Expert: David A. NewMyer - 3/7/2004

Question
--I am on furlough from American Airlines. Since I am trained only for commercial flying I thought I would need additional training for corporate flying. I understand there are schools for this , but was wondering if it was necessary to attend one. Their food service is more elaborate than commercial. What would you suggest/ Thank, you have been a great help. -----------------------
Followup To
Question -
I am interested in being a corporate flight attendant. I am on furlough from the airlines at this time. 18 Years of experience in commercial flying. What is the best schools in Savannah, Ga and are there any scholarships? Any info is appreciated on the subject.
Answer -
Hi, Rebecca:

Nice to hear from you.  As far as the best schools in Savannah, GA....was not sure what you wanted to go to school for.  Are you on furlough as a flight attendant from the airlines?  Or, some other position?  Anyway, clarify that for me in a second question and I will try to answer.

Overall, there are quite a number of corporate flight departments that utilize flight attendants.  Some, like Corporate Fleet Services (704-359-0007) (contact is Leslie Pachter) might do some hiring on contract on a part time basis, which is how a lot of flight attendants break into the corporate world of flight attendants.  You might also try Gulfstream Aerospace, which is based right there in Savannah (they manufacture top of the line corporate aircraft) at 912-965-5348 for their advice.  The contact there is  Patty McWhite.  You might also try the company called Professional In-Flight Staffing at 407-654-4888 and the contact there is Stacey Bierman.

As far as scholarships to study aviation at the college level, I have two contacts for you:

1.  This website is good:  www.AvScholars.com

2.  The University Aviation Association produces an excellent aviation scholarship listing containing $1.4 million in scholarships.  They may be contacted at uaa@auburn.edu or by calling 334-844-2434.

Best wishes to you, and, clarify for me the question about schools.

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu


Answer
Hi, Rebecca:

Yes, you are correct:  The food service is sometimes more elaborate and is customized to the people flying in many cases.  I do not know specifically who does corporate flight department flight attendant training, but, if you check with some of the numbers I gave you, I am assuming that those companies will know.

I am sorry I could not be of more help to you.

Best wishes and I hope that the furlough is short.  I know it has been tough on the ex-TWA flight attendants, now AA flight attendants, based out of St. Louis.  They are all on the streets now, the last having been furloughed last June 30th.  I am hoping for all of you that the rebound is quick and you are all back to work soon.

Dave NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu