants to arm the slides and cross-check. The
Flight Attendants arm the doors with the emergency escape slides (this means to activate the automatic
inflation in case the door is opened without being disarmed) and confirm to the SCCM they have been
armed. The SCCM informs the Captain that the cabin is ready for take off and the airplane can taxi away
from the gate.

EMERGENCY BRIEFING / DEMONSTRATION

Before each flight, all passengers must be briefed about the emergency procedures, the use of the
emergency equipment (safety belts, oxygen masks and life jackets) and the position of the emergency
exits.

The emergency briefing may take place in form of a video shown on the airplane monitors or as a
demonstration performed live by the Flight Attendants (with the help of an apposite demo kit containing
the emergency equipment to be shown to the passengers: safety belts, oxygen masks and life jackets)
while another Flight Attendant narrates over the public address system.

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE WOULD LIKE TO ILLUSTRATE SOME OF THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT ON
BOARD THIS AIRCRAFT.
PAY ATTENTION ON HOW TO FASTEN AND UNFASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS.
THE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS ARE DEMONSTRATING THE POSITION OF THE EMERGENCY EXITS. PLEASE
NOTE THE ONE NEAREST TO YOUR SEAT.
AN ILLUMINATED ESCAPE PATH MARKING WILL HELP YOU TO REACH THE EXITS.
IF NECESSARY AN OXYGEN MASK WILL AUTOMATICALLY DROP FROM THE UNIT ABOVE YOUR SEAT.
PULL THE MASK DOWN FIRMLY, PLACE IT OVER YOUR NOSE AND MOUTH AND BREATH NORMALLY.
THE MASK WORKS PERFECTLY EVEN IF THE PLASTIC BAG DOES NOT INFLATE.

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PUT YOUR OWN MASK ON BEFORE HELPING OTHERS.

YOUR LIFE JACKET IS IN THE POCKET UNDER YOUR SEAT. OPEN THE CONTAINER AND PUT THE
JACKET ON AS THE CABIN ATTENDANTS ARE NOW DEMONSTRATING; FASTEN THE CLIPS IN THE
FRONT AND PULL THE STRAPS TO ADJUST THE JACKET TO YOUR SIZE.
INFLATE THE JACKET BY PULLING THE RED HANDLES JUST BEFORE LEAVING THE AIRCRAFT. IF
NECESSARY THE AIR SUPPLY CAN BE TOPPED UP BY BLOWING INTO THE RUBBER TUBES.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CHECK THE DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTION CARD IN THE
SEAT POCKET IN FRONT OF YOU.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION.

The emergency briefing may be performed before the doors are closed and the slides are armed if time
permits, since all passengers are on board and seated at their place.

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1. Practice the questions about the main words:

Which devices are not allowed on flight?


Allowed
What do you think should not be allowed on flight?

What’s the average altitude of a flight?


Altitude
What’s the highest altitude you have been to?

Duration
What’s the flight duration from SP to RJ?

Monitors
What do they show in each monitor?

2. Link to the appropriate word:

Take __________ a. right

Push __________ b. on

Up __________ c. check

Turn __________ d. off

Switch __________ e. back

Cross ___________ f. off

3. Comprehension check. Check True or False ( T ) or ( F ):

a. ( ____ ) After the aircraft is pushed back and the engines are started, all passengers must be
seated.

b. ( ____ ) When taking-off, mobile phones and all electronic devices must be turned off.

c. ( ____ ) Smoking is allowed in some flights.

d. ( ____ ) Electronic devices must be switched off to avoid interference with the aircraft
communication and navigation system.

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e. ( ____ ) Internal doors and curtains between different parts of the passenger’s cabin are secured
closed.

4. Listen and fill-in the blanks:

“LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, WE WOULD LIKE TO ILLUSTRATE SOME OF THE __________________


EQUIPMENT ON BOARD THIS AIRCRAFT.
PAY ATTENTION ON HOW TO FASTEN AND __________________ YOUR SEAT BELTS.
THE FLIGHT ATTENDANTS ARE DEMONSTRATING THE POSITION OF THE EMERGENCY __________________
PLEASE NOTE THE ONE NEAREST TO YOUR __________________
AN ILLUMINATED ESCAPE PATH MARKING WILL HELP YOU TO __________________ THE EXITS.
IF NECESSARY AN OXYGEN MASK WILL AUTOMATICALLY DROP FROM THE __________________ ABOVE
YOUR SEAT. PULL THE MASK DOWN FIRMLY, PLACE IT OVER YOUR __________________ AND MOUTH
AND BREATH NORMALLY. THE MASK WORKS PERFECTLY EVEN IF THE PLASTIC __________________ DOES
NOT INFLATE.
PUT YOUR OWN MASK ON BEFORE __________________ OTHERS.
YOUR LIFE __________________ IS IN THE POCKET UNDER YOUR SEAT. OPEN THE CONTAINER AND PUT
THE JACKET ON AS THE CABIN ATTENDANTS ARE NOW DEMONSTRATING; FASTEN THE
__________________ THE FRONT AND PULL THE STRAPS TO ADJUST THE JACKET TO YOUR
__________________.
INFLATE THE JACKET BY PULLING THE RED __________________ JUST BEFORE LEAVING THE AIRCRAFT. IF
NECESSARY THE AIR SUPPLY CAN BE TOPPED UP BY BLOWING INTO THE __________________ TUBES.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CHECK THE __________________ SAFETY INSTRUCTION CARD IN THE
SEAT POCKET IN FRONT OF YOU.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR __________________”

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5. Write a summary about everything you can remember from this unit:
______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________

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UNIT 06 - MEALS AND DRINKS SERVICE

T
he type of meal service varies in accordance to the flight duration, the time of the day and the passenger's
class.
Short flights passengers normally only receive a snack and something to drink.
On flights above two hours, normally a hot component is provided in the meal, at least in First Class.
When the flight is longer than four or five hours, more than one meal service is offered, with at least one of
them containing a hot component.
Usually a breakfast is served in the morning, a hot lunch at midday and a hot dinner in the evening.
The passengers usually have the opportunity to choose between two or more options about the main hot
dishes, such as meat, chicken, fish, or a national dish.
In the First Class, the service style is similar to restaurants. The table is set with a table cloth and
silverware, and dishes are served on ceramic plates. The Flight Attendants pass through the cabin with
several servings and accessories, for example:
- Hot towels
- Drinks and nuts
- A cold entry
- Drinks choice
- A first hot course
- A main hot course
- Bread
- Cheese and salad
- Desserts
- Hot drinks such as coffee or tea
- And liquors

