corporate flight attendant news e-letter august 2008
Post on 11-Apr-2015
398 Views
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
1 Corporate Flight Attendant News E-Letter Volume 3 Issue 1
We are starting
our “3rd” Year!
2 Corporate Flight Attendant News E-Letter Volume 3 Issue 1
INSIDE THIS
ISSUE:
Who Has The Last
Word On Security?
You Do!
Page 10
Quickly Gaining
Rapport:
Listening with
Objections
Page 4
Island of Confusion
Page 11
Getting Involved!
Page 6
“Going Global”
at the NBAA Flight
Attendants
Conference
Page 3
Corporate Flight Attendant News E-Letter
Educating the community one news issue at a time.
Our mission is to inform our loyal
readers on today‘s issues that shape the
corporate flight attendant. Customer
satisfaction is our focus in our ongoing
quest to exceed the goals for market,
professional and personal growth.
Each electronic publication is free to
corporate flight attendants and aviation
personnel throughout the world. Volume 3, Issue 1 AUGUST 2008 ISSN 1932-4464
How can I get a Generic (non-Company specific) Part 135 Training Certificate?
Before we can explain this process, it is important to understand the meaning of certain
terms defined below:
Operating Certificate – If a company provides air transportation for compensation or
hire, that company must become certificated as an operator. The operating certificate is
issued once the company has fulfilled all the regulatory requirements of the applicable
operational part (i.e. parts 121, 135, etc.). When operating under 14CFR Parts 121 or
135, the FAA has specific parameters which determine when a FA is required. When a
FA is required, their training/testing requirements are defined by regulations and must
be submitted to the FAA and approved for their specific Operating Certificate.
Certificate Holder – The owner of an operating certificate issued by the FAA.
Operator – Another name for Certificate Holder.
Flight Attendant Certificate – Flight Attendants for air carriers providing
transportation using airplanes with 20 or more passenger seats operating under 14CFR
Parts 121 or 135 will be issued a certificate of demonstrated proficiency by the FAA.
In 1997 FlightSafety International developed and received FAA approval for Flight
Attendant Training Programs that met the requirements of 14CR Parts 91, 121 and 135.
These programs were developed as basic templates to be used for two main purposes:
To provide the basis from which to modify and customize training programs for new
Part 135 operators or those certificate holders transitioning to aircraft which required a
FA.
The second purpose was to provide a baseline curriculum from which to conduct
differences training and qualify instructors to conduct training for certificate holders.
FAA Notice 8000.355, issued in February 2007, has essentially removed approval for all
programs which were formerly designated by certificate holder operational parts (121, 125,
135). However, the requirement is and has always been that ALL training conducted for an
operator, MUST be accomplished in accordance with the CERTIFICATE HOLDER'S
approved training program, as established by the regulations (CFR 135.341, 121.401) in
order to be issued a Training Certificate for that operational part.
Q: If a flight attendant is not currently employed by a 135 operator, can they still
receive a Generic Part 135 training certificate?
A: No. Knowing the regulatory requirements of an operational part are not enough to
qualify. If that were the case, the FAA would not require every certificate holder to develop
(Continued on page 8)
Are you ―135 Qualified?
To help us better understand, I have asked FlightSafety International to provide us with the
following information. If you have any questions, about this or any other FAR, always
contact your local FAA office and they will direct you to the right direction.
4 Corporate Flight Attendant News E-Letter Volume 3 Issue 1
Going Global at the NBAA Flight Attendants Conference
By Deb Elam
T he NBAA 13th Annual Flight Attendants Conference was
held in Tucson on June 27 - 28 at the Hilton El
Conquistador Golf & Tennis Resort, featuring the theme, ―Going
Global, New Challenges for Today‘s Flight Attendants.‖ The
main objectives of the annual conference were to educate
attendees regarding the growing future of business aviation and
assist them in preparing for future developments within a
constantly evolving industry. The Tucson conference specifically
addressed the growing global industry of business aviation and
challenges involving safety, security and cultural diversity issues
that now more than ever directly effect industry professionals and
global passengers.
