Flight Attendant Manual Topics
Deciding what flight attendant manual topics are necessary can be a little challenging. What needs to be covered? Which chapter should be put in? What sequence should it go in? Is there a manual standard I’m supposed to follow? Does it have to be in alphabetical order? Should the subjects be put in likelihood of occurrece?
Many of those decisions are for you to make, they are not written in regulation. However, regardless of what country you are in, we all have the same objective when it comes to cabin and passenger safety. We all work in an airplane cabin and all should have the same safety procedures, with some possible differences as designed by your system.
Some countries may have a standard manual format which you must follow if that is applicable to where you are from. However, when you are not given a set standard of manual content, where do you turn to? If we came from the previous airline, we may look at previous manuals that we’ve used. Many of us have connections to other airlines to obtain resources that help us develop our manuals and procedures.
To provide at least a starting point, here are common manual chapters and subjects, along with sub-topics addressed, such as preflight and operation of equipment. This is not meant to be the and all of manual references, but it could starting point and/or something to use to reference against your current manuals to decide if there are other topics that could or should be added to your flight attendant manual.
Is the content applicable to my airline?
The content provided is a starting point for you to reference. Most topics are applicable to all airline operations and will be of good use to you. However, depending on the type of operation you have, aircraft fleet, installed equipment, as well as other variables, this may not address everything you need to have as subjects in your manual. Remember, you are ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance with your country’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), yet having this information for potential manual content additions will certainly help you meet or exceed your CAA requirements!
Do you have topics in your manual not listed here?
Just like crew resource management, when we collectively share our ideas, we can achieve a better outcome, or in this case, more enhanced information for everyone to reference. As you go through your manual and compare the topics to the ones listed here, if you find topics that you have that this website does not have, please consider taking a moment and send me the topics you do have. Adding that information would be beneficial to all.
Collectively, we can all improve aviation safety around the world. We all belong to one large family operating under different names and wearing different uniforms. Let’s help each other out!
Introduction to the Company
Introduction
General [FAR 121.133/135]
References [FAR 121.135]
Flight Attendant Manual
Manual Audits
Unauthorized Production of Company Manuals
Manual Owner
Manual Holder
Manuals Issued to Departments
Manual Excerpts
Distribution [FAR 121.137]
On-Duty Access to Manuals
Familiarity with Contents
Heading/Subject Layout
Manual Revisions
General
Request for Revision
Receipt of Revision
Bulletins
Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
Administration
General Summary
Delegation of Duties
Mission Statement
Flight Operations Objectives
Position Descriptions
Director of InFlight Services Position Description
Purser
Flight Attendant
Coordination and Communication
Complaints
Operational Control Chart
Block-to-Block
Training Requirements
General
Trainee
Training Records
Flight Attendant Training Program [FAR 121 421]
Initial Training
Recurrent Training
Requalification Training
Transition Training
Competency Checks and Examinations
Course Completion Requirements and Documentation
Company Safety Program
InFlight Department Policies
