// Occupations and Workplaces

Flight Crew and Cabin Crew

What is a flight crew and cabin crew? Flight crews are in charge of flying and ensuring the safe navigation of the airplane.

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  • context Flight crews are in charge of flying and ensuring the safe navigation of the airplane. A flight crew consists of pilots who are responsible for flying and navigating the aircraft. They include the captain (or pilot-in-command) and the first officer (or co-pilot).
  • context The cabin crew consists of flight attendants who are responsible for ensuring the safety, comfort, and well-being of passengers during the flight. Cabin crew members assist passengers with boarding, help them stow their luggage, provide safety demonstrations, serve meals and beverages, and address any passenger needs or inquiries. They also play a critical role in emergency evacuations and first aid on board the aircraft.
  • context Both groups collaborate to ensure a safe flying experience for passengers and play important roles in the overall operation of an airline.

A typical workday for flight and cabin crew members can vary depending on the airline, the type of flight (domestic or international), and the specific role (pilot or cabin crew). The workday includes pre-flight, boarding and in-flight, and post-flight responsibilities. Pre-flight Responsibilities for the flight crew include: Responsibilities for the cabin crew include: Boarding and In-flight Responsibilities for the flight crew include: Responsibilities for the cabin crew include: Post-flight Responsibilities for the flight crew include: Responsibilities for the cabin crew include:

  • duty Arriving at the airport and going through security.
  • duty Reviewing the flight plan, weather conditions, and operational details.
  • duty Conducting a thorough inspection of the aircraft, checking systems, instruments, and safety equipment.
  • duty Meeting with cabin crew to discuss any special considerations for the flight.
  • duty Arriving at the airport and going through security.
  • duty Attending a pre-flight briefing and receiving information about the flight, any special passenger needs, safety procedures, and service expectations.
  • duty Verifying assigned equipment and ensuring everything is in working order.
  • duty Reviewing the passenger manifest to be aware of any special requests or passenger information.
  • duty Completing pre-flight checklists, communicating with air traffic control, and performing takeoff and landing procedures.
  • duty Monitoring the aircraft’s systems, instruments, and navigation.
  • duty Making in-flight announcements to update passengers on weather conditions and other relevant information.
  • duty Working closely with air traffic control to ensure safe navigation and adherence to the flight plan.
  • duty Welcoming passengers, assisting with seating, stowing carry-on luggage, and ensuring passenger comfort and safety.
  • duty Conducting safety demonstrations and providing instructions in the event of an emergency.
  • duty Attending to passenger needs, providing food and beverage services, and providing assistance where required.
  • duty Conducting periodic cabin checks.
  • duty Ensuring passengers are seated with their seatbelts fastened in the event of turbulence or other disruptions.
  • duty Taxiing the airplane to its designated gate.
  • duty Completing post-flight checklists, shutting down the aircraft systems, and securing the cockpit.
  • duty Participating in a debriefing to discuss any issues or concerns from the flight.
  • duty Assisting passengers to disembark the plane and ensuring the cabin is tidy.
  • duty Grooming the cabin by removing garbage, lowering armrests, and crossing seatbelts in preparation for the next flight.
  • duty Completing paperwork, including food and beverage counts, passenger feedback, and any incidents.
  • duty Participating in a debriefing to discuss any issues or concerns from the flight.

Flight and cabin crews face several health and safety hazards due to the unique nature of their work environment and the demands of their roles. These hazards can vary in severity, and airlines will have policies and training in place to address them. Some common health and safety hazards include: Additionally, international aviation organizations and authorities provide guidelines and recommendations to ensure the well-being of flight and cabin crews. Regular medical examinations and ongoing training are part of the measures designed to protect their health and safety.

  • physical Noise.
  • physical Whole-body vibration.
  • general Turbulence.
  • biological Exposure to contagious or infectious diseases.
  • psychosocial Shift work and extended work days.
  • psychosocial Fatigue and jet lag due to frequent time zone changes and irregular work hours.
  • general Dehydration and dry skin.
  • physical Cosmic radiation exposure, especially for long flights at higher altitudes.
  • ergonomic Manual material handling from lifting luggage, pushing service carts, and assisting passengers.
  • ergonomic Bending and awkward body positioning leaning over seats and rows.
  • safety Cuts or finger injuries from sharp objects when collecting garbage or unknown materials from seat pockets.
  • psychosocial Psychological stress dealing with difficult passengers and managing emergencies.
  • psychosocial Workplace violence and harassment when dealing with hostile passengers.
  • chemical Hazardous products and materials, including Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).
  • general Work at heights when opening plane doors for the bridge or stairway.
  • chemical Fire and smoke.
  • general Prolonged standing.

