Growing together - Kapers

Against all apprehension,
my transition from the
regional fleet to longhaul
was totally harmonious.
I have to say I only
received positive vibes
from cabin and flight
deck crews. From the
very start, through ups
and downs, the crew has
always been very supportive.
And still is.
6
MY experiences
I will never forget the day before my first long-haul flight. I remember it like it
was yesterday. I was at my friend’s place trying to neglect my nervousness in
denial of my fear.
As time went by I felt relaxed and encouraged
for my next step into the big world. But I
still felt very uncertain of what was coming
and of what I gave myself into. I had so many
questions. How will the crew meet me, how
will I perform? A real nervous wreck, as some
may call it. Some would say have a drink and
relax. I was just another newcomer, nervous,
excited and at the same time afraid of the
new.
When I realized that there was nothing to be
afraid of, my phone rang. It was my instructor.
At first my heart stood still, I started to get
nervous and uncertain again. But why, why
did I feel so “small”? As we talked I started to
realize that it would all turn out great. My
question-marks disappeared and my fear turned
into excitement. Finally, I was ready for
my big day.
Check-in, briefing, security check, before I
noticed I was on a wide body aircraft. And
this time not as a passenger! I should work
and be in total control of what I was doing.
Not that I did not know what I was doing but
now we were on our way to Bombay and not
just to Düsseldorf. My reptile brain switched
on and I worked like I had never worked
before.
Once the service was over, which went extraordinarily
well, considering that Indian people
just shake their heads when you ask them
something, we went through all details
together.
We had a closer look at the galley, which I
should be able to master on my next flight.
Equipment, PA, VCC, resetting the entertainment
system, business, first class - I had to
know it all.
After getting a perspective of this big “bird” I
really felt relaxed. Slowly but certainly I started
to get confidence.
When my duty was over I went on to chat
with the passengers and with the crew. I had
an espresso in first class and pulled off some
of my great jokes. I loved it. I was in the right
place. And it was going to get better, I knew
it.
And I was right; I have been on the long-haul
fleet for a bit more than one year. Last week
I was privileged to receive an upgrading to
business class, soon to become an F/A 2.
Against all apprehension, my transition from
the regional fleet to long-haul was totally harmonious.
I have to say I only received positive
vibes from cabin and flight deck crews.
From the very start, through ups and downs,
the crew has always been very supportive.
And still is.
I still enjoy being a globetrotter and do not
plan to give it up as I am taking the professional
exam next spring.
Aurelie Clement
THE TYGER TABLE VILLA’S
CAPE TOWN Guesthouse
Special f r KAPERS Staff
family & friends
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