In the economic class, passengers receive a preset tray with disposable plastic dishes. The trays are
delivered in the cabin by the Flight Attendants, in nose to tail direction, using specific trolleys containing
the preset trays, while the hot course is added at the moment of delivery.
Each tray contains:
- a preset with paper napkins and plastic flatware
- a cold entry like a salad and/or some cheese
- one or two pieces of bread
- some butter
- a salad dressing
- a dessert
- a plastic cup for the hot drinks, as well as sugar and powder milk
- and a moist towelette

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The trolleys with the drinks, driven by other Flight Attendants, follows the meals trolley. It is usually
equipped with:
- a bucket containing ice cubes
- plastic glasses
- mineral water
- soft drinks
- Juice drinks
- wine bottles
- beer cans
- extra drinks like soda or tomato juice

After all the passengers have received their trays, the Flight Attendants offer extra bread.
Then hot drinks are offered to the passengers by walking along the aisles carrying a pitcher containing hot
coffee or tea, and a tray with extra sugar, powder milk and lemon slices.

After the meal, everything that remains, such as the trays in the economic class, and the dishes and
silverware in First Class, are collected from the cabin. Plastic dishes and leftovers are put in the rubbish,
while First Class dishes and silverware are stored to be washed on the ground and
re-used on other flights.

SPECIAL MEALS: VG, AV, SF, CH, HN, KS, DB, LF, LC, GF

Some passengers may need a special meal for health or religious reasons and a variety of choices
are offered. The special meal must be requested at the moment of booking the flight and confirmed at the
check in. Special meals are delivered manually to the individual passengers before the regular meals in
order to avoid any possible confusion.
Special meals include:
- VG: vegetarian meal, does not contain animal flesh, such as meat, chicken or fish. May contain animal
products such as cheese, butter or honey.
- AV: Asian vegetarian meal, completely based on vegetables, does not contain any product of animal
origin, including cheese or honey.
- SF: sea food meal, does not contain meat or chicken, and is mainly based on sea food products such as
fish or shellfish.
- CH: child meal are intended to satisfy the taste of children, and do not contain strong flavour dishes and is
often accompanied by sweets and cakes
- HN: Hindu meal, satisfies the requirements of Hindu religion
- KS: Kosher meal, satisfies the requirements of the Jewish law
- DB: diabetic meal, does not contain sugar or any substance that may harm the health of diabetic people.
- LF, LC: contain low quantity of fat and calories.
- GF: Gluten free meal, for people with ciliac disease.

33
1. Choose the best response:

A. On short flights are usually served:

( ) Hot meals at lunch or dinner


( ) Salad dressing and dessert
( ) Snack and something to drink

B. On flights above two hours it is usually served:

( ) sea food including shrimp


( ) meals such as meat, chicken or fish
( ) several kinds of desserts

C. The economic class trolley with the drinks usually contains:

( ) Mineral water
( ) Cups and Cans
( ) All kinds of alcohol beverages

D. A trolley with hot coffee and tea is usually offered:

( ) before meals
( ) during meals
( ) after meals

E. Plastic dishes and leftovers are:

( ) put in the rubbish


( ) stored to be washed
( ) re-used on other flights

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2. Choose the best kind of special meals for each description:

01. VG ____ satisfies the requirements of Hindu religion

02. AV ____ based on vegetables, does not contain any product of animal origin.

03. SF ____ contains a low quantity of calories

04. CH ____ does not contain animal flesh such a meat, chicken or fish.

05. HN ____ intended to satisfy the taste of children

06. KS ____ contains a low quantity of fat

07. DB ____ satisfies the requirements of the Jewish low

08. LF ____ Gluten free meal

09. LC ____ mainly based on sea food

10. GF ____ does not contain sugar or any substance that may harm the health of diabetic
people

3. Choose the best response:

Mid ________ a. Ware

Table _______ b. Napkin

Silver _______ c. Dressing

Chicken ______ d. Tray

Preset _______ e. Cloth

Salad _______ f. Day

Powder _______ g. Milk

Paper_______ h.Meal

35
4. Listen and fill-in the blanks:

A) “Short flights passengers _____________ only receive a snack and something to _____________”.

B) “Usually a _____________ is served in the morning, a hot lunch at _____________ and a hot dinner in

the _____________”.

C) “In the _____________ class, passengers receive a preset tray with _____________ plastic dishes. The

trays are delivered in the cabin by the Flight Attendants, in _____________ to tail direction, using specific

trolleys containing the preset trays, while the hot course is _____________ at the moment of delivery”.

5. Practice the questions about the main words:

What kinds of meals are served on longer flights?


Meal
Do you prefer chicken, meat or fish meal?

What would you like to drink?


Drink
What kinds of drinks do you usually order?

What kind of service do they offer in FIRST CLASS?


Service
What kind of service do they offer in ECONOMIC CLASS?

Desserts Do they serve desserts in the ECONOMIC CLASS?

36
What’s your favorite kind of dessert?

What’s your favorite dish?


Dish
Do they serve plastic dish in the FIRST CLASS?

37
UNIT 07 – ENTERTAINMENT

T
here are many activities that can be carried out by passengers during the flight, their quantity and variety
depend on the duration of the flight and the airplane type.
The most common options are in-flight movie projection and duty-free shopping, although on modern
airplanes the possibilities have multiplied and an increasing number of entertainment options are being
offered to the passengers as long as technology keeps developing.
On modern long range airplanes individual entertainment devices, composed by individual screens and
controllers, are available for all passengers. It's called the IFE (In-flight Entertainment System) and one is
installed on each seat, enabling the passenger to choose between several entertainment options: watching
movies, TV series or cartoons, listening to the music, playing videogames, watching documentaries about
the airline's destinations and much more.

* IN-FLIGHT MOVIES: watching movies is a good way to spend the time on board. On older planes, a movie
is projected in the cabin while the audio track can be heard through earphones plugged into the audio
device installed in the armrest of each seat. Often more language options are available on different
channels. Passengers can choose from a range of titles on their IFE systems, and they can start, pause and
change the movies whenever they want.

