Crew cabin

Passenger Cabin Crew Members (TCP), who previously received the name of flight attendants, are in charge of serving the passengers of the plane in whatever they need.

This is its most visible function, but not the most important one, since the TCP is also responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers at all times and especially in emergency situations.

The TCPs know their work program - flight days, days of guard and days off - one month in advance. A normal day begins with a meeting of the crew in which the cabin manager or purser distributes the 'zone tokens' between the TCPs. They detail what part of the plane is left to each crew member and what emergency equipment to review.

 Once on board, the most routine TCP functions are:

   - Check emergency material.

   - Check doors, lights, stairs, bins (luggage racks), ramps and safety belts.

   - Communicate with passengers through public address system.

   - Demonstrate emergency exits, life jackets and oxygen masks.

   - Periodically check the sinks to prevent fires.

   - Make sure that the passage follows the safety instructions.

   - Serve drinks and meals.

   - Attend the queries of passengers.

In emergency situations, the TCP are responsible for passengers and crew evacuated from the plane as quickly and safely as possible.

This involves opening the exits, helping to use the rescue equipment, instructing the passengers on how to prepare for a forced landing, combating possible fires, etc. The TCP are also responsible for providing first aid in case of accident or indisposition.

 What training do you need

To practice this profession you must have the nationality of a member country of the European Union and a minimum qualification of BUP, FP II, ESO or equivalent. It is also necessary to obtain the TCP certificate issued by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGAC) to those who pass a basic TCP course approved by that Directorate General.

The courses can be followed in training centers authorized by the DGAC or in the airlines themselves. They also process the flight license of the crew member and provide them with type ratings, each of which certifies that the TCP knows the characteristics of a specific aircraft model.



 The subjects of the basic TCP course are:

   - Aviation and meteorology.

   - Human factors.

   - Aeronautical medicine, hygiene and first aid.

   - Normative.

   - Basic and emergency operations.

   - Dangerous goods.

The TCP must have an adequate presence (in Iberia the minimum statuses are 1.65 for women and 1.78 for men) and overcome physical tests of swimming, evacuation, rescue, fire extinguishing ... As an example, in one of the last Iberia calls were required to swim 100 meters in 2 minutes and 30 seconds maximum.

The oral and written English is, of course, essential, and the knowledge of other languages ​​has a great value in the selection process.

What job prospects does it have?

TCP accredited by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Public Works can work in Spanish airlines and airlines throughout the European Union.

Iberia is the largest employer in the sector, with a TCP staff that currently has around 5,000 professionals. The company carries out periodic hiring on a regular basis and punctual increases in staff through the job board of its website www.iberia.es.

The other airlines - Air Europa, Spanair, Air Nostrum, Futura, LTE Volar Airways, Iberworld ... - have lower contracting capacity than the first Spanish airline, but they also open TCP selection processes on time.