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General
Introductory Note
Safety Concerns
Personal Appearance and Conduct
Harassment
Security of Company Information
Employee Identification Badge
Reporting On-The-Job Injuries
Reliability
Smoking
Use of Medications
Disciplinary Policy
Blood Donations
Scuba Diving
Alcohol or Drugs [FAR 121.458]
Narcotic Drugs Aboard Aircraft
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Employee Assistance Program
Personal Organization and Communication
Mailboxes/Company Email
Personal Financial Affairs
Crew Report for Duty
On Layover
Passports and Visas
Expenses and Allowances
Vacation and Bonus Days
Uniforms
Telephone
Company Credit Cards
Mileage
Meal Expenses
Hotels
Rental Cars
Company Issued Airline Tickets
Scheduling and Duty Time [FAR 121.467]
Crew Scheduling Terms
Personal Folders
Assigning Crewmembers to a Flight
Crew Notification
Crewmember Duty, Flight Time, and Rest Recording
Scheduling of Rest Period
Flight and Duty Time Regulations
Supplemental Operations: [FAR 121.503/505/507/509]
Flight Attendant Duty Time [FAR 121.467/OPS A032]
Ferry Flights
Deadhead Transportation
Flight Times Exceeding FAR Limitations
Training and Days-Off
Recurrent Training
Evaluations
Grooming and Personal Standards
Hair
Complexion
Hands and Fingernails
Jewelry
Miscellaneous Information
Spoiled Food
Passenger Mail
Transmission of Personal Messages
Tips
Aircraft Operation
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chain of Command
PIC’s Authority [CFR 121.533/537]
Jumpseat Procedures [CFR 121.547]
Employees
Employees of a Part 119 Air Carrier
Admission to Flight Deck Without a Seat In the Cabin [CFR 121.547]
Flight Attendant Jumpseat
Preflight Briefing
Sterile Cockpit [CFR 121.542]
Cockpit Courtesy/Flight Compartment Door [CFR 121.587]
Cockpit Entry/Relief Procedures
Serving Food to Flight Deck Crewmembers
Technical Stops with Passengers Onboard [CFR 121.393]
Fueling, Transit and Delay without Passengers On Board
Fueling with One Engine Running
Ramp Safety
Danger Areas of Aircraft (exterior)
Preflight Procedures – General
Briefings/Communication
PIC — Purser Briefing
Flight Attendant Crew Briefing
Required Equipment [CFR 121.549 (b)]
Crew Baggage Limits and Stowage
CSA – Purser Briefing
Cabin Preflight Inspection
Position “1” (Purser)
Position “2”
Position “3”
Position “4”
Position “5”
Expanded Preflight Checklist for [Aircraft Type]
Aircraft Security
Ground Security Coordinator
In-Flight Security Coordinator
Transportation of Federal Air Marshals [CFR 108.14]
Tampering or Unauthorized Access
Tamper Evident Security Tape in Lavatory
Flight Deck/Cabin Coordination
Flight Attendant Call
Prior to Closing Last Door
Block Out [CFR 121.570]
Aircraft Movement [CFR 121.391]
Taxi and Takeoff
Takeoff Imminent
After Takeoff/Ascent
Sterile Cockpit Notification
Descent
Landing
Ferry Flight Procedures
Standard Signals [May vary by plane model]
Passenger Boarding [CFR 121.570]
Pre-boarding/Passengers Requiring Special Assistance
Unaccompanied Minors
Apprehensive Passengers
Elderly Passengers
Obese Passengers
Pregnant Women
Service Animals
Transporting Animals
Unique Situations/Passengers
Carriage of Weapons
US Military Charter
Couriers
Passengers Requiring Law Enforcement Escorts
Deportees
TWOV (Transiting Without a Visa)
Unauthorized Persons
Stowaways
Carriage of Individuals with a Disability
Refusal of Transportation to Individuals with a Disability [CFR 121586]
Attendants [CFR 121.571]
Seat Assignment
Provision of Services and Equipment
Complaint Resolution Official [CFR 121.585]
Stowage of Personal Equipment [CFR 121.285/589]
Medical Clearance
Training
Straight-back Wheelchair: Ground Use
Inflight Folding Wheelchair
Additional Disability Information
Briefing Handicapped Procedures: Company Procedures
Exit Seating [CFR 121.585]
Exit Seat Passenger Screening and Briefing [121.585]
Passenger Refusal to Comply [CFR 121.585]
Resolving Disputes/Denial of Transportation
Exclusion from Transportation
