The anticipation is palpable as my class gathers in the classroom fifteen minutes before the course begins. Today is the start of the theoretical part of the Flight Attendant Basic Course (FAB) and everyone is highly motivated to master the weeks ahead. The instructors welcome us and give us an overview of what to expect. Each of us is given a "course book" in which our passed exams are recorded.
On the tablet, the so called FlyPad, which each of us received at the introductory days, we are shown the applications and online training that we will be working with from now on. The course begins with the topics of Safety & Security, Emergency Medical Care and Service as "initials", which are covered in general terms. This will be followed by a more in-depth look at SWISS-specific work processes.
Let's start with Safety and Security - the most important things right at the beginning
The first topic to be addressed is Safety & Security. This is the top priority in our work. At home, we also have to do WBTs (web-based training) on dangerous goods and customs regulations. I take enough time to work through these lessons. They are varied, there are reading texts, short explanatory videos, texts read aloud, pictorial explanations and a quiz with control questions at the end of each topic.
The first tests
The first tests create uncertainty. What will be asked? How many safety signs, substances and regulations do we have to memorise? I rely on the advice of our instructor: pay close attention in class and do the web training carefully. With this preparation, no one should be afraid of the exams. Luckily, after my studies and a few training courses, I had already acquired some efficient study methods. So I was able to face the first exams quite relaxed.
Hey Captain, there's something rattling back there...
As cabin crew, we are the eyes and ears of the pilots. The wings and engines of the aircraft cannot be seen from the cockpit, and the door to the cockpit must remain closed for safety reasons. This means that the flight crew, the pilots, cannot see what is going on in the cabin with the passengers and cabin crew. Therefore, we have to communicate precisely and consistently if we notice any abnormalities in the cabin. When I pick up the intercom and report to the front, "Hey Captain, there's something rattling back there..." it can mean anything. It could mean that I didn't put the dishes away properly after clearing the table and a drawer with cups or glasses is rattling. For communication to work, it is important that everyone uses the same terms. That's why we learn the names of the most important parts of an aeroplane.
"As a cabin crew, we are the eyes and ears of the pilots."
Cabin Crew Member in Training
Above the clouds, my new workplace
Until now, my workplace has been mostly in an office, maybe sometimes on the water (I own a boat rental business on the side), but always on solid ground. That's about to change, because my new workplace is above the clouds. In the office, you can open the window and the ground doesn't usually move. It's different when you're flying. The plane moves in a gaseous mass of air. This mass forms, heats up, cools down, moves faster or slower, the moisture saturation changes. This is where clouds, winds and thunderstorms or - for an aircraft - turbulence are created. To better understand this environment, let us look at the basics of meteorology and how turbulence is created.
The air we breathe
Another important topic is the quality of the air in the cabin. With increasing altitude, not only does the moisture content of the air decrease, but so does the oxygen content. Humans can survive without oxygen tanks up to about 4,000 metres above sea level. To be able to fly above 4,000 metres and reach the optimum altitude, which is about two and a half times higher, passenger planes are equipped with pressurised cabins. In these cabins, oxygen is compressed. If something goes wrong with the compression and the oxygen level gets too low, there are physical signs. That's what we cabin crews have to look out for. But we don't just rely on observation. I fly the Airbus A220 aircraft. These planes are equipped with monitoring and control systems. If there is a drop in cabin pressure, the aircraft will automatically descend to a safe oxygen altitude.
The first few days of the course gave me an insight into the many different subjects I will be learning about during my training. Each of these topics will be filled with content over the coming weeks and I will learn what to do in what situation and for what reason. More about this in my next reports.
Best wishes and see you soon!
Yours, Alice (SWISS Cabin Crew Member in Training)
Information
In the new section "Cabin Training Insights," course participant Alice grants us insights into the training to become a Cabin Crew Member. Alice will regularly share her experiences during the training and describe her impressions of the Intro Day, job preparation, and much more. Join Alice on her journey through Cabin Crew Training and learn more about the fascinating world as a SWISS Cabin Crew Member.
Text & Photos: Alice Bechtiger
Published: 25.07.23
