B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 119
No Specific Anomaly Occurred All Types
General None Reported / Taken
Company Policy; Staffing
I was very surprised to find that all three flight attendants (FA) assigned to work the Boeing 737-700 from were conducting their first flight. The three new flight attendants were incredibly personable and did their best to operate the trip as they were trained; but as all of us can attest when we are new to a position; there is a big difference between learning something in training and putting it to practice in the real world. I do not know what the training footprint or scheduling rules are for FAs; but I was incredibly surprised to learn this was even legal. Yes; the FAs are trained for safety events; but would three brand new FAs be able to manage the cabin well? I would greatly appreciate more insight into the FA training footprint; what their level of OE is before being signed off; and would love to see a no all-low-time crew restriction. Even having just one experienced flight attendant; even one with just 100 hours or so; would have been extremely helpful for providing much better service and ensuring the highest level of safety. Additionally; I would suggest that if those procedures are not going to be changed; then at a minimum an all-new-FA crew should be assigned to a longer flight; not one with barely a 1hr flying time.
B737 Captain reports that all three flight attendants assigned to work his flight were on their first flight out of training. FAR 121.434 (operating experience; operating cycles; and consolidation of knowledge and skills) only lists a 'consolidation of knowledge and skills' requirement; after completion of initial operating experience; for PIC and SIC; none for Flight Attendants.