The evening before the official kick-off of the conference,
CorporateFAInsider.com hosted a festive and informal
networking reception featuring wine and beer, appetizers, and
even a Gulfstream ice sculpture. This marks the first year that a
pre-conference reception was listed on the agenda, offering the
opportunity for those new to corporate aviation to network with
industry veterans in an informal setting. With a total of 276
attending the conference, over 100 were new to the event. Many
joined the reception following the orientation and registration for
new attendees.
In a year when countless commercial airlines have been reduced
to a state of financial ruin due mostly to skyrocketing jet fuel
prices, many commercial flight attendants have lost their jobs due
to bankruptcies or widespread industry downsizing. The
conference networking reception was just the first of many
opportunities to discuss transitional issues such as the choice of
corporate specific training vendors with seasoned professionals.
Lisa Mattingly and Loren Urbancic of Indianapolis were first
time attendees who lost their commercial flight attendant
positions when ATA ceased operation in April after 35 years in
business. They each worked for the company for 25 years. ―We
both have a lot to learn about the world of corporate aviation and
we are here to listen, learn, and meet people,‖ said Mattingly.
―We are looking into several of the safety training options
available,‖ Urbancic said. They both signed up for FACTS
training by the end of the conference.
Promoting the importance of utilizing a well-trained professional
flight attendant as opposed to a cabin server was stressed by Judy
Reif, NBAA Flight Attendants Committee Chairperson during
her opening presentation the next morning. ―The need to raise the
bar and uphold higher standards in the business flight attendant
community is very important,‖ she said. ―For many years, the
awareness of such a trained and professional crewmember was
lacking.‖
Scott Arnold, Committee Vice Chairperson presented a fun and
entertaining video that illustrated Reif‘s points concerning the
evolving perception of the role of a flight attendant throughout
the years. Some circa 1960‘s and 70‘s photos featured mini skirt
clad commercial ―stewardesses‖ posing on aircraft wings, much
to the amusement of the conference audience. One ad even stated,
unapologetically, ―I‘m Cheryl. Fly me.‖ Clearly, progress has
been made and the frivolous image of yesterday‘s flight attendant
is no longer mainstream in either commercial or business
aviation. ―Today‘s NBAA Flight Attendants Committee
emphasizes the need and value of these well-trained individuals,
― says Reif. ―By raising the standards of business flight
attendants, we can educate those in the business aviation
community and the Federal Aviation Administration on the
important role we play as cabin professionals.‖
Most of the featured conference speakers addressed the growing
importance of existing safety standards, as well as new safety
challenges that are direct results of an industry ―Going Global.‖
Steve Brown, NBAA Senior VP of Operations and
Administration highlighted the career challenges facing cabin
crew in the future global market and a changing economy. He
explained how the aviation industry is now experiencing both
―the best of times and the worst of times,‖ in this quickly
changing environment. Doug Carr, NBAA VP of Safety and
Regulation, spoke about business aviation security issues as they
relate to international travel. Dr. Petra Illig of the CDC addressed
increasing global health concerns for crew and passengers.
Today‘s global business environment also presents new
challenges for crewmembers facing increasing long duty days
throughout various time zones. Dr. Mark Rosekind of Alertness
Solutions (sponsored by Sentient Flight Group) addressed
managing fatigue in order to maintain safe operations. Committee
members Caryl Knapp of Bombardier Flexjet and Amy Nelson of
Sentient Flight Group addressed important regulatory hot topics
such as training issues and duty day regulations. Currently,
federal regulations do not require General Aviation flight
attendants to adhere to the same duty days that pilots must. Many
flight departments recognize that the third crewmember, operat-
ing in a safety capacity is just as subject to fatigue as a pilot and
voluntarily choose to have their flight attendants adhere to the
pilot regulations.
