Testimonials
Susan C. Friedenberg's Corporate Flight Attendant Training and Interview for Success Training were the best investments I could have made in my career as a corporate aviation flight attendant. After one year of flying for a fractional aviation company, I thought I had learned enough to go out on my own. I spent 4 months sending out resumes, making calls and doing all I could to get a flying job. Finally, I realized that there must be something that the other flight attendants out there know that I don't. So I invested in Susan's class in Long Beach, CA. I was not too sure if I would really learn anything new, but I did not know where else to turn.
As it turns out, I truly made the right decision! Just 4 days after my Interview for Success Training, I had a major charter company invite me in for an interview! Now, less than 2 weeks after taking that class, I'll be flying my first trip! With Susan's training I accomplished in a few days what I had been trying to do for the past 4 months. I highly recommend this training to everyone looking to succeed in corporate aviation.
Felissa - Southern California; November, 2006
After working coach, business and first class on both domestic and international flights as a commercial Flight Attendant for 15 years I didn't think making the switch to corporate flying would be a big deal for me. Oh my goodness, was I mistaken! It is COMPLETELY different!!! First of all, there are just different expectations, no manual to follow, no established CRM and the list goes on! After my first corporate trip, which was full of misunderstandings, I knew I needed help if I was going to succeed in this new career path. Just because I flew commercially had nothing to do with business aviation. Susan's class was so rich in her personal experiences that I was able to learn so much thru her own trial and errors!!! This very comprehensive training includes dealing with caterers and then designing and making catering orders has been invaluable as I embark on my new career. Susan is an amazing resource of information that has continued on long after the last day of her training program. I have continued to utilize her training manual as well. Susan has really set the standard in this industry and I am an extremely grateful student. Thank you Susan for sharing your extensive knowledge with others!
Paula
Corporate aviation is a 'fly by the seat of your pants' industry. You can learn the trial by fire OR you can save yourself those burns by taking Susan's course. Safety and medical training are of the utmost importance - but nothing prepares you for the service standards, business aspects, marketing techniques and catering high-jumps that are the hallmark of this industry like Susan's Corporate Flight Attendant Training.
My first mission was a lengthy international flight with eleven passengers, one of which had a food allergy, and I had to attain catering out of a difficult country on the return trip. Had I not taken Susan's course, I can honestly say that my first flight which was rather daunting due to the passengers, their food restrictions and the fact that it was a lengthy international trip would not have been a success. Her third day of training with the international trip planning really assisted me in my understanding and knowledge. I shined brighter - as an absolute beginner - than many of the experienced flight attendants that had previously been on that particular plane. I would like to add that I did not come from a commercial aviation background. This particular company had used several "flight attendants" before me and what I learned and came away with in Susan's intense three day training has been vital to my success - as it will be for yours!
Robin - Los Angeles 2006
After having been a flight attendant with a fractional ownership company for four years, I decided to go out on my own as a contract flight attendant. Susan's training was a very comprehensive, informative and effective tool in helping me to achieve my goal. All the aspects of corporate flying are covered in her training program. It prepared me to make a smooth transition from fractional flying, where EVERYTHING, from traveling to the plane you are going out on next, to catering is all done for you. Now I have the responsibility of doing it all myself. Yes, it is more challenging, but it is also much more rewarding and gratifying. Susan's Corporate Flight Attendant Training covers it all… from the important questions to ask when you are contacted for a flight, catering packaging and temperature storage, to preparing a 'To Go Kit' which is an absolute necessity for charter flying. With charter flying, a person can truly walk into a variety of different situations. I highly recommend Susan's training. A great deal of information is covered in a short amount of time, but if her expertise and guidelines are followed, I believe your goals for success are obtainable.
Lucinda Trozze - Maryland 2006
I was a Delta flight attendant in Atlanta, Georgia for eight years. I was an on-board leader, ( the F/A in charge.) I worked mostly in first class. After 9-11 things really went down hill. The passengers were not the same and even my co-workers acted differently. One day on a flight to Madrid a young gentleman, like myself, approached me and asked if I had ever thought about being a Corporate Flight Attendant? He was going to Spain to be repositioned for a trip. I later learned from Susan's training that he was actually doing an augmented crew change! We talked for a while and he expressed how excellent my service was and how I put such emphasis on detail when serving my passengers.
