CabinsInTheSky

Words alone can't fully capture my gratitude following Ohio Regional Business Aviation Association annual conference last week, but I'll start there. I'm deeply thankful for the cabin attendants who attended in person, supporting not just me, but our industry and one another, as well as those who contributed in other ways. A special thanks to Mike Smith and Mike Christie, Jr. for providing me the opportunity to speak about the critical role cabin attendants play in ensuring safety within our industry. I'm also grateful for the familiar faces and new connections who expressed genuine interest in our discussions, as well as the panelists who shared their expertise and engaged us in thought-provoking dialogue about key areas of business aviation. The conversation around cabin attendants and our role in safety and operations has only just begun, and I’m confident it will continue to evolve. There was so much more I wanted to say during my discussion, but that’s a good sign—it means we’ve opened the door to further dialogue. ORBAA’s annual event was exceptional, one of the best-organized conferences I’ve attended in a long time. If you're based in Ohio, I highly encourage you to connect with me or another member of ORBAA to get involved. It's a welcoming, insightful community that fosters growth and connection. If you’re outside Ohio, find your local aviation organization. The networking opportunities, camaraderie, and motivation to learn and excel are invaluable. Thank you again to everyone at ORBAA for an incredible experience!

Part 2 of our "Private in Private Aviation" series is all about the impact of social media on the industry. While it has brought incredible benefits—raising awareness, inspiring newcomers, and fostering a sense of community—it also comes with challenges. This job is truly unique, and it’s tempting to share everything because of how proud we are of our work. However, it's crucial to be selective in what we post. Oversharing can have unintended consequences, affecting not just us, but our company and guests as well. And listen - I'm not perfect. I know that I've crossed the line and there are posts or things I've shared that I'd like to take back. But the ability to recognize it is what's important and to learn.

One of the most common anxieties for new cabin attendants is the uncertainty around their first flight. Even before starting the job search, they often think, “What if I don’t ask the right questions?” It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you don’t know what you don’t know. This concern isn’t limited to newcomers; experienced contractors can fall into the trap of complacency when working with a new client or company, potentially missing crucial details before a trip. That's why I created the First Flight Cheat Sheet, a comprehensive guide featuring 36 critical questions to clarify everything from operational expectations to safety procedures and guest preferences. This guide helps you understand what’s expected, ensure seamless communication, and confidently manage any situation. Each flight department, company, and crew operates differently, so whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned contractor, it’s essential to ask the right questions. Never assume—clarify upfront because communication is key to doing the job right and securing future opportunities. Download the guide now to ensure you’re prepared and confident, no matter where your career takes you! ??https://lnkd.in/gXvmBkUC

I’m launching a 3-part series on the “private” in private aviation, exploring essential but hard-to-teach nuances. The first topic is discernment—a key skill, especially for cabin attendants who spend the most time with guests. With our access to vast amounts of information, our decisions on what to share and what to withhold are crucial. Our judgment can impact crew and guest safety, rapport, and career longevity. Although discernment doesn’t offer instant rewards, mastering it can build a lasting and resilient career in private aviation.

Many people hesitate to reveal their authentic selves and personalities while onboard, and I understand why. We are trained to exercise discernment, adapt to guests’ unspoken desires, and maintain a high level of professionalism. While this is essential, it’s equally important to find opportunities to let our true personalities shine. From personal experience, I know that my unique traits are what make me a great fit for the account I work on and with my crew. We often hear about jobs seeking “the right fit,” but how can employers truly assess that if we don’t show them who we are as individuals? By being true to ourselves, we build trust with our clients, which in turn fosters a better connection. People can easily sense inauthenticity, but genuine, authentic individuals make a lasting impression. ??https://lnkd.in/g9g8bFuS

In private aviation, a thorough understanding of aviation fundamentals is crucial for cabin attendants. It’s about more than just safety; it demonstrates our dedication to the industry. Through my 1:1 sessions and the Get Started program, I’ve identified a real need for foundational knowledge among crew members. Being fluent in aviation terminology enables us to engage confidently with colleagues, excel in networking, succeed in interviews, and elevate guest interactions. Let’s strive to be more than attendants who merely show up. Don’t be the one who leaves a minimal or negative impression on the crew. Instead, aim to make a positive impact on every flight. By committing to continual learning, we can set a higher standard and shape a stronger cabin attendant community.