At this time, the NBAA has not recommended any specific
regulatory guidelines to the FAA regarding the training of Part 91
cabin crew. Ed Bolen, President and CEO of the NBAA
commented on this position two years ago at the Denver Flight
Attendants Conference. He stated that the NBAA is hesitant to
urge the FAA to make changes, aware of the agency‘s tendency
to create ―one size fits all‖ regulations. ―Be careful what you
wish for, you may get it,‖ he said. Susan Friedenberg has been
involved with the Flight Attendants Committee since its‘
inception, and now feels ―honored‖ to have been appointed to the
newly formed Advisory Board. She has long campaigned to
persuade operators to use only corporate specific trained flight
attendants and eventually hopes to convince the FAA to mandate
training regulations similar to those in place regarding Part 121
flight attendants. She is not alone on her quest. Committee
member Cyndee Irvine states that, ―The Flight Attendants
Committee as a whole is even more committed now than ever, to
inform and educate the community on the importance of using a
corporate specific trained flight attendant on any flight that
includes a cabin crew member. The problem lies in that most
principal passengers do not understand the difference between a
cabin server and a trained flight attendant.‖ Friedenberg agrees.
―When a passenger sees a person in the back of the aircraft, the
assumption is that he/she is a trained professional,‖ she states.
She sites two high profile General Aviation accidents as
examples. ―We are all aware of the Challenger crash in TEB and
the lack of training the ‗acting‘ flight attendant had. When that (Continued on page 13)
5 Corporate Flight Attendant News E-Letter Volume 3 Issue 1
Quickly Gaining Rapport: Listening with Objections
By Shari Frisinger, Corner Stone Strategies
This is perhaps the least used tactic of gaining rapport.
Listening is, or should be, a singularly focused task, not to be
done as part of a multi-tasking set. Your mind can only focus on
one thing at a time. Think of the times you have tried having a
conversation when you‘ve been on hold … what happens when
the caller picks up their end of the phone? You stop your
in-person conversation to focus on the caller at the end of the
line.
We listen for different reasons:
For empathy and compassion: when a friend needs an ear, or
a shoulder, we listen so they can feel better. When we need
to vent without judgment, we want someone to listen out of
consideration.
To unwind and take pleasure in the sounds we are hearing,
whether it be music, entertainment or the sound of family
voices
For details to solve problems. When we make
our thinking visual, we make it easier for others
to follow our path and stay with us.
To assess the situation, analyze the information
and reach a conclusion
What happens when we are in tune with the other
person, yet they are not granting us the same
courtesy? Whether intentional or not, other people
can throw barriers in our conversations. How do we
maintain a professional, productive working rela-
tionship with them, yet addressing their unwanted
actions?
Think about the last time a salesperson came to
see you … did they listen more than they
talked? Most of the time the answer is ‗no‘.
How about the times you were in a meeting and
someone disrupted the flow? How do you feel,
and what do you think, when either of these
happened? In both scenarios, the offending person was not
listening to the conversation going on around them.
We interrupt, or do not listen, for a variety of reasons. Here are a
few of them and how to respond to the person or the situation:
NO GREY ALLOWED
Definition: when someone interprets a situation as clearly
either [a] or [b]. In their mind, there is no other option.
Example: The department policy is to not pay flight
attendants for mileage to and from their residence to the hangar.
If, however, the flight attendant picks up catering or something
else needed for the flight, mileage will be paid. Flight Attendant
Sally picks up catering and submits for what is perceived as a
high mileage expense. When she is asked about it, her response is
―OK then I won‘t submit any more expenses …. I‘ll use my own
gas to get whatever is needed….‖
Response: ―Sally that‘s not what I‘m saying. I really
appreciate your picking up these items for the flight. We all work
together as a team and rely on each other to do these things. It‘s
just with the cost of gas rising, going far out of our way to pick
up something that is comparable and can be purchased closer is
what we need to do….‖
“NOT A BIG DEAL”
Definition: The challenge you are experiencing is not taken
seriously by the other person, usually one in authority. They use
pseudo-optimism to try and placate you so you will leave them
alone.
Example: ―With these changes to the next
trip, I won‘t be able to get prepared for the one
after that … remember they are nearly back-
to-back.‖ ―Sure you can … the changes are not
that extensive and you know exactly what you are
doing. Plus you have such a way with people!‖
Response: Ask if you have their undivided
attention. Repeat more firmly your original
statement. Ask for them for help in solving this
problem.
RESISTING/BOXING
Definition: When someone wants to debate
a topic for the sake of debating or will
challenge what you say.
