Contents:

AFA Safety/Security Committee Report, 3/22/02

EOW Operations without EOW Equipment

Flight Attendants have expressed concern that we are operating aircraft on the Caribbean routes without over-water equipment.  The Safety Committee has spoken with the FAA and ALPA Safety about this issue.  We have been assured that the waiver to operate in this manner is standard industry practice when a carrier has proven the reliability of engines and aircraft, operational capabilities, and a satisfactory safety record.  The FAA inspects each individual aircraft used for this operation to ensure the appropriate navigational aids and equipment are installed and operational.

The RET 2002 program is a one-day classroom program beginning May 1.

 * Home Study Workbook and Video:

Flight Attendants are required to complete the Home Study Workbook prior to attending class.  The reduction to a one-day program is allowed because the workbook represents 6:00 of training.  You will be paid 3:00, pay no credit, for completing the workbook.  It may take up to 8:00 to complete the workbook so allow time to accomplish this.

Flight Attendants must pick up and sign off for the Home Study Workbook and videotape at any base no more than one month before you are scheduled for RET.  These should be available in early April.

The Flight Attendant must bring the completed workbook, video, and emergency manual to class.  The video will be turned into Inflight Training.

If a Flight Attendant does not have a video tape player, they can use one at a training center, the local library, or in the crew room.

 * Written Exam:

The first thing you will probably do in class is take a written exam on the material contained in the workbook and video.  You must score 90% or better and one retake is allowed at the end of the day.  All answers to workbook questions can be found in our manual or in the video.  Answer keys for the workbook questions can be found on the Hub or you can go to a training center to review it.

 * Exit Operation Proficiency Checks:

As in the past F/As are expected to demonstrate 100% proficiency on qualified exits for normal and emergency door operation.  As you complete this process, you will NOT be expected to recite commands verbatim.  We recommend, however, that you practice your commands during the proficiency checks.

 * Emergency Evacuation Drill:

You will be expected to demonstrate 90% proficiency on actions AND commands (you can only miss one command or one action, not one of each).  Note: Since the program is still in the development stage, this may change.
 
If you have questions, contact your supervisor or an Inflight training center.

President Bush signed the Transportation and Aviation Security Act in January.  The Act requires updated security training for airline crewmembers.  The Company has asked the TSA (Transportation Security Administration, formerly known as FAA Security) for a waiver to circumvent their obligation to provide this training for all crewmembers within the required 180-day of compliance.

AFA is working diligently with the TSA and Inflight to ensure that flight attendants receive security training as it is intended by the Act.  This includes classroom instruction and basic self-defense training.  We will keep you posted.