A career as a flight attendant offers a lifestyle filled with amazing experiences, but it also comes with a lot of responsibility. The job of a flight attendant can be incredibly stressful and requires a lot of a person, but it is also tremendously rewarding. Most people will not experience worldliness in their lifetimes unless they take a job as a flight attendant.
Pre-entry Conditions:
Education:
The fact that no formal education is required to start a job as a flight attendant is one of its benefits. Since the responsibilities and obligations put on a flight attendant require a high degree of specialisation, intensive training programmes are more than adequate and desirable.
Tech and computer literacy:
Along with having access to the internet and owning a smartphone, it is also necessary to have some computer literacy because email and text messaging are used by airlines as their primary forms of communication. In real-time, they use these methods to inform flight attendants of any schedule or work-related concerns.
Documents:
Anyone interested in working as a flight attendant must have a passport and the freedom to enter and exit the nation without restriction. Valid documentation is a need.
Personal upkeep:
The attention to image, care and appearance is an inescapable need for people looking for professions as flight attendants. A strong personal presentation is necessary to work as a flight attendant.
Language abilities:
Although it is not a prerequisite, the ability to speak languages other than English is unquestionably a benefit that can aid a flight attendant in finding employment, as there is greater demand and potential for bilingual or multilingual flight attendants than for those who only speak English. This is because non-native English speakers on foreign flights frequently find it comforting and helpful when flight attendants speak their language. Additionally, it will benefit scheduling and impact the possible routes to which flight attendants are allocated.
Medical conditions:
Due to the hard nature of the profession, several physical requirements must be followed. Height and weight should be in proportion, but being too heavy can make it harder to get employed because there isn't much room in aeroplanes, which can affect how well a flight attendant does her work. People taller than 4'10" and shorter than 6'4" are excellent in terms of height. Minor impairments, such as hearing loss that necessitates the use of a hearing aid or slight vision loss that necessitates the use of either glasses or contact lenses, do not pose a challenge or present an obstacle for those looking to work as flight attendants.
As not all disabilities are the same, more severe disabilities may pose a challenge, but this will depend on the circumstances of each instance. Candidates for flight attendants must be fully able to use all five senses. As the face of the airline and the primary point of contact with passengers, flight attendants are expected to interact with passengers frequently.
It should go without saying that interpersonal abilities like tolerance, keen listening, tact, and even comedy are essential. You probably know the process of clearing hurdles with your application and assessment day when applying for an airline, but did you know that the last one to clear before getting the job is to go through a medical examination? Here's a rundown of what to anticipate:
Why do I need a medical exam, and what does it entail?:
An examination of the body is exactly what it claims it is. It is a medical examination demonstrating your fitness for the position you are applying for. Being physically and mentally exhausted from being in the air all the time, as well as being on your feet for extended periods, make being fit and healthy essential for a profession as cabin crew. Your career will be impacted by any medical or mental condition that could cause incapacitation or an inability to carry out assigned safety duties and responsibilities.
All cabin crew must undergo a basic medical examination to be deemed "fit for flying" by most UK carriers. If you want to pursue this career, you must take your health seriously. You will be asked to leave if you are not medically fit to fly. Unfortunately, some medical conditions—like bad hearing—that we acquire or are born with prevent us from obtaining the desired employment. However, there are some lifestyle decisions you may make that will enhance specific elements of your health, such as quitting smoking, drinking, or using drugs.
What is included in the medical evaluation?
An initial medical examination will be given to every new cabin crew member. From then on, regular medical examinations are necessary at no more than 60-month intervals.
Before the medical, you must fill out a form explaining any current medical concerns, such as the need for a hearing aid, high blood pressure, etc. The doctor will then evaluate these conditions when you arrive for the appointment.
For example, they might want to know whether you've had any reoccurring problems or broken a bone within the last two years. They may also inquire about your health in general, such as how regularly you exercise or how many drinks you have each week or month.
The following examinations or procedures might be performed during your medical evaluation:
• A sample of urine
• Checks for height, weight, and blood pressure are also included.
• Reach test (to determine your capacity to access safety equipment in overhead lockers);
• Immunisations, such as those for tetanus, tuberculosis, yellow fever, etc.
• An ECG will be performed to check your heart rate and general health.
• You might be asked to lift a heavy object (common in the EU, as licencing authorities are stricter)
The UK's criteria for the medical certification of cabin crew are detailed here.
What medical conditions could make me less fit or able to work as a cabin crew?
For the MED.A.020 Reduced medical fitness standards from the UK Civil Aviation Authority are as follows:
(a) License holders are not allowed to use their privileges under their licences and related ratings or certificates if they: 1. are aware of any decline in their medical fitness that could prevent them from using those privileges safely; 2. use any prescription or over-the-counter medication that is likely to prevent them from using those privileges safely; or 3. receive any medical, surgical, or other treatment that is likely to cause such an interference.
(b) In addition, licensees must promptly seek aero-medical advice if they've experienced any of the following: 1. undergone an invasive procedure or surgery; 2. started taking the medication regularly; 3. had a significant personal injury that rendered them unable to serve on the flight crew; 4. had a significant illness that rendered them unable to serve on the flight crew; 5. are pregnant, or 6. have been in an accident. Your career as a cabin crew may be impacted by the aforementioned.
You will receive a medical report after a medical examination or evaluation. Beginning on April 9, 2019, every cabin crew member must possess a current crew medical report. You must give a copy of this to your employer after the AME or OHMP has signed it. Unless otherwise specified, you won't require another medical examination until the assessment's expiration date. If a cabin crew member returns to work after a prolonged sickness or any uncertainty regarding their continued fitness, additional medical exams or assessments may be required.