Example: Anybody have good
recommendations for hotels in Southeast Asia?
Pilot #1: The Sofitel Phokeethra Royal Angkor is the best place
to stay.
Pilot #2: Why do you say that? I stayed there once and won‘t stay
again. The Le Meridien is much better because …..
Pilot #1: I‘ve never stayed there.
Pilot #2: Well you should .... your hotel doesn‘t….
Response: The best thing to do is to acknowledge the other
person‘s perspective and end the conversation gracefully.
They enjoy debating and will take whatever you say as an
indication that you, too, want to debate this point. They may
not understand that it‘s ok to have differing opinions.
(Continued on page 9)
It isn’t what you said.
It’s what they
think they heard.
7 Corporate Flight Attendant News E-Letter Volume 3 Issue 1
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service announced an
increase in the optional standard mileage rates for the final six months of
2008. Taxpayers may use the optional standard rates to calculate the
deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical
or moving purposes.
The rate will increase to 58.5 cents a mile for all business miles driven
from July 1, 2008, through Dec. 31, 2008. This is an increase of eight (8)
cents from the 50.5 cent rate in effect for the first six months of 2008
To read more about this increase please visit the IRS website
When was the last time you got involved in sending a letter to
your congressman? When was the last time you thought your
voice was not needed to help pass a piece of legislation ? Well
it is time to do both and here are two easy ways of doing such
without having to think about what to say or where to mail it.
The National Air Transportation Associations (NATA) and
the National Business Aviation Associations (NBAA) web-
sites both have access to prefilled letters dealing with topics
that they need your support on. Oh, before you ask, ―NO‖ you
do not have to be a member to assist in their cause. This is
totally FREE and takes just a few questions to have it all filled
in and then you press enter and the system will do the rest! So
join in and help with your community.
8 Corporate Flight Attendant News E-Letter Volume 3 Issue 1
and submit a training program tailored to their operation. There are differences in
policy, procedures, standards, commands, equipment and guidelines of every
certificate holder. These differences must be trained in order to ensure that the crew-
member is competent to accomplish their duties and responsibilities as defined for
that specific operator. The only method to satisfy the requirements of 135.341 is to
train every crewmember in accordance with that specific certificate holder's FAA
approved training program.
Q: If I work for a Part 135 certificate holder, can I use that training to work
trips for another Part 135 operator?
A: No, not unconditionally. The training conducted in accordance with a particular
certificate holder‘s program is not transferable from one operator to another unless a
Certificate Holder‘s approved program stipulates allowances for prior-experience/
training or other special provisions. In some cases, the Certificate Holders‘ program
makes provision to receive credit for basic training conducted by a Part 142 school.
Q: Since FlightSafety International’s program is approved under Part 142, why
can’t I be trained in FlightSafety International’s curriculum and receive a Part
135 Flight Attendant Certificate?
A: FlightSafety International‘s Part 142 certificate authorizes the FlightSafety to
conduct training; it does not authorize FlightSafety to operate aircraft. The training
requirements of Part 135 specifically require that the crewmember be trained in
compliance with the Certificate Holders’ approved program on the aircraft (type/
model) they will be operating. Therefore the designation of being a ―Part 135 trained‖
crewmember cannot be conferred upon an individual. It is only those crewmembers
who are employed by and trained in accordance with a certificate holders‘ approved
program who can receive that designation. Although FlightSafety prepares the
training documents on the completion of training, those documents are issued on
behalf of the certificate holder and bear the operators name and certificate number.
Q: How did FlightSafety’s Flight Attendant program receive FAA acceptance if
they have no airplanes?
A: When FlightSafety International‘s program was submitted for approval without
defining a specific aircraft (type/model) for the aircraft ground segment of training,
the agreement was made that, using the national norms stated in FAA Order 8900.1
and FAA regulations, a basic program could be developed that would incorporate the
varied specifications of most aircraft types.
Q: So then what data does FlightSafety use to develop aircraft training?
A: The basis for FlightSafety‘s aircraft ground training segments are based on data
received from the aircraft manufacturer‘s manuals, checklists, etc. If an operator‘s
aircraft has been modified/reconfigured, our aircraft training module for that operator
is modified to ensure that the training is conducted in accordance with the certificate
holders‘ program including the specific equipment, brand, operation, location and
procedures.