* DUTY-FREE SHOPPING: a selection of goods is available for in-flight shopping: perfumes, liquors,
cigarettes, scarves and ties, watches, jewelry, games, technologic devices, sweets and other products can
be found in airline catalogues and are sold on board at a reduced price, since no extra taxes are due. The
items are usually shown on a special catalogue that can be found in the seat pockets of the airplane or
even in a dedicated page on the IFE system. The purchase may take place in the galleys or at the passenger
seat, when the Flight Attendants pass along the aisles with the dedicated trolley, after an announcement
similar to the following has been made:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE BOUTIQUE IS NOW OPEN (AT THE SERVICE STATIONS). WE SUGGEST THAT
YOU SELECT THE ITEMS LISTED IN THE CATALOGUE. THANK YOU.

OTHER ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS:

- Games, like colored pencils for drawing and coloring, puzzles or simple funny games, are given as gifts to
children.
- A moving map, presenting real-time data about the flight, is shown on the cabin screens or can be
selected on the IFE system. The map is aircraft-centered, oriented to the north while the airplane icon is
shown flying in the actual direction of the flight. The map is displayed in different scales and provides a
variety of information about the flight such as: airplane altitude and speed, outside temperature, time to
destination, estimated time of arrival and local time at the arrival airport.
- Snacks: sometimes snacks are offered by Flight Attendants passing in the cabin, or are left available at the
service stations. This normally happens in long flights when there is more time left between one meal and
38
another.

39
1. Choose the best synonym:

Carry out _________ a. pass

Increase _________ b. Add

Composed _________ c. execute

Several _________ d. expected

Spend _________ e. many

Due _________ f. made

2. Comprehension check. Write true or false ( T ) or ( F ):

a. ( ____ ). Reading and playing are the most common entertainment options.

b. ( ____ ) An individual entertainment device is available on modern airplanes.

c. ( ____ ) All passengers must watch the same movie at the same time.

d. ( ____ ) Furniture’s and clothes are available at the duty-free shopping.

e. ( ____ ) The duty-free shopping has no extra taxes.

3. Write the best definition:

Available _________ a. a visual representation produced on a surface

Icon _________ b. judge to be probable

Display _________ c. a game that the test your intelligence

Estimate _________ d. ready for use or service

Puzzles _________ e. to show, make visible

40
4. Listen and fill-in the blanks:

A) “On modern ________________ range airplanes individual entertainment devices, composed by

________________ screens and controllers, are available for all passengers”.

B) “DUTY-FREE SHOPPING: a selection of ________________ is available for in-flight shopping: perfumes,

liquors, ________________, scarves ties, watches, jewelry, games, technologic devices,

________________ and other products can be found in ________________ catalogues and are sold on

board at a reduced price, since no extra taxes are________________”.

C) “LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, THE ________________ IS NOW OPEN (AT THE SERVICE STATIONS). WE

________________ THAT YOU SELECT THE ITEMS LISTED IN THE CATALOGUE. ________________

________________”.

D) “The map is ________________ in different scales and provides a variety of information about the flight
such as: airplane altitude and ________________ , outside temperature, time to destination, estimated
time of ________________ and local time at the arrival airport”.

41
4. Practice the questions about the main words:

What’s your favorite kind of movie?


Movie
Have you ever watched a movie on flights?

Do you like duty-free shopping?

Duty-free Shopping Is duty-free shopping cheap?

Are there many options in the duty-free shopping?

Have you ever used the IFE system?


IFE – In-Flight
What does that mean?
Entertainment System
Which options do we have with IFE?

What languages do you speak?


Languages
In which languages can we watch movies on flights?

Can we see a map of the destination while flying?


Map
Do you know how to draw maps?

42
UNIT 08 - EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

B
y definition, an emergency is a serious, unexpected and often dangerous situation requiring immediate
action. When there is a problem involving safety, the risk must be reduced as soon as possible and the
situation restored without imminent danger.

Flying in an overpressurized metal tube at speeds close to the speed of sound at many kilometers of
altitude is in itself a potentially dangerous situation. But statistics have demonstrated that airplanes are
among the safest means of transportation.

Among the many possible things that may go wrong, there are a few in which can put the aircraft
and its occupants at high risk. Surely the most dangerous of them is fire: uncontrolled fire is the last thing
we want to see in an airplane, since it can spread very rapidly. So any kind of fire is not permitted on
airplanes and smoking is permanently forbidden.

Another thing we do not want to incurr is a puncture of the fuselage that permits the outflow of air
from the cabin: the cabin is always artificially pressurized during flight to protect the passengers from
outside conditions, the outside temperature is usually below -40°C and atmospheric pressure is around
one tenth of the average at sea level.

Finally, a forced landing is any landing that is not performed on an appropriate runway, or outside
the optimal safety conditions of speed or configuration. When a normal disembark using the external stairs
or tunnels is not possible, passengers must leave the airplane through the escape slides. This is called
"airplane evacuation".

8 A - ON BOARD FIRE PREVENTION AND EXTINCTION

Fire occurs whenever the following three elements are present at the same time: high temperature,
fuel and oxygen. Whenever one of these components is missing, fire is no longer possible.
Since oxygen is always present in the atmosphere and plenty of potential fuel is available in an
aircraft, high temperature must always be avoided. For this reason smoking, the most common possible
cause of high temperature in the airplane cabin, is prohibited on all flights. Despite this, some irresponsible
passengers still try to smoke in the toilets.

* FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: On board modern airplanes there are just BCF extinguisher. They can be used on all
types of fire, are small and light and have a very high efficiency.
Several fire extinguishers are stored in strategic areas of the cabin, depending on its size and the number
of seats. There are also fixed fire extinguishers in the waste baskets of the toilets.

43
* SMOKE HOOD: It is very important that the Cabin Attendant who fights the fire is protected against heat
and smoke. A smoke hood is a special mask designed to protect the user's eyes and breathing system from
smoke. It is composed by a protective structure built in a material with reduced heat transmission capacity
and a special self contained oxygen bottle. It is automatically activated when the user's head is inserted in.

* PROCEDURE: As soon as fire or smoke is noticed, the first thing to do is find where it comes from.
Once the fire is detected, it must be attacked as soon as possible using all the available devices.
The first Flight Attendant that detects a fire is responsible for fighting it. If the conditions permit,
passengers near to the area should be removed.
The minimum equipment necessary to fight a fire is a fire extinguisher and a smoke hood. Heat protecting
gloves and a crash axe can also help to find and expose the base of the fire.

