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THE REALITY CHECK
If your response as to why you want to become a Corporate Flight Attendant is, “because I love to travel.” We have a reality check for you. Yes, we travel the world. Yes, we often stay in amazing locations and hotels. Yes, we fly on luxurious business jets. Yes, we fly the mega rich and famous. AND … yes, we do all of this while jet lagged, sleep deprived, stressed, overworked, etc. because our duties rarely end after we arrive at our destinations.
Therefore, if you are choosing this career for the glamorous lifestyle, think again! It’s very hard work and yes, the reward can be sweet. The reality is - we are the servants to the rich and famous - not actually the rich and famous.
The CFA's responsibilities often expand beyond providing a VIP inflight experience for your clients. We often wear many "hats" in this industry; personal shopper, nanny, entertainment and activities director, greeter, chef, caterer, food safety expert, troubleshooter, dietary technician, cleaner, launderer, liaison, concierge, therapist, secretary, travel coordinator, baggage handler, pet sitter, baby sitter, security guard, emergency procedures specialist, first aid provider … to name a few. The list is truly endless.
There is no singular "job description" for this career, as every flight operation or private owner operates differently, and to their "own tune." You may enjoy a long-lasting career as a freelance/independent contractor or as a full-time employee. Everyone has their preference and there are pros and cons with each option.
Flexibility and adaptability are mandatory requirements! You may be away from home for days, weeks, or longer. These are the necessary sacrifices and adjustments made if you are going to be successful in business aviation. Unlike commercial airlines, corporate/business aviation flight schedules are not under any on-time performance pressures. This industry is extremely unpredictable, fluid, and ever-changing on a moment’s notice. We, as crew, are working and flying on our passenger’s schedules. Period.
You may be wondering:
What is the percentage of actively working corporate flight attendants?
The short answer is, we have no idea. None. There are too many variables that come into play to track. There are full-time, part-time, and contract CFA’s. There are numerous training vendors plus, many companies conduct their own in-house cabin safety training. Since there are no regulatory guidelines and “certifications” to track, we simply don’t know.
THE INVESTMENT
Do I really need to pay for my own cabin safety training?
Most likely - Yes.
Acquiring cabin safety training specific to business aviation is typically required and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! This is also a self-financed investment - a BIG INVESTMENT! Therefore, selecting the training vendor that is the best fit for you, your region, and has the recognition factor is critical to your success. These training programs cost between $3,000-$5,000+ (US) for the cabin safety training, plus your travel, lodging, and meal expenses. If you are coming from the commercial airline world - your training does not transfer, as these are completely different entities and regulatory oversights within aviation. Do your proper research!
In the USA, commercial airlines are ruled under FAR121 regulations and business aviation is under FAR91 (private owner), 91K (fractional), 135 (charter - "for hire") or 125 regulations (large transport).
Outside of the USA - an attestation and/or other specifics may be required. It's best to contact the vendors in your region for more details and requirements.
What are my chances for success once I am trained?
That’s really up to you. It’s proven that your opportunities increase by following these provided recommendations, connecting with other CFA’s, and being properly trained. Once you have obtained the necessary tools, you need to network! Your new career is not automatically handed to you just because you invested in your training. This is why we recommend, in addition to your cabin safety training, you seek a mentor and/or professional/career training and coaching program. There are countless unknowns. Even if you have completed your training and are currently networking, there are no guaranteed you will find success in this industry.
Are you still interested? Then proceed!
"If it was easy, everyone would do it."
- The CFA Connection
SOCIAL MEDIA RESOURCES
Do your research! There are numerous social media platforms to help and provide you with information and insight on Becoming a Corporate Flight Attendant.
FACEBOOK | GROUPS
Request to join the following Facebook Groups recommended for New to Industry
Private (4.4K+ Members): So You Wanna Be A Corporate Flight Attendant
Public (1.3K+ Members): NBAA Flight Attendants/Flight Technicians
Private (4.6K+ Members): CFA (Charlie Foxtrot Alpha) A Corporate Flight Attendant Community
Private (21.1K+ Members): Corporate Cabin Attendant Networking
Private (NEW): Private Jet Flight Attendant Hub
CFA HOSTED PLATFORMS (YouTube, Vlogs, Podcasts, Instagram, Websites)
Corporate Flight Attendants to follow are featured on the CONNECTIONS > CFA HOSTED PLATFORMS
Request to join the following LinkedIn Groups
Group (6K+ followers): Women in Corporate Aviation
Group (380+ followers) NBAA Flight Attendants Committee
Group (9K+ Members) VIP Flight Attendants
Group (5.3K+ Members) Corporate Flight Attendants
YOUTUBE
Recommended channels are featured below who focus mainly on "How to Become a CFA"
NEW TO INDUSTRY-FOCUSED YOUTUBE PLATFORMS
THE PRIVATE JET FLIGHT ATTENDANT HUB
THE PRIVATE JET FLIGHT ATTENDANT HUB
THE PRIVATE JET FLIGHT ATTENDANT HUB
Providing a series of videos showing you, "How to become a private jet flight attendant."