Q: Training is not required under Part 91, so why is that program included in
your FAA accepted program?
A: Although training requirements are not defined for Part 91 operations, competency
is required for FA‘s who will be operating on aircraft with more than 19 seats. The
FAA has stated that if a person is functioning in the capacity of a FA, they are
perceived by passengers as a crewmember and therefore should be trained as such.
FlightSafety‘s position is that the training standard should be comparable to the level
of knowledge necessary to act as a crewmember, therefore the training standard
should be commensurate with the training requirements of other operational parts.
If you have additional questions, email: Flightattendant@flightsafety.com
(Continued from page 2)
9 Corporate Flight Attendant News E-Letter Volume 3 Issue 1
PROBLEM SOLVING MODE
Definition: When the person you are talking with
immediately feels they have to solve your
problem. Men typically do this; they believe that‘s
why you are talking with them about it. Why else
you would relay your ‗story‘ to them?
I jokingly tell my husband to ―take off your Mr. Fix
-It Hat‖.
Example: Flight Attendant: I needed some advice
on a caterer out of Beijing….
Reply: Well you can ask the FBO which caterer is good
or grab a Fudors travel book. They recommend restau-
rants that are great…
Response: ―I understand you want to give me the
answers. I think I already fixed it, would you hear
me out and let me know what you think of how I
handled it?‖
These tactics above [and there are more] are ways we
use on others, or they use on us, to get the
conversation off track or to change the focus of the
conversation onto a different topic.
When we listen, we need to have our full attention on
the other person. Otherwise you may find out what you
thought you heard is not what they said.
This is part 3 of 4 part series. Shari started her series on
the topic ―Speaking Patterns‖ which was first printed in
our April issue. She followed with her second article
called ―Asking Questions‖ and you can find that in our
June issue. Her final article in this series will be pub-
lished in the October issue. 'so stay tuned'.
In addition to her writing, Shari L Frisinger is an
accomplished educator and speaker in today‘s aviation.
She has written Fail: Not a Four Letter Word, So What?
And Who Cares, and a motivational quote book: Focus
[on the Pinnacle of Your Success]. Each of them can be
purchased by contacting her at
shari@cornerstonestrategiesllc.com or by going to
www.cornerstonestrategiesllc.com .
(Continued from page 5)
Congratulations to the following as they were recipients of 4 door prizes that CorporateFAInsider.com provided to the
NBAA Flight Attendant Conference.
Cherie Perrin
Deborah Laslo
Liz Murakami
Carolyn Paddock
CorporateFAInsider.com would like to “THANK” the following sponsors in helping to make the “Social” event a “HIT” at the 13th Annual NBAA Flight Attendant Conference which was held in Tucson AZ on June 26.
Jetfinity Catering
Jett Sett Management
Jan Williams
Deb Elam
Rudy’s Inflight Catering
HBAcorp
B.E.Princess
Tastefully Yours Catering
Our International Partner
Deluxe Executive Catering
10 Corporate Flight Attendant News E-Letter Volume 3 Issue 1
11 Corporate Flight Attendant News E-Letter Volume 3 Issue 1
Vianne Floyd
Office (313) 333-1116
JettSettManagement.com
We a looking for
qualified
Flight Attendants
in the Detroit
Metro area.
Fax your resume
to 888 201 0906
Since 2001, we have seen all sorts of government efforts to
establish various levels of security for aviation activities. These
have included mandatory security programs, background checks
for airplane crewmembers and airport workers, protected airspace
programs and others. While these efforts try to establish some
baseline standards for security across the aviation spectrum,
airplane operators remain ultimately responsible for the safe and
secure operation of their airplane.
How often have you arrived at an airport only to find that things
weren‘t quite what you expected? Whether the FBO was really a
self-fueling facility or the airport ―fence‖ was a treeline off the
end of the runway, crews can find themselves dealing with
unexpected situations as the airplane taxis into the ramp. Having
your backup plan rehearsed and ready to execute could keep you
and your passengers safe and secure.