Circuit breakers should be pulled out when the fire is in a galley. Besides fire fighting, it is also very
important to communicate the presence of fire and its position to the SCCM and the Captain so corrective
actions can be planned and precautions can be taken to avoid further danger.
Another Flight Attendant will help the first one who is fighting the fire by providing more fire extinguishers
and advising the rest of the crew.

8 B - RAPID DECOMPRESSION
The cabins of airplanes flying at high altitudes are artificially pressurized for passenger's comfort
and in order to avoid physiological problems due to low atmospheric pressure at high altitudes.
Conditioned air taken from the first stages of the engines is constantly (pushed) into the cabin and the
desired cabin pressure level is maintained by controlling the quantity of air leaving the cabin through the
outflow valves. So the result is a great difference of pressure levels between the interior and the exterior
of the aircraft, known as differential pressure.

In order to resist the high differential pressure necessary for flying at high altitudes, the cabin
structure is ermetically sealed except from the outflow valves.
If air leaves the cabin in an uncontrolled manner, flowing faster than the flow of air entering the cabin, the
pressure level inside the cabin will be reduced, leading to a decompression.
Depending on the speed of the air leaving the cabin, the decompression can be said to be slow, rapid or
explosive.

A rapid decompression will be identified by a more or less sudden drop in temperature due to air
expansion, and as a result fog will form in the cabin. Light objects may fly around while internal air will be
involuntarily expelled from the body.

In case of rapid or explosive decompression, it will be necessary to descend to an altitude where


breathing is possible without external help. The pilots will have to put the airplane into a steep controlled
dive until reaching an altitude at 10`000 feet or below where the outside atmospheric pressure does not
require oxygen masks to breathe.
As soon as the decompression is detected, oxygen masks will automatically drop or will be manually
activated by the cockpit crew if automatic drop doesn't happen. On the other hand, if masks automatically
drop down and a descent does not start, Flight Attendants shall immediatly contact the cockpit crew.

44
Human resistance at very low air pressure levels is very limited due to lack of oxygen. Altought
resistance in these conditions vary from person to person, usually a person who is exposed to this
condition will lose consciousness in less than a minute. Yet, after few seconds, reason and capability will be
impaired and other physical effects on the body will occur, such as strong pain in the joints and in internal
organs.

A pre-recorded message may be heard through the Public Address System.


RAPID DECOMPRESSION ANNOUNCEMENT

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,


DUE TO A LOSS OF CABIN PRESSURE, WE ARE MAKING A RAPID CONTROLLED DESCENT FOR A FEW
MINUTES TO A SAFER ALTITUDE. DURING THIS PERIOD, PLEASE USE YOUR OXYGEN MASK. PULL IT DOWN,
PLACE IT OVER YOUR NOSE AND MOUTH AND BREATH NORMALLY. ADJUST THE STRAP TO SECURE THE
MASK. PARENTS SHOULD ADJUST THEIR OWN MASKS FIRST, THEN ASSIST THEIR CHILDREN. PLEASE
BREATH THROUGH THE MASKS UNTIL YOU ARE ADVISED TO REMOVE THEM. THANK YOU.

Flight Attendants should immediately don the nearest oxygen mask and inhale oxygen. They should
hold up firmly and if possible seat down and fasten seatbelts.
Only after having donned their mask should they help other passengers who may need help.

The airplane will restore level flight after reaching a safe altitude at or below 10'000 feet, where air
pressure permits breathing without using extra oxygen. The flight attendants may get up and help
passengers who may need further help, like extra oxygen or wounds passengers.

After an emergency descent, a priority landing may be desirable.


8 C - FORCED LANDING / DITCHING

Forced landings or ditchings are fortunately a very rare occurrence. A landing is considered to be
forced if any contact is made with the ground or water that, for any reason, is not performed at the
optimal safe speed and configuration.

A forced landing can be prepared or unprepared. It is said to be prepared when there is time to
prepare the airplane, and unprepared when it happens suddenly and there is no time for planning and
preparation. The time available for preparation and procedure to be followed will vary from situation to
situation and from aicraft to aircraft, so it is not possible to outline any precise procedure. The Captain who
declares the emergency and orders the application of the emergency drill.

In case there is time for preparation, the pilots will advise the Air Traffic Control Authorities and
request priority handling as well as assistance on ground, when possible. Then the Captain will call the
SCCM to the cockpit and will brief him about the situation and the consequent plan of actions.

The important facts are:

- time available before landing


- expected place where the airplane is supposed to land (In an airport, in the fields, in a forest or in the sea)
45
- the reason why a forced landing is necessary
- the presence of any dangerous goods on board
- and any other special instruction

After being briefed by the Captain, the SCCM will gather all the Flight Attendants, using the P.A.
system if necessary. He will brief them about the information received from the Captain and will assign
duties.

Then passengers will be informed about the occurrence. It is very important that the Flight
Attendants remain calm and show self confidence at this moment.

Main tasks to be accomplished before a forced landing or ditching are:

- opening and securing all cabin separation curtains


- stowage of loose items and cabin preparation
- disconnection of galley circuit breakers and entertainment system
- wearing the complete uniform, including hat and/or gloves
- selection of Pre-Selected Passenger (PSPs) or Able Bodied Passengers (ABPs)
- Preparation of emergency equipment to be disembarked such as: first aid kit, ELT (Emergency Locator
Transmitter), life rafts and flashlights.

