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Monday, September 20, 2010

One More Time

Tomorrow we'll be in Seattle. Again. This will mark our 12th Annual Recurrent Training. Flight attendants, and pilots, are required to do it. Required to achieve a particular score on the written test. Required to open aircraft doors and windows, shout evacuation commands, practice CPR and other first aid techniques, learn more about security and hazardous materials, check out the latest in bomb-making ideas, practice crew communication with pilots, refine our fire-fighting skills, review our water/raft procedures, etcetcetcetc..... (Did you see anything in there about pouring coffee, serving drinks, or carry-on bags??...Nope, I didn't think so...it's the least of our worries.)

Here's a horribly entertaining look at what one flight attendant had to say about her annual Recurrent. And here's a bit more technical, and boring, look at what lies underneath the pretty polyester uniforms. We are good people, we really are. Odd and strange, but good people. And you just never know what sort of strange situations you'll find yourself in from day to day.

We have a lot of fun but, honestly, sitting in a classroom all day long reminds me of exactly why I love my job -- getting out and about, no desk to sit behind, no phones to answer. I like the energy and (mostly) good times had by all. So, that's tomorrow.

5 comments:

Ur-spo said...

I am pleased to hear you have ongoing training. I think most professions should do this; 'keep on top' and brush up as it were. Good for you!

Dave2 said...

When do they teach you how to grab beers from the service cart for personal use and operate the emergency evacuation slide? THAT'S why I'd like to have your job! :-)

More and more I find myself appreciating how great it is to have a good flight attendant on my trip. Some F.A.'s just have "it" and are great at their job. Delta has these "appreciation certificates" that their Elite flyers get which they can then pass out to Delta employees whom they feel are providing exceptional service (these are coveted because they can be traded in for "points" of some kind). My F.A. on the flight back from Amsterdam this morning totally deserved one, but I only get three and have already passed them all out. A sincere "thank you" was all I had to offer. :-(

Lemuel said...

I find it refreshing to know that your training is updated regularly and that the topics are the important things that all of us hope you *never* have to do.

Greg said...

If only more professions would have refreshers on safety, training, customer service. . . .

Ryan said...

well got my new post up bro and i talk about u a little in again thanks for the eye opener!