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Flying high
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Good looks and communication skills matter. But, that's not all that makes an air hostess tick, M. ALLIRAJAN learns
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TRY AND remember your first trip on an aeroplane. Of course, you'll recall the plush seats and the funny feeling in your stomach when the plane touched the skies.
But, most of all you'll remember the smiling ladies who stopped by your seat whenever you buzzed for them, offering you a sweet or whatever you asked for, without even the faintest hint of annoyance.
Then, and now, you have lots of eager young girls queuing up for a career in the skies.
For Pavithra it is a dream. A dream that she feels will take her to greater heights (quite literally). After living with it for many years she is now just a few months away from achieving it.
Pavithra who hails from Chennai is in the city for the year-long diploma course in aviation conducted by the Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training (FIAT).
Her eyes brighten when you ask her why she chose this as a career option. "I like the idea of travelling. You get to meet new people. Moreover, you can fly all the time," she says. In all, 30 students have joined the course that teaches the basics of cabin crew management.
Some of them, quite expectedly, are thrilled about a high-flying career. But there are a few who look at the positive things that the training offers.
"It helps improve your personality and communication skills. You become a lot more positive in your attitude," says Sabitha Begum, a student.
If you thought only beautiful persons can land this job, you got it wrong.
"There is a big myth that good looks will help you become an air hostess. Many students come with this impression. But, airlines do not just look for good-looking people. They recruit smart people who also look good," says Rakesh Agarwal, the Managing Director of the Institute.
The career is glamorous and lucrative all right.
But there are certain `ground rules' that aspirants need to follow. They may sound pretty simple, but are nonetheless important.
The way you introduce yourself to others, positive attitude and a pleasing personality - all these are imperative.
And, you must keep smiling all the time.
How about communication skills? "Its significance has been overrated. All you need to know is to speak a few sentences flawlessly in English. In fact, most passengers do not speak English."
In the classroom, wannabe airhostesses and flight stewards are given some basic information about the job. "To be an airhostess or flight steward, all you need is a well developed personality, decent communication skills and a good knowledge of the geography of the area in which you are operating," Agarwal tells the students. Some interview tips follow.
"You must know how to control your emotions. Emotional Intelligence plays a crucial role in the interview. You should maintain your cool always. The way you present yourself is also important," he says.
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