Summary
Steward’s role
During the flight
The steward is at the service of travelers. Guarantor of everyone’s safety, the flight personnel explain the safety instructions and are responsible for intervening to provide first aid if necessary. It serves meals and drinks. He sells duty-free products and manages their inventory.
Lifestyle
The steward has a particular rhythm of life:
- irregular working hours;
- time differences;
- sudden changes in climate;
- prolonged standing…
To note : depending on the company, a steward can become: purser, principal purser or instructor. Places for these positions are limited.
How to become a steward?
To exercise this profession in a French airline, you must hold the Certificate of Safety Training (CFS). Issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), the CFS includes:
- 100 hours of theoretical training;
- 35 hours of practical training.
Before preparing for the CFS, future candidates must obtain a medical fitness certificate. It is paid for and issued by one of the aircrew medical expertise centers (CEMPN), with the obligation to renew it every 2 years.
How much does a steward earn?
According to the companies, the average gross monthly salary at the start of a career can reach €1,600 per month, to which must be added long-haul flight bonuses and transport allowances.
At the end of his career, a steward can hope to earn €3,500.
Qualifications needed to become a steward
Speech, courtesy, a sense of service and responsibility are necessary. Without forgetting the practice of one or more foreign languages.
Content updated on 07/13/2012