* Pre-Selected Passenger (PSPs) or Able Bodied Passengers (ABPs):

Some passengers may be selected among others by the SCCM to give assistance in evacuating the aircraft.
Preference should be given to extra Flight Attedants, on holidays or from other airlines. In the absence of
such professionals, PSPs will be selected. The SCCM will select passengers that appear to be calm and in
good shape. They will then be instructed to perform tasks such as:
- opening unassisted doors (for overwing emergency exits)
- keeping other passengers away while the doors are opened
- leaving the airplane first and assisting other passengers on ground
PSPs will be reseated close to the emergency exits. No children, old or sick people should be seated near
the emergency exits.
The following anouncement will be heard over the PA System:

EMERGENCY LANDING ANNOUNCEMENT


LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, PLEASE LISTEN VERY CAREFULLY.
WE HAVE TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN APPROXIMATELY 15 MINUTES.
YOUR SAFETY WILL DEPEND ON CARRYING OUT THE FOLLOWING INsTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY AND CALMLY.
YOUR CREW HAS BEEN ESPECIALLY TRAINED FOR SITUATIONS OF THIS NATURE. PLEASE REMAIN SEATED,
PLACE YOUR SEAT BACK IN THE UPRIGHT POSITION AND CLOSE THE TABLE IN FRONT OF YOU.
PLEASE REMOVE HIGH HEELS SHOES, GLASSES, PENS AND ALL SHARP OBJECTS THAT MAY INJURE YOU OR
PUNCTURE THE ESCAPE SLIDES. FASTEN THE SEAT BELTS TIGHTLY AND PROTECT YOUR BODY WITH
PILLOWS AND/OR CLOTHES.

46
PUT ON YOUR LIFE JACKET. INFLATE YOUR LIFE JACKET JUST BEFORE (OR RIGHT AFTER) LEAVING THE
AIRCRAFT.
REFER TO THE SAFETY INSTRUCTION CARD IN THE SEAT POCKET IN FRONT OF YOU FOR DETAILS OF
EMERGENCY LANDING PROCEDURES.

Flight Attendants should perform an auto-briefing to keep in mind the sequence of actions to be
performed once the aircraft has stopped moving.

A few seconds before impact, the brace position should be ordered via P.A. system. Passengers
should remain in the brace position until the airplane has come to a complete stop.

DURING THE LANDING YOU MAY FEEL MORE THAN A BUMP. REMAIN IN THE "BRACE FOR IMPACT"
POSITION WITH SEAT BELTS FASTENED UNTIL THE AIRCRAFT COMES TO A COMPLETE REST.
WAIT FOR INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE MOVING, AND KEEP CALM.
Emergency cabin lighting will be turned on automatically once the main battery has been
disconnected from the cockpit. Should this not happen, the SCCM is responsible for turning them
manually. Emergency cabin lighting includes an illuminated escape path marking on the floor and indicates
the position of the emergency exits, in case of smoke in the cabin.

8 D- EMERGENCY EVACUATION

After the airplane has stopped, the Captain should command the alerting order. If the Captain is
unable to issue the drill from the cockpit, in cases such as fire around the aircraft, ditching or great damage
to the airplane structure, the evacuation may be ordered by the SCCM.
Flight Attendants will reach the assigned door and wait for the evacuation order. After the evacuation
order has been received, Flight Attendants will shout "UNFASTEN SEAT BELTS" and check that the
evacuation slide is armed and set to inflate automatically when the door is opened).

Flight Attendants will shout "LEAVE EVERYTHING ON BOARD" and "TAKE OFF HIGH HEEL SHOES".
Then each Flight Attendand will assess the outside conditions from the window on the emergency exit
door. May fire or other obstacles be present outside the door, that door should not be opened, and
passengers should be redirected to the opposite door.
If the exit is usable, the flight attendant will open the door and check the deployment and inflation of the
escape slide. Should this not happen, the Flight Attendant will have to pull the manual inflation handle to
inflate the slide.

After the slide has been inflated, the Flight Attendant will call the passengers using short orders
such as "COME THIS WAY", "HERE", MOVE", "FASTER", "JUMP".
Negative orders should be avoided and orders and advices sholud be always given in a positive way, so for
example "INFLATE THE LIFE VEST OUTSIDE THE AIRPLANE" should be preferred to "DON'T INFLATE THE LIFE
VEST INSIDE THE AIRPLANE".

47
If the exit is unusable, the Flight Attendant will stay by the door and redirect passengers to usable
exits.

If the exit on the opposite side is not assisted, if possible a PSP should be left on the first door while
the Flight Attendant opens the opposite door. In the absence of PSPs, the door may be left unattended to
open the opposite one.
In case of ditching, it is preferable the passengers jump right into the life raft rather than into the water,
due to risk of thermal shock or drowning.
Fortunately, emergency situations are very rare ocurrance and flying remains among the safest way to
travel.

48
1. Choose the best response:

A. Fire occurs when three elements are present at the same time, which are:

( ) low temperature, full and oxygen


( ) high temperature, full and oxygen
( ) low temperature, gas and oxygen

B. Smoking is prohibited on flights

( ) always
( ) sometimes
( ) never

C. Differential pressure is:

( ) air pressure out of the airplane


( ) difference of pressure levels between the interior and the exterior of the aircraft
( ) difference of temperature levels between the interior and exterior of the aircraft

D. Very low air pressure levels bring the person to:

( ) tiredness and stress


( ) pleasure and satisfaction
( ) strong pain in the joins and internal organs

E. In case of emergency evacuation who is responsible for the alerting order:

( ) Captain ( ) SCCM ( ) Older passengers

2. True or false ( T ) or ( F ):

A. ( ____ ) Forced landings or ditching are fortunately rare occurrences.

B. ( ____ ) A forced landing is a prepared situation.

C. (____) An important briefing information about forced landing is the time available before landing.

D. ( ____ ) Before having a forced landing it is important to connect the entertainment system.

E. ( ____ ) In order to give assistance in evacuating the aircraft extra flight attendants have the preference.

f. ( ____ ) One of the most important tasks when evacuation is getting the entire luggage.

49
3. Practice the questions about the main words:

Have you ever passed through any emergency situation on flights?

Do you know how to proceed in an emergency situation?


Emergency
Tell me about the worst emergency situation you have been to.

What’s the best fire prevention?

Fire Have you seen any airplane on fire?

What are the 3 components to have a fire?

What’s the smoke hood?

Smoke hood What’s it used for?

Have you ever seen one?

What’s decompression?
Decompression
What happens in case of rapid or explosive decompression?

Have you ever flown on a plane that made a forced landing?


Forced landing
What would you do in case of a forced landing?

What are PSPs?


PSPs
Would you be part of this team?

50
5. Describle what the following objects are used for:

A. Fire extinguishers: ________________________________________________________________

B. Smoke hood: ___________________________________________________________________

C. Gloves: ________________________________________________________________________

D. Crash axe: _____________________________________________________________________

E. Life vest: ______________________________________________________________________

51
4. Listen and fill-in the blanks:

A) “Flying in an overpressurized metal tube at __________________ close to the speed of sound at many

kilometers of altitude is in itself a potentially ____________________ situation. But statistics have

demonstrated that airplanes are among the safest ____________________ of transportation”.

