Writer

Amy Laboda

Even within the Fortune 50 flight departments, the question still arises sometimes as to whether or not cabin crew is required on board. In fact, if you have fewer than 19 passengers and the flight is operating under Part 91 or Part 135, the regulations do not require a third crewmember. But many of the lead flight attendants and cabin service managers who attended the FAC asked if that is smart. Some even voiced the desire for FAA regulations demanding a third crew member for any jet that has an mtow of more than 12,500 pounds.


Jay Evans, NBAA’s director of professional development, chimed in here, explaining, “We don’t go asking the FAA for regulation, as a general rule. More regulation by the government rarely solves issues like this in aviation. It is better if we work the problem through our association professional development, IS-BAO auditing and self-regulation processes to bring the industry up to standard.” His position was that self-regulation gives flight departments more control over the issues.