NBAA developed a series of security best practices for business
aviation in 2002. Those same best practices remain effective even
today. They focus on four areas: aircraft, facilities, people and
procedures. At your home base, you have a much more input
into, and in some cases, complete control over, security standards
for your hangar. Implementing best practices makes sense and
often instils a greater sense of professionalism with the flight
department. On the road, however, security practices and
standards are often left to the local airport and FBO.
Most airports with regular business aviation traffic have establish
enhanced security measures that often include identification
checks and aircraft access controls. A call ahead to the FBO or
airport management can prepare you for security measures to
expect upon your arrival. Ensuring that your customers know
what to expect will often relieve any pre-arrival anxiety,
especially at a new destination. But what if your advanced
planning doesn‘t reveal enough about the airport, its security
measures or what to expect?
For airports within the United States, your aircraft faces a low
risk as a target for criminal activity. But don‘t let this low risk
substitute for prudent security planning. Have a plan thought
through for contingencies if security isn‘t quite up to snuff.
Overseas, you may find that repositioning the company airplane
after the mission is the most reasonable security plan. Providing
your own supplemental security is also advisable at locations
posing a higher threat.
Your airplane is an expensive company asset and investment in
employee productivity. Much like safety, security for the aircraft
remains with you. At the end of the day, the airport and FBO
won‘t have to explain why something happened to the airplane.
Reasonable security measures will help keep your customers,
airplane and crew members safe and secure. For additional
security information, view NBAA‘s website at
http://web.nbaa.org/public/ops/security/
Who Has The Last Word On Security?
You Do!
By
Douglas Carr
Douglas Carr is NBAA's vice president of safety and regulation. In this position, he is responsible for leading the association's efforts
on business aviation safety and oversight of NBAA's regulatory activity involving business aviation aircraft equipment mandates,
operations and security. If you have any questions about security or have questions about what legislation that deal with regulatory
issues that are being presented to the government body, please contact Doug at DCarr@nbaa.org.
12 Corporate Flight Attendant News E-Letter Volume 3 Issue 1
Greetings from the Island of Confusion
When was the last time you felt like there was no end
to this tunnel? When was the last time you worried if
you were going to be able to pay your bills? When
was the last time you just felt hopeless? Well, you are
not alone in this state of uncertainty of the world
around you.
As someone who thinks he has a finger on the
community, I will tell you what I know. Several
fractional companies are not meeting their
expectations which are causing layoffs. Several
charter providers are telling me that business is very
slow and the need for supplemental support is not
necessary. There are a few companies who were
looking to hire full time people but have put it off as
their CEOs have put a stop to all new hires.
So when we look at this one has to wonder what is
going to happen next. I can tell you that those who
have been in this business for a very long time keep
telling me to wait out this wave as it will turn around
sometime soon. They tell me to read Aviation Weekly
and to take note of all the articles about how
Gulfstream, Dassault, and Bombardier aircraft each
have about a three to five year backlog of orders to
fill.
I have read about how Airbus and Embraer are
changing some of their commercial airplanes into
corporate airplanes. Then there is the overseas market
to look at. If you are fluent in Arabic, Russian, or
Indian you are a well sought out person. So do not
fret; just as with almost any other job, there are lows
and highs and we will come through this with a wealth
of knowledge.
Until next time
Fly Safely
Daniel
From the Editor
NBAA 13 Annual Flight Attendant Conference
13 Corporate Flight Attendant News E-Letter Volume 3 Issue 1
aircraft hit that building, the passengers
were looking for a corporate specific
trained person to evacuate them, not
someone from the food service industry
untrained in safety and listed as a
passenger or crew server.‖ Friedenberg
emphasized the importance of corporate
specific egress training with her next
example. ―Dick Ebersol‘s accident in
Montrose had a F/A from a commercial
airline on his first business aviation trip.
He was not trained to Part 91/135
standards, did not give a briefing because
he did not know how to, and is now dead
along with Mr. Ebersol‘s son.
Safety training issues and documentation
continued to be a hot topic of discussion in
the breakout session geared towards
the more experienced attendees
hosted by safety auditing
companies ARG/US and Wyvern.