We’ve all had doubts throughout our careers, especially as cabin attendants. One of the most common concerns I hear? “I don’t live in the right area.” Sure, you might need to relocate for a job opportunity at some point, but it’s not a hard rule. Let’s debunk this myth, shall we? Are there better or worse locations for private aviation? Absolutely! Major cities like New York, LA, and South Florida are naturally bigger hubs for our industry. But that doesn’t mean you can’t build a successful career without living in a major metropolis. Major cities present themselves with their owns sets of challenges. One key guideline I follow is to live within two hours of a major airport, for a few important reasons: 1) It makes airlining between locations much easier when needed. 2) Major airports typically have smaller, executive airports nearby. If you work for a home-based operation, living reasonably close to these airports allows your company to airline you to your rotation start and end points. You can live in a small town as long as you’re within 90 minutes to two hours of these airports. Another reason you don’t *have* to live in a major city is that there are local and regional aviation groups you can join to network and find work. Smaller cities also have executive airports, some with large aircraft that need cabin attendants. So, using the excuse of living in a “bad area” is just that—an excuse. It might require more effort on your part to make yourself marketable, and available, and to research your options, but it’s definitely doable! ??https://lnkd.in/g9g8bFuS

The reason your “strategy” for building a career in private aviation isn’t working is simple: It’s not really a strategy. There’s no discipline, no habits, no clear game plan. You’re sending out resumes into the void, making one-off connections without any follow-up, and when you network with peers, it’s with a “what can they do for me?” mindset. You’re not scheduling regular calls, attending meetings, or showing up for in-person networking events. See where I’m going with this? There’s no intention behind your actions, and without intention, there’s no real strategy. ??Cue the frustration and desperation!?? This leads to a lack of confidence, last-ditch attempts, and eventually burning out. This is *exactly* the opposite of what you’re aiming for, right? People can sense this from a mile away. But what if I told you that you could start building a solid career in just a few weeks? You could establish real habits, structure, and a long-term career path as a cabin attendant and beyond. That’s exactly what CabinsInTheSky’s “Get Started” program is all about. Whether you’ve been in the industry for a while and aren’t seeing the success you hoped for, or you’re a new CFA tired of endlessly scrolling through reels, YouTube videos, and spending thousands on unnecessary training—what you’re looking for is real guidance. You need someone who’s been through it all to show you exactly what to do and how to do it, helping you carve out your own path to success. This four-week program is designed to launch your career in private aviation, equipping you with the essential professional skills and habits you need for a sustainable and thriving career as a cabin attendant. Ready to get started? ????https://lnkd.in/gF4qf56H

“HELP! I’m new here. What kind of jobs should I be applying to?” – I see this question at least ten times a day on various social media platforms. And honestly, it’s a valid concern. When you’re just starting out, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information, making it seem like choosing the right career path is a life-or-death decision, or if it's even an OPTION. The truth is - there's no right or wrong answer. In my view, starting your career with a Part 135 operator offers the chance to gain a tremendous amount of experience in a relatively short period. You’ll work on a variety of aircraft, collaborate with different crews, travel the world, and face more challenges than you could ever anticipate. During this time, you’ll learn, stumble, succeed, and simultaneously build your skillset and confidence. There ARE companies out there willing to give green cabin attendants a chance, and there are companies that actually look for this specifically. By being open and transparent with hiring managers, pilots, and those in the decision-making seat, you're allowing them to help set you up for success for the right opportunities for you. ??https://lnkd.in/g9g8bFuS

The interview is wrapping up, you’re ready to relax, and then they ask if YOU have any questions for them! You panic, wanting it to end, and say, "Nope, I'm all good!"—only for a million questions to pop into your head the moment you leave. We all know there are some topics best avoided in the first interview, like pay, vacation, and benefits, unless they bring it up. So, what *should* you ask? Swipe through to see examples of great questions to ask the hiring managers at the end of your interview. Let's prepare for your next interview??https://lnkd.in/g3Q-gAgu