YOURS INFLIGHT
THE PRIVATE JET FLIGHT ATTENDANT HUB
THE PRIVATE JET FLIGHT ATTENDANT HUB
This platforms shares information on "How to Become a Private Flight Attendant," transitioning from commercial aviation and discussing the differences.
CONNECTION'S PLANE TALK SERIES
THE PRIVATE JET FLIGHT ATTENDANT HUB
CONNECTION'S PLANE TALK SERIES
COMING OCTOBER 2023!
The CFA Connection's "Plane Talk" video series, featuring select videos focusing on how to begin your career as a CFA.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
There are several training and monetary scholarships available annually through various organizations. We highly encourage reviewing these and applying!
NBAA FLIGHT ATTENDANTS/FLIGHT TECHNICIANS
NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) Scholarships are for current or aspiring business aviation flight attendants and flight technicians. The NBAA Flight Attendants Committee is dedicated to promoting education and training as a means for business aviation flight attendants and flight technicians to enhance their professional careers. To support this position, NBAA offers aspiring and current flight attendants/flight technicians the opportunity to receive scholarships in conjunction with numerous donors. You are not required to be an NBAA member to apply but it is highly recommended. Scholarships are offered once per year.
WOMEN IN CORPORATE AVIATION
Women in Corporate Aviation (WCA) is the premier association for women and men in corporate and business aviation. WCA will introduce corporate aviation opportunities and create diversity in the industry by providing event networking opportunities, scholarship information, online interaction and mentoring to future professionals. You must be a WCA member to apply. Registration fee is nominal and highly recommended. Scholarships are offered twice per year - Spring and Fall Scholarship Programs.
POC CFA SCHOLARSHIP
In an effort to help diversify the Corporate/Business Aviation Industry, the following training vendors have teamed up with POC (Person of Color) Scholarship in order to offer the most comprehensive training bundle for new to industry corporate flight attendants. Recipient receives a training bundle and this scholarship is offered once per year.
Go to the SCHOLARSHIPS page to see which programs are currently available and/or the dates they are offered.
MEMBERSHIP ASSOCIATIONS TO JOIN
NBAA (National Business Aviation Association)
Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, NBAA is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents more than 11,000 companies and professionals, and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s largest civil aviation trade show.
As a member, you have access to NBAA Airmail, membership admission rates to all events, and access to the complete member directory and the Jobs board..
To become an NBAA member, it's best to call them directly: +1 202-742-5234
NBAA is headquartered in Washington DC | Open 9-5 ET | Monday - Friday
Ask for Margo DeMark and tell her Scott Arnold referred you for the guaranteed "Aspiring Professionals" Membership Rate - $105.00
Otherwise, it's $335 (US) - so be sure to ask for this while registering!
WCA (Women in Corporate Aviation
Is a non-profit organization and a group of aviation professionals, including flight department personnel, FBO managers, writers, students, training center professional and many others who work together to promote opportunities for women in aviation. From the first meeting at the Women in Aviation Conference 1993 to their growing organization today, they have networked and promoted career opportunities in business aviation. WCA are mentors and role models to the next generation of aviation professionals.
WCA offers scholarships, networking events, mentorship, as well as featuring job postings for members.
Individual membership rate is: $50 (US)
FIND A MENTOR!
THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO MENTOR AND THERE ARE MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS - Know the difference!
There are many aviation professionals who donate their time to mentor those who are new to industry. If you need assistance in finding a mentor, you can inquire in social media groups (such a Facebook's "So You Wanna Be a Corporate Flight Attendant." There are also various types of mentorship programs, some are complimentary and others require a paid tuition.
Please go to the MENTORSHIP page for more information and recommend COMPLIMENTARY mentorship program links.