Five Questions for Flight Attendants Committee Chair Elaine Lapotosky

March 23, 2016

Elaine Lapotosky is the chairwoman of NBAA’s Flight Attendants Committee, which represents the interests of cabin crewmembers that work on business aircraft and seeks to improve the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of business aircraft. Lapotosky was recently asked five questions about the committee and its priorities for the coming year.

1. What are your priorities for the committee?
   Safety is always paramount. Although some companies still consider flight attendants (FAs) to be primarily service professionals, we believe FAs should receive aircraft-specific training and emergency training in order to enhance safety. One way that NBAA’s Flight Attendants Committee is advancing safety and encouraging best practices is by hosting the annual Flight Attendants/Flight Technicians Conference, whose 2016 theme is “Safety, Security, Service and Success.” This year’s conference will include presentations on safety management systems, emergency procedures, flight operations security, food safety and career essentials.

   Another priority for the committee is to define operational and safety best practices for flight technicians (FTs), who typically are individuals with maintenance certification and training who also serve passengers in the cabin. FTs often have dual reporting structures and dual responsibilities.

   Flight attendants and flight technicians work in a fast-paced world. The committee is looking at the impact of that environment on individuals and how to succeed in that type of environment. In particular, the role of the flight technician, and best practices associated with that role, are a focus area for the committee. We want to bring to the forefront expectations in terms of salary, qualifications and training requirements, as well as help FTs determine best practices for their tasks.

   FTs on the Flight Attendants Committee also act as liaisons with the NBAA Maintenance Committee, ensuring consistent practices and recommendations between the two committees.

   Finally, the committee has initiated an international working group, sponsored jointly by NBAA and the European Business Aviation Association. This working group will meet in Brussels in September for a cabin service conference.

2. How are the roles of flight attendants and flight technicians changing as technology evolves?

   Business aircraft are, more than ever, flying offices, and FAs and FTs must keep up-to-date with new communications technologies. Crewmember fatigue is also more prevalent, and working on long-range aircraft requires specific company policies concerning duty times and rest requirements. This is especially critical for FTs who not only work in the aircraft cabin during the flight, but often have maintenance responsibilities after a flight.

   More focus will be placed on these issues as the industry seeks best practices. The committee has worked with the International Business Aviation Council to address these concerns in the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operators.

3. What are some other hot topics for flight attendants and flight technicians?
   Currently, one of the biggest topics in the industry is best practices for FTs, especially in remote locations and in support of heavy aircraft. Cabin safety procedures training, as well as duty and rest times, are all receiving attention right now.

   Cabin connectivity is another hot topic. No passenger wants to hear the cabin crewmember say, “I don’t know why the Wi-Fi isn’t working.” FAs and FTs need to learn how to fundamentally troubleshoot the cabin technology on their aircraft. In addition, cabin crew need to understand and be able to explain to the passengers how aircraft location in relation to satellite location affects cabin connectivity performance. Also, FAs and FTs should be familiar with the security issues related to cabin connectivity.

   One perennial hot topic is food handling safety. The very nature of aircraft catering poses multiple risks, including contamination, spoilage or allergy issues. The FA or FT must be well trained in safe food handling for the safety of the passengers and the crew.

4. NBAA’s Flight Attendants/Flight Technicians Conference is known for providing attendees with quality education sessions and networking opportunities. What opportunities await attendees at the 2016 event, which is scheduled for June 21 to 23 in Delray Beach, FL?
   This year’s conference will include presentations on fatigue and duty-time best practices, career essentials for FAs and FTs and a special “Life on the Fly” session, which will examine the stressors involved in business aviation and how FAs and FTs can mitigate those stressors.

   Additionally, early morning activities – including yoga sessions and beach walks – provide casual opportunities to network with other attendees, as well as with committee members. An off-site evening event – “Back to the Future” – is planned as well.

   Two roundtables – one for flight technicians and one for lead flight attendants – will be held the day before the conference, which will enable FTs and FAs to network, discuss issues and share best practices.

5. How can people get involved with the Flight Attendants Committee? Does the committee have unmet needs for specific expertise?
   Currently, the committee is well-balanced, featuring representatives from Part 91, 125 and 135 operators, including both full-time and contract personnel. However, flight technicians looking to positively impact the industry are encouraged to consider membership. The committee also is seeking “ambassador” volunteers to assist at the Flight Attendant/Flight Technician Conference in June. For more information, contact the committee’s staff liaison, Jay Evans at jevans@nbaa.org.