Carry-On Baggage
Carry-on Amounts
Carry-on Baggage Overhead Bin Weight/Size Limits [CFR 121.589]
Child/Infant Seats [CFR 121.311]
Stowage of Canes, Crutches & Assistive Devices [CFR 121.589]
Cabin Cargo [CFR 121.285]
After Boarding [CFR 121.589 (c)(1)]
Carry-on Baggage Non-Stowable
Positive Bag Match
Flight Attendant Responsibilities [CFR 121.589]
Prior to Closing Door
Portable Electronic Devices [CFR 91.21, 121.306]
Verify Passenger Count
Passenger Manifest
General Declaration
Use of Seatbelt Sign [CFR 121.317]
Seat and Seatbelt Requirement [CFR 121.311]
Compliance Checks
Oxygen for Planned Medical Purposes [CFR 121.574]
Cabin Secure [CFR 121.577]
Special Passenger Briefings [CFR 121.135/571]
Safety Demonstration [CFR 121.135/333/571/573]
Thirty Second Silent Review
In-Flight Responsibilities
Lavatory Compliance Checks [CFR 121.571]
Food Handling
Stowage of In-Flight Service Items [CFR 121.576/577]
Smoking Regulations [CFR 121.317]
Non-Compliance with Smoking Regulations
Smoke Detector Tampering – Procedure
Smoking/Vaping Violation – Law Enforcement
Alcoholic Beverages and Drugs [CFR 121.575]
Passenger Intoxication
Enforcement of Alcoholic Beverage Regulations
Weapon Observed during Flight
Passenger Management
Individuals with a Disability
Prohibition on Interference with Crewmembers [CFR 121.580]
Removal of Ill or Injured Passenger
Passenger Movement In-flight
During Descent/Arrival
Landing Imminent [CFR 121.391]
Taxi In
Upon Arrival at Terminal
Deplaning (Passengers)
Deplaning (Crewmembers)
Crewmember Deplaning (with wheelchair passengers)
Post-flight Debriefing
Delayed Flights
Passenger Complaints
International Procedures
Trash
International Operations and Forms
Customs/Immigration/Passports
General Documents Folder
Agricultural Inspection
Flight Diversion
Abnormal/Emergency Situations
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Emergency Situations
Emergency Authority [CFR 91.3/123, 121.559]
Recognizing an Emergency
Emergency Radio Communications
Crew Coordination
Notification to Flight Deck
Debriefing
Flight Attendant Irregularity Report
Aircraft Accident [NTSB 830]
Bomb Threat
Assessment
Classification
Suspicious Items
Least Risk Bomb Location
Specific Threat on the Ground
Specific Threat in Flight
Bomb/Suspicious Item Discovery in Flight
Decompression
Time of Useful Consciousness
Flight Attendant Procedures in a Decompression
Hypoxia
Inadvertent Mask Drop
Door Failure in Flight
Engine Fire/Failure
During Flight
On the Ground
Evacuation of a Parked Aircraft
Fumes
Gear Up Landing
Nose gear up
One Main Gear Failure (Nose gear working)
Both Main Gear Failure (Nose gear working)
All Gear Failure
Considerations During Evacuation
Slide Angle
Modifying Evacuation Commands
Using Alternate Exits
Hijacking
Incapacitation: Crewmember
Inoperative Equipment
Inoperative Jumpseat
Inoperative Passenger Seat or Seatbelt
Inoperative Passenger Service Unit
Inoperative Lavatory
Landing Gear Down – Not Indicating Locked
Missed Approach
Medical Emergencies
Serious Illness or Injury
InFlight Phone Patch Medical Procedures
Apparent Death in Flight
Oxygen Use
Precautions While Using Oxygen [CFR 121.574]
Using the Passenger Oxygen System
Flight Crew Oxygen
Using Portable Oxygen Bottles
Considerations Governing Use of Portable Oxygen Bottles
Rejected Takeoff
Turbulence
General
Light Turbulence
Moderate Turbulence
Severe Turbulence
Extreme Turbulence
Other Situations
Blown Tires
Engine Compressor Stall
Engine Shutdown Inflight
Engine/APU Torching
Fuel Dumping [Aircraft XXXX Only]
Fire
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Communications
Classifications of Fires
Class A – Ordinary Combustibles
Class B – Flammable Liquids
Class C – Electrical Equipment
Class D – Combustible Metals
Fire Fighting Equipment
Portable Fire Extinguishers [CFR 121309]
Halon
Water Extinguisher
Crash Axe [CFR 121.309]
Fire Gloves
Protective Breathing Equipment (PBE)
Smoke Inside the Cabin