Preventive measures help ensure the health and safety of flight and cabin crews. There are numerous checklists and procedures to protect the safety of passengers as well as the health and safety of flight and cabin crews. Additional preventive measures can also be practices reducing exposure to hazards. To prevent or reduce exposure to hazards:

  • requirement Wash your hands frequently.
  • requirement Know the routine practices to prevent contracting blood-borne pathogens.
  • requirement Understand other additional measures for reducing exposure to infectious diseases, such as COVID-19.
  • requirement Learn safe lifting techniques, such as manual material handling.
  • requirement Be aware of your surroundings to avoid trips and falls.
  • requirement Always wear your seatbelt in times of turbulence or when directed by the flight crew.
  • requirement Learn about stress and post-traumatic stress and consider a debriefing session or counselling after a critical or traumatic event.
  • requirement Inform your employer early in pregnancy or try to bid on flights that do not interrupt normal sleeping times and are shorter flights to reduce radiation exposure.
  • requirement Exercise regularly to keep fit and reduce the risk of injury.
  • requirement Participate in regular medical examinations for physical and mental health.
  • requirement Keep vaccinations up to date, especially for common illnesses such as influenza or specific vaccinations for travel to certain regions.
  • requirement Do not exceed the maximum working hours. Recognize the signs of fatigue.
  • requirement Explore strategies to manage jet lag.
  • requirement Participate in radiation monitoring if requested.
  • ppe Wear hearing protection as required.
  • requirement Ensure clear communication with the flight crew.
  • ppe Wear gloves when handling garbage.
  • requirement Use caution when putting hands in seat pockets or other locations where you cannot see potential hazards.
  • requirement Know how to identify and handle hazardous materials brought on board.
  • administrative Receive fire suppression training.
  • administrative Report any hazards and ensure open communication.
  • administrative Have first aid training.
  • administrative Regularly review evacuation and emergency procedures.
  • requirement Make sure the stairs or bridge are installed before opening cabin doors.
  • requirement Practice de-escalation techniques in the event of violence or harassment.
  • requirement Seek mental health help or services after an incident or for ongoing care.

Effective communication between the flight and cabin crew ensures the safe operation of the aircraft and the well-being of passengers. In aviation, this interaction and collaboration between the flight and cabin crew is called crew resource management (CRM). Crew resource management is a set of training and communication strategies used in aviation to enhance teamwork and decision-making among flight and cabin crews. Crew resource management was developed in response to a series of aircraft incidents in the 1970s and 1980s that were attributed, at least in part, to human error, often stemming from poor communication and teamwork in the cockpit and cabin. The primary goal of crew resource management is to improve the safety and efficiency of flight operations by addressing various aspects of crew performance, such as communication, leadership, situational awareness, problem-solving, and decision-making. Crew resource management training focuses on developing interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, and effective coordination among crew members. It emphasizes the importance of clear, concise, and timely communication between cabin crew and pilots. It promotes a culture of collaboration and mutual respect in the cockpit and cabin. This management system includes providing essential information and actively listening to each other's inputs and concerns. Crews must feel empowered to report hazards or potential concerns early so they can be addressed promptly.

  • requirement Fact sheet first published: 2023-11-22

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Lifting, pushing, pulling

Notes for this occupation. Open one to read the practices and the protection it calls for.

Lifting, pushing, pulling MMH - Health Hazards
0 practices Open →

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Noise

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Noise Noise - Audiometric Tests
0 practices Open →
Noise Noise - Auditory Effects
0 practices Open →
Noise Noise - Basic Information
4 practices Open →
Noise Noise - Control Measures
39 practices Open →
Noise Noise - Hearing Conservation Program
9 practices hearing protection Open →
Noise Noise - Measurement of Workplace Noise
0 practices Open →
Noise Noise - Non-Auditory Effects
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Noise Noise - Occupational Exposure Limits in Canada
0 practices Open →

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Pandemics

Notes for this occupation. Open one to read the practices and the protection it calls for.

Pandemics Hand Washing: Reducing the Risk of Common Infections
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Shiftwork

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Shiftwork Extended Workday: Health and Safety Issues
10 practices Open →
Shiftwork Rotational Shiftwork
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Sitting, standing, …

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Sitting, standing, … Working in a Standing Position - Basic Information
15 practices Open →

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Stress

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Stress Workplace Stress – General
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Violence / Bullying

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Violence / Bullying Violence and Harassment in the Workplace
55 practices Open →
Flight Crew and Cabin Crew
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HAS_REQUIREMENT 27
LINKS_TO 23
SOURCE_PAGE 1

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Fact sheets 18

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