B) “Several fire ____________________ are stored in strategic areas of the cabin, depending on its size and

the number of ____________________ . There are also fixed fire extinguishers in the waste baskets of the

____________________”.

C) “In case of rapid or explosive ____________________ , it will be necessary to descend to an altitude

where ____________________ is possible without external help. The pilots will have to put the airplane

into a steep controlled dive ____________________ reaching an altitude at 10`000 feet or below where

the outside ____________________ pressure does not require oxygen masks to breathe”.

D) “A forced ____________________ can be prepared or unprepared. It is said to be prepared when there

is time to prepare the airplane, and unprepared when it happens ____________________ and there is no

time for planning and preparation. The time ____________________ for preparation and procedure to be

followed will vary from situation to situation and from aicraft to aircraft, so it is not possible to

____________________ any precise procedure”.

E) “If the exit is ____________________, the flight attendant will open the door and check the deployment
and inflation of the ____________________ slide. Should this not happen, the Flight Attendant will have
to ____________________ the manual inflation handle to inflate the slide”.

52
UNIT 09 - LANDING PREPARATION

T
he approach and landing phases are the most sensitive stages of the whole flight.
The descent and approach strategy is prepared in advance by the pilots, and the aircraft flaps and landing
gear are extended while altitude and speed all decrease approaching the destination airport.

Also the passengers cabin must be prepared for descent and landing because during these phases
tough maneuvers are possible as well as occasional encounters with turbulence.
A go-around followed by a missed approach pattern* as well as an emergency evacuation for any problem
that may arise during or after the landing, may also be possible.
*go around – missed approach: is a sequence of maneuvers similar to take-off, performed when, after an
approach to land, landing is no longer possible for whatever reason (ex: vehicles on the runway, airplane
path not stabilized or incorrect speed or configuration)).
The Flight Attendants are responsible for preparing the cabin for the descent, approach and landing
phases.

At the beginning of the descent the drinks and meals service should be already completed, and the
trays and rubbish collected. In the galleys and in the cabin, trolleys, catering equipment and movable items
are stored and secured with the special security locks. The galleys are checked to be neat, and the cabin to
be in order.

An announcement similar to the following is read before or shortly after the beginning of the
descent:

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,


WE HAVE STARTED OUR DESCENT TO SÃO PAULO, WHERE WE EXPECT TO LAND IN ABOUT 20 MINUTES.
THE CURRENT WEATHER ON THE GROUND IS GOOD AND THE TEMPERATURE IS 23 DEGREES CELSIUS.
THANK YOU.

During the initial phase of the descent, passengers can stand up and walk in the cabin, use the
toilets, keep the tables open to read or write, and use electronic devices such as laptops or digital music
players.

When the airplane is coming closer to destination or descending below a safe altitude, the pilots
announce through the P.A. system: "Cabin crew prepare for landing", that means the approach to
destination is beginning and the cabin must be properly prepared for landing.

53
Passengers’ electronic devices must be turned off to avoid interference with the aircraft communication
and navigation equipment in this delicate phase.

Objects that may turn into obstacles to an eventual emergency evacuation must be removed and
placed in secure places. Earphones must be collected and objects such as bassinets and others movable
accessories must be securely stored.
The passengers' handbags and personal belongings must be placed under the seats or in the overhead
compartments, and the aisles and emergency exits accesses must be checked to be clear.
Internal doors and curtains between different parts of the passengers’ cabin are secured open.
All the seat backs must be returned to the vertical position, the tables must be closed and all the
passengers must have their seat belts fastened.
The cabin must be prepared for an eventual emergency evacuation that may follow any possible problem
during landing.
When the cabin is checked to be tidy and safe for landing (and for a possible emergency
evacuation), the Flight Attendants communicate to the SCCM that the cabin is OK for landing. The SCCM
gives the OK to the Captain, and from this moment everybody should be seated with their seat belts
fastened until the aircraft comes to a complete stop. If a passenger behaves in an unsafe manner, the
Flight Attendant who notices it should talk to them calmly to correct the situation.

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1. Choose the best response:

A. The most sensible stages are:

( ) serving drinks and meals


( ) approach
( ) checking the pass

B. Tough maneuvers are done:

( ) during the entire flight


( ) whenever there is a turbulence
( ) right after landing

C. Drinks and meals service should:

( ) stop at the beginning of the descent


( ) stop right after passengers ask
( ) stop right after landing

D. When the airplane is coming closer to destination:

( ) passengers can stand up


( ) passengers can use the toilets
( ) passengers must turn off electronic devices

E. When landing, passenger’s handbags must be placed:

( ) in their lap
( ) in the aisles
( ) under the seats

2. Write the best synonyms:

Maneuver _________ a. violent

Approach _________ b. steady

Tough _________ c. steer

Stabilized _________ d. supply

Catering _________ e. near

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3. Practice the questions about the main words:

What’s the preparation for landing?


Landing
Do you like the landing phase?

Destination Do they give the time at the destination?

Are you afraid of tough maneuvers?


Maneuvers
When are maneuvers necessary?

Are you afraid of the descent phase?


Descent
Are drinks served in the descent phase?

Devices Which devices must be off when descenting?

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4. Listen and fill-in the blanks:

A) “The ____________________ and approach strategy is prepared in advance by the pilots, and the

aircraft ____________________ and landing gear are extended while altitude and ____________________

all decrease approaching the destination airport”.

B) “The Flight Attendants are ____________________ for preparing the cabin for the descent, approach

and landing ____________________”.

C) “WE HAVE ____________________ OUR DESCENT TO SÃO PAULO, WHERE WE EXPECT TO

____________________ IN ABOUT 20 MINUTES”.

THE CURRENT ____________________ ON THE GROUND IS GOOD AND THE TEMPERATURE IS 23 DEGREES

CELSIUS.

D) “Passengers’ ____________________ devices must be turned off to avoid ____________________ with

the aircraft communication and navigation equipment in this ____________________ phase”.

E) “When the cabin is checked to be ____________________ and safe for landing (and for a possible

emergency evacuation), the Flight Attendants ____________________ to the SCCM that the cabin is OK for

landing.”

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5. Writing

Tell us about any experience you had or have heard about turbulence.