Cabin Fire Procedures
Preventing Panic
Fires
Ashtray Fire
Ballast
Contained/Behind Paneling
Electrical Fire – Florescent Lights
Electrical Fire-Galley
Flight Deck
Galley Fire
Oven Fire
Overhead Bin
Seat Cushion Fire
Spilled Flammable Liquids
Waste Bag Fire
Lavatory and Closets
Fire Fighting Team Duties
Fire Fighter
Coordinator
Fire When On the Ground
Fire During Flight
Cabin Fire Procedure Checklist
Impact of Other Actions
Fire Prevention
Emergency Landing and Evacuation
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General
Anticipate the Emergency
Communication
Assess Procedure
Redirect Procedure
Protective Position
Initiate Evacuation
If Exit Is Usable
If Exit Not Usable
After the Evacuation (Land)
After the Evacuation (Ditching)
Passenger Control
Command Words
Negative Panic
T.E.S.T. Briefing
Emergency vs Evacuation
The Command to Evacuate
Explanation of Cabin Preparation Procedure
PIC + Purser Briefing
Purser + FA Briefing
Work Area
ABP Selection and Reseating
Relocating Passengers
Safety Demonstration
Cabin Lights
Passenger Information
Cabin Preparation Announcement – Summary
ABP Briefing
Last Safety Check
Uniform
Emergency Exits
Cabin Preparation Procedure Completed
Cockpit Door
FA Stations
Brace for Impact
Cabin Preparation Procedure Card
Able-Bodied Persons (ABPs)
ABP Selection
ABP Briefing
Helper Passenger
Brace Positions
Flight Attendant Jumpseats
Passenger Seats
Forward Facing – large distance between rows or bulkhead
Forward Facing with seatback in front
Rear (Aft) Facing with Shoulder Harness
Forward Facing with Shoulder Harness
Pregnant/large passenger – large distance between rows or bulkhead
Pregnant/large passenger with seatback in front
Children
Infants – with approved seat or as lap child with seatback in front
Forward facing w/lap child – large distance between rows or bulkhead
Disabled Passengers
Evacuation Flow and Related Duties [CFR 121.397]
Anticipated – Initial Alert
Unanticipated – Initial Alert
Once Aircraft has Come to a Stop
Termination of an Emergency
Evacuation Command
Commands to Passengers
Flight Attendant Evacuation Duties
Unwarranted Evacuation
Controlled Disembarkation
Emergency Communications Chart
Evacuation of Disabled Passengers
Post Accident/Incident Crew Communication & Duties
If Interphone is Operative
If Interphone is Inoperative
Following an Aircraft Evacuation
Land
Water
Desert Survival
Polar Operations (if applicable)
Survival
Emergency Equipment
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Emergency Equipment [FAR 121.309]
Preflight Checks
Demo Kits
Description
Preflight
Operation
Emergency Flashlights
Description
Preflight
Operation
Emergency Medical Kit (EMK) [FAR 121.309/803]
Description
Protection of EMK
Preflight
Operation
First Aid Kit (FAK) [FAR 121.309/803]
Description
Preflight
Operation
CPR Mask
Description
Preflight
Operation
Emergency Oxygen Systems (Passenger and Crew) [FAR 121.333]
Description
Preflight
Operation
Megaphone [FAR 121.309]
Description
Preflight
Operation
Passenger Safety Information Card
Description
Preflight
Operation
Passenger Service Kit
Contents
Portable Oxygen Bottle (POB)
Description
Preflight
Operation
Duration
Seats and Seatbelts
Description
Preflight – Standard Seats
Preflight – First/Business Class Seats with Shoulder Harness
Operation
Seatbelt Extensions
Description
Preflight
Operation
Life Vest – Infant
Description
Preflight
Operation
Life Vest –Crew and Adult/Child
Description
Preflight
Operation
Life Raft for Ditching
Preflight
Operation
Loading Verification
Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)
Features
Preflight
Operation
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
Protection of the AED(s)
Preflight
Operation
Fire Fighting Equipment
Portable Fire Extinguishers [FAR 121.309]
Halon
Preflight
Operation
Water Extinguisher
Preflight
Operation
Crash Axe [FAR 121.309]
Preflight
Operation
Protective Breathing Equipment (PBE)
Preflight
Operation
Fire Gloves
Preflight
Operation