|
We often come across the glamorous image of an air hostess or pilot greeting
passengers on board. In fact, so powerful is the image within us that today the
ever-smiling face of an air hostess has come to represent the epitome of
hospitality, glamour and ultimate fantasy of flying and seeing the world.
Flying across the globe and moving subtly, the crew attendants meet and greet
the passengers first and make them comfortable for the journey ahead. Right from
the moment the plane pulls up in front of the aerobridge, they are at the
aircraft door with a warm smile, welcoming and guiding passengers on board to
their seats. Once airborne, they make the passengers comfortable by rolling out
the cartload of goodies, food and drinks, chocolates and coffee, snacks and tea.
Superficially though their services may appear to be trivial but they have lots
of responsibilities on their shoulders, which include executing flight
commander's instructions, coordinating security arrangements and ensuring
passengers' overall safety as well. In case of an emergency during the flight,
they take the responsibility and determine the most appropriate step to deal
with the situation.
With various domestic and international airlines increasing their services,
there is no doubt that the expansion is going to bring in a recruitment drive
for every new route demands additional basic cabin crew members. Therefore, we
are now witnessing a huge spurt in the demand for trained basic cabin crew. This
explains why there is an increase in interviews conducted by many airlines. At
the interviews for air steward and air stewardess, the applicants are asked
about their eyesight, interest in the job and how they can handle difficult
passengers. The government of some countries are keen on going liberal with an
open sky policy. In this respect, India is emerging as a major aviation hub in
South Asia. This expansion is going to bring in a recruitment drive, as for
every new route added, it demands additional basic cabin crew members.
For corporate or airline flying careers, there are several routes to go but
most people end up taking one of the two general paths. They either train
through the military and then, fly commercially when they get out or go through
civilian route by studying aviation at a college or privately and then, working
as a flight instructor to build experience and work the way up into a larger
aircraft. Chances are better if they join an Air Training Corps or a Combined
Cadet Force while they are still at school or college.
If you have any interest in a flying career, you can do a college program and
major specifically in aviation. Many other universities and community colleges
offer flight programs. Going to a well-known college to do your major is always
helpful when you go job hunting. even though many pilots study aviation in
college, many others do not. Another option is to do your college studies
anywhere you like and do your flying 'on the side' be it through a flight school
at your local airport or through a larger private flight school like Flight
Safety International. |