When I got home from my trip on the following Sunday I thought about what this corporate flight attendant had said to me. He talked about how great the trips were, the executives and VIP passengers and the difference in the type of money that you make when flying as a corporate flight attendant. I really had started hating to go to work. The trips were bad, and we the flight attendants were all suffering from a forty percent pay cut. I was so ready for a change and a "new life".
I went to my computer and started my research. There were so many articles and schools which had topics about being a Corporate Flight Attendant. However, there was one that really caught my attention and actually stood apart from the others. Susan C. Friedenberg's Corporate Flight Attendant Training. Within twenty minutes of reading about her and her training I was convinced this was the training that I needed and registered for the next training class that I could get into.
I started the class a few weeks later at FlightSafety International in Atlanta, Georgia. I had not been to school for years so naturally I was a little nervous, but when Susan walked into the room, that nervous feeling that had come upon me seemed to immediately go away. She was very classy and smiled and introduced herself to everyone one on one. The class went by so fast with so much information to absorb. I never knew how different things were on the other side, " the corporate side". I just figured that it would be very similar to the first class service that I had been doing on Delta but it was totally different.
A few weeks after the training I attended the NBAA conference in Denver, CO and I learned even more. I had been networking, calling companies, and marketing myself. I learned all of that in Susan's training. I got a call from a Chief Flight Attendant looking for a Corporate Flight Attendant in the Charlotte, North Carolina area.
I was going on my first trip only five weeks after attending Susan's training and FlightSafety's emergency training. I took out her manual, (my new Bible) which had everything from A to Z from Susan's training and started reviewing. When you do your first trip as a Corporate Flight Attendant everything you learned in that training all comes back to you. The valuable information about every single detail for doing this work when you start out new in this new exciting aviation career just is there for you. It is in a step by step format so you know exactly what to do from the minute you are called to take the trip until it is over.
I would recommend her training to anyone who wants a new start on life. The commercial industry has been crippled so badly and it probably will never be the same as in the past. The corporate aviation industry is huge and it is growing and increasing in size so fast. The need for highly trained Corporate Flight Attendants are as well.
Riley Phillips, ATL
Last March, 2006 my friend and I (both 28 plus years of flying for a major commercial carrier) attended corporate specific safety training at ALTEON in Long Beach, CA.. I was very anxious to get started. First I decided that I needed a suit for interviewing and working. That let me put off really looking for a job for a while. It was also the end of the ski season, and why not enjoy it, right? In April and May I flew with my airline way too many days, and was too exhausted to look for a job. Again, I was putting off the job hunt. I think I was actually nervous that if I did get a job I still wasn't sure about catering, working with FBO's and generally what to do. Besides, did I really want to leave my other job? Yes, I really did want to leave it! .......
This past June, my friend and I attended Susan's Corporate Flight Attendant Training in Denver, CO and then the NBAA conference. Within one week of taking her training class I met with a local charter (Part 135) company. As we went over the aircraft, discussed catering, the storage room, in-flight procedures and serving procedures, etc. everything that I learned in Susan's three day training made total sense. I was able to say "Yes, we covered that in class". I have flown several trips now, and it is fabulous. Susan's training really helped me make a smooth transition from commercial to private aviation. I really do feel like Susan is sort of with me if I have a question. I think............ OK, What would Susan suggest? The best part is that I know Susan stays with you after the class constantly supporting me and is always available to answer questions or give suggestions. She is always there for you after the fact with guidance.
Noreen - Utah
As a commercial F/A for 17 years, attending Susan's specialized transitional training program was invaluable for me. Day 1 was very daunting. Day 2 was like she was speaking Chinese or Russian and by day 3 it all made sense and it all fell into place. It is my honest opinion that you just cannot jump from commercial to corporate without taking this training program offered by Susan C. Friedenberg.
Her knowledge is imparted so well in a firm yet gentle caring manner. Her sense of humor and timing is like a stage personality and yet she keeps you on track and on target. I have bonded with the women that went through this training with me and feel as though we made a profound connection and will be life long friends. It was one of the best 3 days spent in a training atmosphere.
