In 1997 I wrote a paper that was given out at the NBAA Conference in New Orleans to 37,000 people in their packets. Chief pilots, aviation managers, schedulers and many chief flight attendants have used this document while searching for the appropriate candidate for their operation.  It was entitled, "THINGS TO CONSIDER PRIOR TO HIRING A CONTRACT OR FULL TIME FLIGHT ATTENDANT". As a person that wishes to break into business aviation, these are in fact the questions that you might be faced with during an interview or before an interview is even set up.

1. When were they last through "corporate specific" emergency and first aid training?

2. Are they AED trained and current? (If applicable to your on board equipment)

3. Obtain all documentation to support the above.

4. Ask for 2-3 industry references. If they have not flown Part 91/135 yet and have finished "corporate specific" training, call the training vendor and ask them about the candidate.  Additionally ask for 1-2 personal references.

5. Are they willing to submit to an extensive background check and be drug tested?

6. Are they experienced on your aircraft type?

7. If they are in fact "corporate specific" trained, have them come out to your facility and give YOU a thorough briefing on the door operation, over wing exits and explain the usage of all on board emergency equipment.

8. What are their culinary skills and how proficient and educated are they with food safety and food security applications?

9. What is their daily rate compensation for both domestic and international flying?

10. What is their daily rate for pre-positioning the day before a trip, doing an extensive aircraft shop, and stand by rates?

11. Do they have a cancellation policy and what is it?

12. Do they have a current passport and a B passport?

13. Do they have total USA telephone coverage on their cell telephone so that if on a trip for you, they are reachable at all times?

14. Do they have reliable transportation to your facility?

15. Do they have a credit card for RON expenditures?

16. If applicable to your operation, do they speak a foreign language?

17. Discuss your operation's dress code. (Color / pants versus skirt suits.)

18. Ask what they believe their primary responsibility is as a third crew member and ensure that it is compatible with the mission of your flight department / operation.

19. Ask the candidate to give you some examples of customer service and catering scenarios.

These are recommended considerations and questions that may assist you in your hiring process.

This paper is copywrited.
Susan C. Friedenberg
Corporate Flight Attendant Training & Services
Philadelphia, PA USA 2006