Flight Training Blog

Erika enrolled at our 2-week Cabin Crew course, after deciding to pursue her passion for aviation.

1. What inspired you to become a Cabin Crew?

I have been highly inspired since my early teenage days. I think many people working in aviation were tempted to travel, but we probably all know it’s not all about that. Of course, I won’t say that it wasn’t the case for me either, but honestly, I have enjoyed being around people all the time since childhood. I started working in customer service very early and always enjoyed it, so traveling plus people sounded like a perfect match for me. Also, uniforms were too pretty not to try them on! 🙂 I have always wanted to look like a flight attendant.

2. Why did you choose BAA Training as a training provider?

I chose BAA Training because I saw a lot of advertisements everywhere, and it looked so modern and inviting. Then I saw an Open Door Day was being organized, and I decided to go and take a look. But the moment I arrived, I knew it was my place, which felt like home already.

3. Can you share your experience training with us? What aspects of the training were particularly valuable for your career as a Cabin Crew?

My experience during the training was memorable. In my opinion, this academy stands out because of the professionalism of its instructors in the first place. Secondly, I really enjoyed the planning; everything had its place and time. Knowing aviation and its unpredictability sometimes, it’s usually hard to maintain that. 

4. Are there any instructors at BAA Training who significantly impacted your training and eventual career? What did you learn from them?

Every single instructor had a huge impact on my journey. I learned a lot from them, and I am glad I made the great choice of the academy. Each instructor motivated me in their own different way. They have a lot of diverse experience, and it was incredible to see how passionately yet very professionally they shared it with us. I had to conquer my fears, and they helped me immensely with that.

5. Which of the subjects did you like most and why?

Honestly, I liked many subjects, such as:

• General theoretical knowledge of aviation and aviation regulations, duties and responsibilities of Cabin Crew
• Communication
• Passenger handling and cabin surveillance
• Dangerous goods

In addition, there are some subjects that I’d like to highlight and elaborate a bit on.

• Survival

This subject was the most terrifying for me because I had always been afraid of water and never knew how to swim. However, I realized I had no choice but to overcome this fear somehow. So, as soon as I knew I would begin training, I started taking swimming lessons to prepare myself for this part. It was the most challenging because even getting in the pool took me eight days, and I’m not even speaking about swimming through the whole pool alone. Now I can say that my wishes were bigger than my fears, so I managed to achieve that, and I’m so happy that Loreta was my survival training instructor. She was so kind and understanding; I’ll always be thankful for that. 

• Fire and smoke, aero-medical aspects and first aid

This subject was very interesting because it was a new experience: I had never tried to extinguish fire or rescue someone from smoke before. But it gave me the courage I had never known I needed.

• Introductory course on human factors (HF) and crew resource management (CRM)

This one was my favorite subject of all. It was exciting to learn about the most critical aspects of aviation’s biggest tragedies, their causes, and what to do so they never repeat. This subject made me understand that in aviation, every little detail is so important and that we must be very attentive and careful with everything – one minor thing can make a massive impact on everyone’s lives. Undoubtedly, communication is key.

• General security aspects in aviation

This subject was the most difficult for me from a theoretical aspect. All the terms were hard to memorize, but I’m happy with what I learned, which challenged me to push harder.

6. Are you flying as a Cabin Crew now?

Yes, I’m currently working in a company, and I’m on duty in Georgia at the moment.

7. What three things do you like most about your job?

Crew, passengers, and views.

8. How many countries have you visited so far? What is your favorite destination and why?

I started as a Cabin Crew just recently, and our company is doing only contracts, no commercial flights, so only a few places: Georgia, Tunis, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. Hands down, my favorite destination is Georgia. I enjoy working here. They have amazingly friendly people, interesting culture, melodious language, great weather, and mouthwatering food! I would even be interested in moving here for a long time. 

9. What are your long-term career plans and goals?

Before even starting I always said that I wanted to try at least. It didn’t matter to me for how long – it could have been only one trip to make me happy. But the time passes very fast. It’s already four months, and it doesn’t feel like it. It seems that I have just finished my training. For now, I don’t really have long-term plans because, unfortunately, I face some difficulties in this industry because of my tattoos. So, I don’t have a lot of opportunities or options to choose from. Nevertheless, I’m just trying to appreciate what I have now. Of course, one day, I will try something big, but at the moment, I need to be humble about that and hope that the situation changes shortly. While some airlines may have strict policies regarding visible tattoos for cabin crew, there are others that are more flexible about this aspect.

10. Is it hard to maintain a work/life balance?

I suppose I imagined it to be more difficult, but when I am on duty, I can enjoy myself a little, and I don’t want to waste any minute! Eventually, I want to have a family and live a stable life in Lithuania, not traveling around and leaving my family behind. Right now, I have a boyfriend waiting for me to come home after every trip. It’s not that easy sometimes, but he is very supportive, and I’m so thankful for that. 

11. What advice would you give prospective Cabin Crew members considering studying at BAA Training?

Just do it. There is nothing to think about! The academy is worth every minute you spend there, and there is no place like aviation where you can feel so alive and live your life to the fullest.

Interviewing Erika and hearing her insights was so inspiring that you find yourself unconsciously considering embarking on this career path! If this idea resonates strongly with you, don’t hesitate to join one of our upcoming Cabin Crew groups! The next group starts on December 4th, with more planned for January 2024 and beyond. Contact us for more information if you’re interested!