The process by which flight
department ratings are determined
and awarded were discussed, as
well as what impact, if any, the
training and qualifications of an
onboard third crewmember were
considered. Simultaneously, a Basic 101
Corporate Flight Attendant breakout ses-
sion was conducted for those new to the
industry. It covered basic aviation industry
terms, tips for choosing training vendors,
self-marketing & interviewing techniques
and everything in between.
Keynote speaker Terri Morrison appealed
to all experience levels of attendees with
her discussion of culture issues involved in
doing global business. Her presentation
included numerous examples of cultural
blunders involving international business
transactions and how to avoid such
mishaps by doing a little advance research.
Audience participation was encouraged in
a game testing Cultural I.Q. and all
attendees received a copy of her book
(courtesy of MFoods, Rudy‘s Inflight
Catering and Tastefully Yours Catering),
Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands: The Best-
selling Guide to Doing Business in More
Than 60 Countries. Her presentation
included the famous quote by Mahatma
Ghandi, that ―Civilization is the
encouragement of differences.‖
The presentation by key caterers Tastefully
Yours, Rudy‘s and MFoods addressed
these cultural differences while examining
the etiquette related to catering challenges
in India, China and the United Arab
Emirates. The importance of
understanding the customs and etiquette
practices associated with these three
countries that are now frequent business
aviation destinations was illustrated
through examples of catering challenges.
The Catering Appreciation and
Networking Event went flawlessly this
year, and the venue was held adjacent to
the hotel pool featuring Southwestern
inspired cuisine with
margaritas, wine and beer. The
intense rainstorms from the
previous evening dared not make a
guest appearance, perhaps
deferring to Paula Kraft of
Tastefully Yours of Atlanta and
the Flight Attendants Committee
Catering Working Group.
Conference attendees spent several hours
enjoying the varied buffet menu and ample
seating that encouraged table-hopping
networking to take place. Melanie Van
Der Westhuizen traveled from Dubai to
attend the conference and had this to say
when asked if the long trip and associated
costs were worth the effort. ―Worth every
cent,‖ Van Der Westhuizen replied. ―It
was a hassle traveling during the summer
holiday and international flights were a bit
busy, but the location, the attendees, the
speakers and information outweighs every-
thing.‖ She came to explore and discuss a
recruitment business venture for the
Middle Eastern market, seeking advice
from seasoned professionals in the United
States. ―I would like to arrange a Flight
Attendant Conference in 2009 during the
Dubai Air show. The Middle East is
begging for it and everyone is invited.‖
The NBAA Flight Attendants Committee
concluded the Tucson conference with a
bang this year. A conference wrap-up
summary was held following the Catering
Breakout Sessions. In former years, most
attendees left after ―Catering Round-
tables,‖ but this year the incentive of
randomly awarded prizes ranging from
luxury hotel stays to aviation company
jackets brought most back together for one
last presentation. Committee members
Mary Ann Fash of the Boeing Company
and Jackie Kolesar of Dow Corning
Corporation coordinated over $6000 in
prizes donated by NBAA member
companies and other businesses. In a
surprise move following the prize awards,
members of the NBAA Flight Attendant
Committee donned Mardi Gras masks and
tossed beads out to the audience in order to
promote the 2009 Flight Attendant
Conference scheduled to take place in New
Orleans next June. Jazz music and Pat
O‘Brien‘s inspired Hurricanes will most
likely be featured during the festivities
next year to be held at the New Orleans
Doubletree Hotel.
Chairperson Judy Reif later commented on
the plans for the New Orleans Conference.
―It will be as dynamic and/or even better
than the 2008 conference. The goal is to
‗raise the standards‘ of the flight attendant
community. Safety comes first. A well
trained professional flight attendant is what
we are promoting to all attendees as well
as department managers.‖
**********************************
Deb Elam is currently a full time flight attendant with a U.S. based Part 91 flight department. She began her career in corporate aviation in 2000, first as a contract flight attendant and later as the Chief Flight Attendant for ACI Pacific, based in Guam while operating primarily out of Asia.
She has a culinary background and a BA from Harvard University.
(Continued from page 4)
Safety training issues and documentation continued to be a hot topic…..
top related