Canadian Armed Forces Military Personnel Instruction 02/04 – Selection, Training, and Employment of Flight Stewards and Flight Attendants

1. Identification

Date of Issue: 2004-03-23

Date of Modification: 2024-12-01

Application: This Canadian Armed Forces Instruction applies to all Non-Commissioned Members (NCMs) of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Supersession: ADM(HR-MIL) Instr 03/01 13 July 2001

Approval Authority: Chief of Military Personnel (CMP)

Enquiries: Administrative Response Centre (ARC)

2. Background

2.1 Flight Stewards are members of the Steward and Cook military occupations who volunteer for and fill specified aircrew positions. Flight Attendants are members of any military occupation (MOC) who volunteer for and may fill specified aircrew positions.

3. General

3.1 This instruction provides information applicable to the selection, training and employment of both Flight Stewards and Flight Attendants.

4. Duties

4.1 Flight Stewards (Cook/Steward MOCs): Prepare and serve all types of meals and beverages while airborne; purchase food and supplies and account for them; maintain the cleanliness of the galley and aircraft interior; perform tasks associated with passenger comfort and safety; respond to onboard emergencies; operate aircraft ancillary, emergency and survival equipment; carry out any special in-flight instructions of the Aircraft Captain/Loadmaster; and provide general information.

4.2 Flight Attendants (Any MOC): Perform tasks associated with passenger safety and comfort; have a knowledge of in-flight feeding; respond to onboard emergencies; operate aircraft ancillary, emergency and survival equipment; carry out any special in-flight instructions of the Aircraft Captain/Loadmaster; perform pre-flight duties such as assisting passengers with children; and provide general information.

5. Eligibility Standards

5.1 To be eligible for Flight Steward/Flight Attendant selection, a candidate must be medically fit to a minimum classification 333334. Applicants must have immunization procedures complete in accordance with CFAO 34-18 Disease Control – Immunization, and be in possession of an International Certificate of Vaccination; have a minimum of three years remaining in present engagement on completion of the course; be recommended by their Commanding Officer (CO); be a Sergeant, Master Corporal, Corporal or Private QL5; a Canadian citizen; be security cleared to Level 2; and have a record of satisfactory work performance and good conduct. An ability to communicate in both official languages will be an asset.

6. Process

6.1 COs or delegated officers must interview candidates and refer all eligible candidates to the nearest Base Personnel Selection Officer (BPSO) for processing. Prior to forwarding the candidate’s file to the BPSO, the unit CO must ensure form CF 2018 – Sick Report has been included and signed by a Flight Surgeon awarding a current B2 medical and an Air Factor (AF) 4. The candidate’s unit file must then be forwarded to the BPSO to arrive before the candidate is to be assessed. BPSOs must:

1. assess the candidate for suitability for Flight Steward or Flight Attendant employment in accordance with current Personnel Selection Directives. Results must be recorded on form CF 285, Personnel Selection Report, together with appropriate recommendations;
2. return the candidate’s file and recommendations accompanied by the original form CF 285 to the member’s unit commanding officer; and
3. the unit commanding officer must forward form CF 285, the signed consent to serve form, conduct sheet and recommendation to NDHQ/DMilC. When Flight Steward/Flight Attendant positions become available, candidate names will be forwarded to 1 CAD HQ/A3 LM Rdns in order to coordinate Aeromedical Training qualification. The applications will be reviewed and final selection will be made at NDHQ upon completion of Aeromedical training. All successful candidates will be informed regarding course commencement dates and administrative details by DMilC 2-STWD. Candidates not selected will be advised.

7. Training

7.1 CC150 Polaris training consists of 3 phases:

1. Phase I – 16 academic training days at 426 (T) Sqn, Trenton;
2. Phase II – 21 flying training days at 426 (T) Sqn, Trenton; and
3. Phase III – 45 flying training days with 437 (T) Sqn, Trenton.

7.2 CC144 Challenger training consists of 2 phases:

1. Phase I – 16 academic training days at 426(T) Sqn, Trenton (under development, training days are approximate); and
2. Phase II – 60 flying training days at 412 (T) Sqn, Ottawa (under development, training days are approximate).

7.3 Operational status must be achieved on completion of Phase III training for the CC150 and Phase II of the CC144 training. Occupation Specialty Qualification code is assigned to all trainees who successfully complete training. Personnel selected for Flight Steward or Flight Attendant training at 426 (T) Sqn must have the following items in their possession: Form 2018 (Sick Report) indicating a current B2 medical annotated with Air Factor 4 and signed by a flight surgeon, valid to the end of the course; a current Aeromedical Training Record card indicating that the student has completed aeromedical training; identity disc (CFAO 26-4, Identity Disc); identity card; sports clothing complete with running shoes and swim suit; and travel claim with return transportation arranged for by parent unit.

8. Employment

8.1 On completion of CC150 training, Flight Stewards and Flight Attendants may be posted to a designated position at 437(T) Sqn Trenton. Flight Stewards on the CC144 aircraft are normally second tour aircrew who have prior Flight Steward experience. Flight Stewards are posted to 412(T) Sqn Ottawa prior to undertaking any training. Posting as a Flight Steward or Flight Attendant will normally be for a three-year tour with possibility of one-year extension subject to member’s request, CO’s recommendation and NDHQ/DMilC approval.

9. Entitlements

9.1 Flight Stewards and Flight Attendants are entitled to wear the Flight Crew Badge in accordance with CFAO 55-10, Award of Canadian Forces Flying and Specialist Skill Badges; and to Air crew Allowance in accordance with QR&O 205.32 Air crew Allowance and CFAO 205-25, Environmental Allowances.

10. Terms of Service

10.1 Flight Steward or Flight Attendant employment does not involve a change in military occupation. On termination of flight duties, members will be returned for employment in their MOC. The normal promotion policy as prescribed in CFAO 49-4 Career Policy Non-Commissioned Members – Regular Force, will continue to apply during the member’s employment as a Flight Steward or Flight Attendant.

11. Coordination

11.1 Flight Steward and Flight Attendant positions are the responsibility of A3 LM Coord at 1 CAD Headquarters Winnipeg. Manning of Flight Steward and Flight Attendant billets is the responsibility of DMilC 2 Steward.

12. References

Acts, Regulations, Central Agency Policies and Associated DAOD

• QR&O 205.32, Air Crew Allowance 

Other References

• CFAO 26-4, Identity Discs (this document can only be accessed on the DWAN)
• CFAO 34-18, Disease Control – Immunization (this document can only be accessed on the DWAN)
• CFAO 49-4, Career Policy Non-Commissioned Members Regular Force (this document can only be accessed on the DWAN)
• CFAO 55-10, The Creation and Awarding of Canadian Forces Flying and Specialist Skill Badges (this document can only be accessed on the DWAN)
• CFAO 205-25, Environmental Allowances (this document can only be accessed on the DWAN)
• CF 285, Personnel Selection Report (this document can only be accessed on the DWAN)
• CF 2018, Sick Report (this document can only be accessed on the DWAN)