You're facing urgent maintenance issues on a flight. How do you effectively communicate with the flight crew?

1 Assess Urgency

Before you communicate with the flight crew about a maintenance issue, assess its urgency . Is it an immediate safety threat or can it wait until landing? Your assessment will determine how you approach the crew and dictate the level of urgency in your voice and actions. Use clear, concise language to describe the issue, avoiding jargon unless speaking with technical personnel. Remember, the goal is to convey the severity of the situation without causing undue alarm.

2 Use Proper Terms

Once you've assessed the urgency, use proper aviation terminology to communicate the issue. This ensures that there's no confusion and that all crew members understand the exact nature of the problem. For instance, if there's an issue with the aircraft's hydraulics , specify which system is affected, such as the flight control systems or braking systems . Clear terminology helps the flight crew to quickly grasp the situation and take appropriate action.

3 Follow Protocols

Aviation operates on strict communication protocols to maintain order and safety. Familiarize yourself with these protocols and use them when reporting maintenance issues. This includes using the aircraft's internal communication systems correctly and adhering to the chain of command . For example, if you're cabin crew, report to the lead flight attendant who will then communicate with the cockpit crew.

4 Stay Calm

Maintaining a calm demeanor is crucial when facing urgent maintenance issues. Panic can lead to miscommunication and exacerbate an already tense situation. Speak clearly and maintain eye contact to reassure the crew of your composure. Even if the situation is dire, a calm approach will enable better decision-making and cooperation among the crew members.

5 Offer Assistance

Offer your assistance to the flight crew after reporting the issue. Whether it's helping to calm passengers or providing additional information on the problem, your proactive stance can be invaluable. It shows you're not just passing on information but are also part of the team working towards a resolution. This collaborative attitude is essential in aviation where teamwork can often be the key to managing crises.

6 Monitor Situation

After communicating the issue, continue to monitor the situation and provide updates if necessary. If the problem worsens or new symptoms arise, promptly inform the appropriate crew member. Continuous monitoring not only helps in managing the issue but also provides the crew with real-time information that can be critical for decision-making as they coordinate with ground maintenance teams or prepare for emergency procedures.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?