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________

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UNIT 10 - DISEMBARK

A
fter the airplane has succesfully landed and vacated the runway, an announcement similar to the following
is read through the P.A. system:

LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,


TREVISAN WELCOMES YOU TO SÃO PAULO
IT IS NOW 3:00 pm LOCAL TIME.
FOR YOUR SAFETY, WE ASK YOU TO REMAIN SEATED WITH YOUR SEATBELTS FASTENED UNTIL THE FASTEN
SEATBELT SIGN HAS BEEN TURNED OFF AND KEEP YOUR MOBILE PHONES SWITCHED OFF UNTIL THE
AIRCRAFT DOORS ARE OPENED. FURTHERMORE, WE RECOMMEND YOU TO OPEN THE OVERHEAD LOCKERS
CAREFULLY AS ITEMS MAY FALL.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.

All passengers must remain seated and all the electronic devices should be kept off until the aircraft
has come to a complete stop at the terminal and the engines are shut down. When the seatbelts signs
have been turned off, passengers can stand up, take their luggage and join the queue for disembarking.

The Flight Attendants must ensure the stairs or bridges are properly positioned before opening the
doors. It is extremely important to remember to disarm the slides before opening the doors. For this
reason a standard procedure has been established: the SCCM announces through the P.A. system: "Flight
Attendants disarm slides and confirm they have been disarmed". The Fliht Attendant responsible for each
door will disarm the slide and visually check it has actually been disarmed. Then they will call the SCCM and
give the OK for their door.
While the passengers leave the cabin, Flight Attendants greet and thank them for flying with their airline.

Only after all passengers have left the aircraft, people that require special assistance are
disembarked. Passengers with Wheelchairs and other passengers with medical problems are helped by a
special team, while Unaccompained Minors are handed over to an appropriate airline member.
When all passengers have disembarked, the Flight Attendants check the cabin and look for any object left
behind.

Thank you for flying with Trevisan Airlines. We hope you had a comfortable and enjoyable flight.
We hope to see you again soon!!! We appreciate your choice!
Thank you.

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1. Practice the question about the following main words:

Which sign appears when the plane lands?


Sign
Do you know some airplane’s sign?

What passengers should know about the disembark phase?


Disembark
Have you ever used a slide before?

Do you know how to greet a passenger well?


Greet
Do you have any ideas about how to greet passengers?

Have you ever visited an airplane cabin before?

Would like to visit an airplane cabin?


Cabin
Are the cabins usually big?

2. Comprehension check. Write True or False ( T ) and (F) :

A.( ____ ) The recommendations is to open the overhead lockers very fast.

B.( ____ ) Seatbelts must be fastened until the sign is turned off.

C.( ____ ) The captain must ensure the stairs or bridges are properly positioned before opening doors.

D.( ____ ) The flight attendants check the passenger’s passport while they leave the cabin.

E.( ____ ) Before the passengers leave, the special assistances are helped by a special team.

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3. Choose the best synonym:

Runway _________ a. Security

Safety _________ b. things

Remain _________ c. suggest

Items _________ d. track

Recommend _________ e. continue

4. Listen and fill-in the blanks:

A) “LADIES AND ____________________,


TREVISAN WELCOMES YOU TO SÃO PAULO. IT IS NOW 3:00 pm LOCAL TIME.
FOR YOUR SAFETY, WE ASK YOU TO _______________ SEATED WITH YOUR SEATBELTS FASTENED UNTIL
THE FASTEN SEATBELT SIGN HAS BEEN TURNED OFF AND KEEP YOUR MOBILE PHONES _______________
OFF UNTIL THE AIRCRAFT DOORS ARE OPENED. _______________ , WE RECOMMEND YOU TO OPEN THE
OVERHEAD LOCKERS CAREFULLY AS ITEMS MAY _______________.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION”.

B) “The Flight Attendants must _______________ the stairs or bridges are properly positioned before
opening the doors. It is extremely important to remember to _______________ the slides before opening
the doors”.

C) Only after all passengers have left the aircraft, people that _______________ special assistance are
disembarked. Passengers with Wheelchairs and other passengers with medical problems are
_______________ by a special team, while Unaccompained Minors are _______________ over to an
appropriate airline member.
D) Thank you for flying with Trevisan Airlines. We hope you had a _______________ and enjoyable flight.
We hope to see you again _______________!!! We appreciate your _______________ !
Thank you.

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5. Without looking at the text, write down an announcement containing the
same information as the announcement from the text.

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________

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SITUATIONS ON FLIGHT
● A drunk passenger is disturbing the others. There are other empty seats. What would you do?
● A sick passenger asks for help. What would you do?

● The seat is broken and the passenger can´t move it. There isn´t any other empty seat. What would
you do?

● You drop the tray with the meal and drink over a passenger. What would you do?

● A passenger boards with his or her dog. What would you do?

● A passenger boards with a wrong-sized suitcase. What would you do?

● A passenger is afraid of turbulences. What would you do?

● A passenger eats and asks for a second helping, but there´s no extra food. What would you do?

● The same thing happens, but there´s some food left. What would you do?

● A mother asks for baby food. What would you do?

● A mother asks for a feeding-bottle. What would you do?

● A passenger takes the wrong seat. What would you do?

● In case of crash forced landing. What would you say?

● Two passengers have the same seat number. What would you do?

● A passenger is sitting in the First Class row with a Tourist Ticket. What would you do?

● You spilt soda on a passenger. What yould you do?

● You will have to return because the airport is closed. What would you say?

● You have to give instructions in an emergency. What would you say?

● In case a doctor is required. What would you say?

● A passenger is standing where it´s not allowed. What would you do?

● A passenger is having an argument with another passenger. What would you do?

● A passenger vomits. What would you do?

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● A passenger complains about the food and drinks. What would you do?

● A passenger asks you to visit the cockpit. What would you do?

● A mother asks for a place to change her baby´s diaper. What would you do?

● A passenger dies before the plane takes off. What would you do?

● A passenger is talking loud and disturbing the others. What would you do?

● A passenger eats, puts the tray under the seat and falls asleep. What would you do?

● The plane is having serious technical problems and it´s falling very fast. What would you do?

● A passenger wants something to read. What would you do?

● The plane is about to land and a passenger refuses to put his seat belt. What would you do?

GENERAL INTERVIEW

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1.Tell me about you.

2. What do you know about our company?

3. Why do you want to work for us?

4. What can you do for us that someone else cannot?

5. What do you look for in a job?

6. Why are you leaving your present job?

7. Describe what you feel to be an ideal working environment.

8. How would you evaluate your present firm?

9. Why haven't you found a new position before now?

10. If I spoke to your previous boss, what would she/he say are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

11. What are your weak points?

12. What was the last book you read? Movie you saw? Sporting event you attended?

13. How would you describe the essence of success? According to your definition, how successful have you
been so far?

Some questions you may ask:

● Why is this position open?

● How often has it been filled in the last 5 to 10 years?

● What have been the primary reasons for individuals leaving?

● What would you like done differently by the next person who fills this job?

● What is the most pressing problem? What would you like to see done in the next 2 to 3 months?

● What are some of the longer term objectives that you would like completed?

● What freedom would I have to determine my work objectives, deadlines, and methods of
measurement?

● Where could a person go who is successful in this position and within what time frame?
How is one judged?
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_________________________________________________________________________

Here are some things to remember during your flight attendant interview:

Remember that during your interview you should always smile, stay focused, and listen to the entire
question before responding. If you don’t understand the interview question, you may ask for
clarification in order to answer the question correctly.

● Customer Service Questions

As a flight attendant it is important to have good customer service skills. These questions will determine
whether or not you have the customer service skills that are needed as a flight attendant

1. Describe a situation in which you provided good customer service.

2. Describe a specific situation in which you went out of your way to help a customer.

3. What would you do if a customer was not satisfied?

4. Describe a time when you had to deal with complaints from a customer.

● Communication Questions

Communicating with passengers is also part of the job of being a flight attendant. As a flight attendant you
will communicate with passengers of various cultural backgrounds. These questions will determine the
level of your communication skills.

1. Describe a situation in which you had to use your communication skills to solve a problem.

2. Describe a situation in which you had to explain something complex to a customer or a fellow employee.

3. When have your listening skills helped solve an issue or a problem? Describe the situation.

● Leadership Skills Questions

Having leadership skills mean that you are able to take control in difficult situations. Being a leader
requires you to take the initiative and go the extra mile. Flight attendants must have leadership skills in
order to handle small problems that may arise on the airplane.

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1. Describe a situation in which you showed great leadership skills.

2. Describe how you have improved a situation with your leadership skills.

3. What suggestions would you make to improve the airline cabin crew?

● Problem Solving Questions

There are various types of problems that may arise during your job as a flight attendant. Dealing with
customers can be a difficult job because you must constantly solve every problem that arises. Your
problem solving skills will play a big role in assuring the safety and comfort of the passengers.

1. What is the biggest challenge you have ever faced? How did you solve your problems?

2. Describe a difficult decision that you had to make.

3. What steps do you take in order to solve a problem?

● Teamwork Questions

The ability to work well with others is very important when it comes to working as a cabin crew. As a cabin
crew, you rely on each other in order to complete the tasks that you must do as a flight attendant.

1. Describe a challenge that you faced with another employee or colleague.

2.Describe a situation in which you have successfully worked with a team.

3. Describe a disagreement that you had with a colleague. What did you do to solve this disagreement?

AIRPORT JOBS

● Baggage Handler: Loads/unloads passengers’ bags.


● Aircraft Groomer: Cleans aircraft.
● Food Service Worker: Replenishes the meal service on the aircraft.
● Airline Security: Performs airport security checks of passengers and luggage.
● Dock Hand: Assists in loading, unloading and preparing aircraft – usually aspiring pilots who have a
commercial pilot’s license.
● Ramp Attendant: Operates ramp-servicing vehicles; handles cargo and baggage, marshals and tows
aircraft, and cleans aircraft interiors and exteriors.
● Attendant: Has training in emergency procedures and ensures the safety and comfort of passengers.
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● Flight Follower: Assists in planning flights, monitors flights to ensure safety, and reports missing or
overdue aircraft.
● Airline Ticket: Makes reservations and/or sells tickets to passengers.
● Customer Service: Assists passengers, checks tickets when passengers board and disembark an
airplane.
● Cargo Agent: Takes orders from shippers and arranges for transportation of goods.
● Firefighter (Airport): Provides a fire free escape in the event of an accident.
● CARS Observer: Provides services to assist local aviation
● Refueller: Refuels aircraft.
● Storeskeeper: Acquires inventory and controls aircraft parts and supplies.
● Airport Electrician: Installs, connects and troubleshoots electrical equipment and systems.
● Aircraft Maintenance: Inspects, repairs and is responsible for airworthiness of aircraft and aircraft
equipment.
● Electronic Technician: Maintains and repairs ground and navigation equipment.
● Heavy Duty: Cleans, lubricates, repairs and maintains heavy equipment.
● Heavy Equipment Operator: Operates plough trucks, bulldozers, loaders, graders, towed sweepers and
other heavy equipment.
● Pilot: Operates aircraft and ensures safe inflight operations.
● Flight Engineer: Monitors aircraft functions and manipulates controls on demand.
● Quality Assurance: Inspects aircraft and aircraft systems and ensures they meet standards.
● Base Manager: Plans, manages and directs the day-to-day air carrier operations of a specific site.
● Airport Manager: Oversees all operations and maintenance of the airport facilities.
● Flight Dispatcher: Plans flights, analyzes weather conditions, determines fuel requirements and
provides weight and balance control.
● Flight Service Specialist: Provides airport advisory, flight plan processing and altering, weather
information and other related services.
● Aircraft Mechanic: Inspects and repairs planes.
● Air Traffic Controller: Directs air and ground traffic at airports within controlled airspace.
● Avionics Technologists: Modifies, installs, maintains and repairs electronic
equipment used in aviation
● Manager/Safety and security: Plans and manages the regulatory safety and security programs for the
airport as well as being the fire chief.

● Director of Maintenance: Directs and supervises the maintenance department.


● Chief Engineer: Directs/supervises engineering staff.
● Chief Pilot: Directs/supervises all flight crew.
● Operations Manager: Directs and controls the company’s maintenance and flight operations and
ensures that all rules and regulations are followed.
● Professional Engineer: Plans, designs and constructs airport infrastructure including runways, buildings
and lighting systems.
● Flying Instructor: Teaches flying techniques and ground school subjects to student pilots and trains
licensed pilots for additional certification.

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