Expert: Ned Dolan - 11/21/2008

Question
I am writing a TV show and need to know what pilots and stewards do before a flight.  Do they all go to a briefing room and if so what happens there and who leads it. I want to portray an accurate picture of pilots and stewards arriving at the airport through to getting onto the plane and greeting the customers. I hope you can help me! Thanks in advance.

Answer
The normal check in period for flights is 1 or 1.5 hours before departure time, the longer time for international flights. Some may be a little shorter or longer depending on each airlines policies.

The pilots meet in operations and go over the planned trip in great detail. Including: The mechanical condition of the aircraft, the planned route and weather expected, the amount of fuel required. Any special conditions that affect the navigation facilities enroute or at the destination and alternate airports. The above planning is done in coordination with the flight dispatcher who shares responsibility with the Captain for ensuring the flight can be operated safely.

The flight attendants meet in the briefing room. The Purser assigns work positions in the cabin according to seniority. Security,safety,  airline policies, flight information and weather are all discussed as well. Once on-board safety checks are performed and the cabin becomes ready for passenger boarding.

Usually the Captain will stop by the flight attendants briefing room and brief his crew about the length of the flight, expected weather conditions and any special items that concern the condition of the specific aircraft to be used.

A pilot crew will consist of a Captain and co-pilot. For flights over 8 hours an additional pilot is needed to provide breaks for the other two. On flights over 12 hours two crews are needed. On some earlier, larger aircraft a flight engineer is also needed.

The flight attendant crew must consist for one attendant for each 50 seats on the aircraft. Almost all airlines provide additional attendants to improve the quality of services. Additional attendants are needed for flight over 12 hours.

This is a broad brush answer to your question. If you would like more details on any of the above please contact me at nedolan@gmail.com

Good luck.  Ned