Heed her advice: You are a paid guest on the aircraft and if you keep that in mind you will not be BANISHED from a companies contract flight attendant list. Everyone needs a fairy Godmother and Good Witch of the West to encourage, support, inspire and nurture them on their path to fame and glory. Walking in the golden slippers / footsteps of Susan's is a hard act to follow and she will give you the kick in the pants to keep you encouraged, positive and going. This training is worth every penny. She has excellent taste and talent and that gene se quois and joie di vivir that only a world traveler from "Joysey" has. An honest critic of how to be and do this type of flying / work but your best buddy through the process.
Thank you Susan!
Elizabeth Whetter - Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN
Graduate from Long Beach Training at FlightSafety - April, 2006
Susan,
I am thrilled to let you know that I did my first trip just 5 weeks after completing your Corporate Flight Attendant Training and FlightSafety's training in Atlanta in May. The people I flew with to Burbank, CA were wonderful and the jet was spectacular!! It was everything you said it would be.
Almost everything you taught in your class came into play on this trip. Obviously, the segment on Corporate Aviation Terminology is a must since I had never been a commercial flight attendant I really needed the "language", the interactions with corporate pilots, FBO personnel, etc. and they all use the aviation verbiage. Your section on Trip Planning was invaluable. Your manual is VERY specific, down to the most minute detail of each and every step, from when I was asked to do the trip, to pre-flight preparation, to the detailed sequence of in-flight procedures, duties, and responsibilities, to catering, to post-flight procedures and responsibilities!! What a lifesaver! I feel certain that I could not have broken into the Corporate Aviation industry without your training and continuing support. I can't thank you enough!!
I guess the next big test will come when I do my first International trip. I know that all of the international trip planning information will come into play! Yeah!!! I'll keep you posted.
Thanks and God Bless,
Myra B. Musso
Corporate Flight Attendant, Colorado
June 2006
Empowered To Succeed
In 2005 I left my job as a commercial flight attendant... I felt that I had had enough... but after about 3 months I felt empty and I would find myself looking up at the planes as they flew by and would wonder where they where going... but most of all I had lost my friend... THE SKY. After talking to a friend I decided to see what the corporate side of the business was like. I called around and asked a million questions... EMERGENCY TRAINING... that's what you need. So off I went to emergency training... well after 6 days and a whole lot of dollars later I was no closer to that corporate jet... never less the galley I missed so much. That was last June. ZERO... I would make calls and they all said the same thing... YOU NEED SERVICE TRAINING. Well, here is where my story takes a WONDERFUL turn. For almost a year and some months Susan had been sending me emails about her next class... she was like the rabbit she just kept sending them to me. Bless her little cotton socks.
April 21, 2006 I attended Susan's class in Long Beach California (at Flight Safety's Learning Center) and MY LIFE has not been the same since. Her PASSION for this business is contagious... her ZEST for LIFE... well there are no words for that. Her KNOWLEDGE and her ABILITY to pass on that KNOWLEDGE is a gift that only a few people have. Susan has first hand experience... working the planes... ordering the catering (domestic and international) trip management ... and how to manage yourself as a business person... I could go on but you can read about all that on her Web site.
Now here's the BIG one MARKETING... unlike commercial airlines where they post ad's when they want to hire new FA's. Corporations do not do that, they post them on all these sites you have to hunt and peck for and/or pay to find any new openings. (All of these sites and other great web sites are in Susan's training manual) Well getting back to MARKETING... in Susan's class I learned how to market myself... TO GO FOR IT. What was the worst thing that could happen... they would say NO... big deal. NEXT.
Susan EMPOWERED me with her KNOWLEDGE to not be afraid and get out there... so I did. I was going through some papers about a week ago and found a number and an E-mail address that had been given to me about 4 months ago... I had called and left a message but never followed up on it... well this time I E-mailed this person and attached my cover letter and resume with a short apology for never getting back to her... the next day I received an E-mail back "I have passed your resume on to someone I know that needs a flight attendant". The day after that I received a call from the lead flight attendant asking "When can we meet?" Well it has been 19 days since Susan's class ended and I have my first trip on Monday the 15th of May... So DON'T ask yourself, "Do I need her class???" The answer is YES... you do. Her training combined with corporate specific emergency training is the perfect combination for success. She teaches everything that they do not.
Thank You Susan for Empowering Me to Reach for My Dream.
Jane MMZ
Phoenix, Arizona.
May, 2006
A Student's Memoir and Testimonial
Joanne's Story
As I nervously took my last steps on my approach to the classroom, I gasped one last deep breath of air. My heart pounding louder than ever, I felt a sigh of relief to just be inside the door.
For a moment I felt a false sense of security in thinking that the other 14 women here all had the same level of experience as me, none. It soon became very apparent that most of them were already Flight Attendants and I was the only one with no experience.
Susan asked to take my picture and I felt embarrassed to smile thinking to myself that I am not "professional" enough to be photographed yet. As I glanced around the table I immediately doubted whether I had the look of a Flight Attendant. I suddenly felt shy, unattractive, overweight and incredibly insecure.
During our introductions, I faked my confidence and remained polite. Some of the girls knew each other and even worked together. Most were already flying and some had been working for years. Only 2 of us had no actual flying experience except for that vacation we took years ago when we flew commercial. At least 1 other woman, who had no flying experience, at least worked at an airport! I would have traded up for that.
After the first day of the course and a delicious catered lunch, I went back to my hotel room not feeling a bit confused because I did not have clue what to be confused about! What importance did the right containers have and what was gasper air again? I was still excited and determined to learn as much as I could especially since I was new to the biz.
The next days lunch was even better. This proved to me that everyone likes to eat and appreciates good food. Whether you are dining in a restaurant or dining 42,000 feet up in the air, we all like food. I never realized that there were actual airplane / corporate aviation caterers and that the meals could be so elaborate. As the 2nd day grew on, I realized I did have a piece to offer to this puzzle. I have a strong culinary background and corporate banquet serving experience. Although I lacked the actual experience of flying in a Corporate Jet, I had something most of the other women did not. Not only was I a mother, but also I had experience as a waitress: a Fine Dining Server at that. I even offered some tips and tricks of my trade.
As I drove the 5 hours back home, I could only remember very few details of the courses curriculum. Once home, I reread my manual and discovered that what I earlier hadn't been able to comprehend, I now did. The manual has become my best resource for valuable information.
When it was time to put together my resume, I had a reference. When my first interview finally came, (trust the process) I had the resources right at my fingertips. But most of all and to this day, I have a friend, and trainer, named, Susan Friedenberg. She is at the other end of the telephone always available to answer my questions and give me support.
Upon obtaining employment approximately 5 months after completing all of my training, when I experience CDS (Catering Disaster Stress), I apply BART and visualize Susan perched on my shoulder whispering, "remember what I taught you." Thank you Corporate Flight Attendant Training!
Joanne's Testimonial
"I absolutely would not be where I am today in the world of Corporate Aviation if it had not been for taking Susan Friedenberg's Corporate Flight Attendant Training course. As a trainee entering this business with no aviation experience, I can truly say that the tools and support I received from Susan are what it takes to become a success in this field.
From the business point of view, Susan's course gives you invaluable information not found anywhere else. She teaches you how to customize your resume and how to get ready for the actual interview. She goes beyond the call of duty with her readily organized preprinted forms for all of your flying needs. These business tools help you to look and act professionally and gain respect from aviation corporations / managers by impressing them with your newly obtained organizational skills. They won't be able to distinguish between the beginner and the experienced.
Susan's years of experience teach you things that you would never learn anywhere else. FACTS and Flight Safety teach you required SOP's in order to obtain work upon an aircraft in the event of an emergency, but where do you learn about the other side of the corporate coin: catering and food service and business skills?
The helpful hints and secrets of the culinary industry that I learned from taking Susan's course have not only made me look good but have given me a crutch to fall back on in times of CDS (Catering Disaster Stress). You all will experience this at some point in your career. This is where Susan's course comes into play big time. From turning a lunch flight into a dinner flight to effectively disposing of garbage, and stowing the dishes, Susan's course covers everything from soup to nuts. This training takes you through the expectations looked at from the client / corporation from the trip's start to its' completion."
Joanne Robertson
October 1, 2003
Dear Susan,
I really don't know where to start, or how to tell you what an incredible weekend it was for me. The training has been with me almost constantly and it really feels as though I have been through a very deep learning process. I know that there is much ahead of me in this work and industry. It is clear that I have gained an insight into this profession that would have taken a very long time to accumulate on my own.
The passion that you have for this field and the generosity with which you impart your vast knowledge is truly inspiring and I am very happy that I took the first step, and forever grateful to you. Thank you!
Best regards,
Paul Aston
Philadelphia, PA & NYC, New York