From CFA to Business Mogul, It Can Happen to You!

Do you have dreams of owning your own business, or have goals that you have yet to achieve because they interfere with work? At VVIP there are Corporate Flight Attendants who have achieved becoming self made entrepreneurs, and who have given this lots of thought. One specifically, who chased her dream relentlessly, and said being a CFA allowed her to do it!

When it comes to a job that allows you the flexibility to experience personal growth and reach your fullest potential being a CFA tops the list. Many career paths are full time Monday through Friday 12 month positions that make it difficult to go to school, pursue other job skills training, or pursue personal goal objectives, but working as a CFA isn’t one of them. As a matter of fact, it is one of the best positions you could have for flexibility and income.

Many have found fulfilling their dreams was more easily attainable while working as a CFA. Sure it’s hard work and you have to put in your time, but the schedule can be different than your average 9-5. While there are many CFA’s who work a concrete schedule, there are those whose arrangement gives them time to explore other opportunities. With that time they have found endless chances to both create and recreate themselves. These CFA’s are proof that you can work full time and also make progress achieving your personal objectives.

“Working contract you are not on a schedule, so this helps me because while I run my business I can still fly some weekends or take trips whenever I have availability.” Kaelyn DaCosta

CFA’s like Kaely DaCosta are VVIP International success stories. VVIP was established by a CFA, like Kaelyn, who went from CFA to self made entrepreneur. Much like our VVIP CEO Lauren, Kaelyn had a hidden talent and a dream, and like many others she wanted to work and needed the income. Kaelyn realized working as a CFA had a perk that is less boasted about than being able to travel all over the world. She found the schedule, although strenuous, was for her, flexible. CFA’s often complain about the long hours and the 12 days on 10 days off rotations, but the upside for Kaelyn was the 10 days she had off.

“During my 12 days on I totally focused on flying, and all the responsibilities that came with taking care of clients and the aircraft I was assigned to. During my 10 days off, however, I would be working on my own skincare line.” Kaelyn DaCosta

Kaelyn spent many years in the hospitality industry prior to training with VVIP to become a CFA. She was always passionate about health care and maintenance, and working as a CFA made her aware of the importance of self care and the central role it plays in supporting an overall healthy lifestyle. Conscious of how significant self care is Kaelyn went to work at developing her very own skincare line that has had proven success. Kaelyn is a prime example of how to strive for what you want, and what she has accomplished while working as a CFA is affirmation for CFA’s who aspire to be more.

“I will still have opportunities to fly. Once you enter this career and make meaningful relationships, you always will have a door open for you to make some extra income.” Kaelyn DaCosta

There is an advantage to having a career as a CFA and being an entrepreneur. The advantage is that you always have opportunities to work and make money. There are hard times in business when you could use an extra income to stay afloat. As a CFA you have open avenues for earning extra income. Just look at Kaelyn, who is a CFA that has managed to make it, and “have an open door” in aviation.

There are many stories in the industry like Kaelyn’s. There are CFA’s who have gone into business for themselves and those who have pursued higher education career paths they were passionate about, but what they have in common is that being a CFA is what gave them their start and their opportunity to grow. CFA’s are more than people who love to travel and provide hospitality for a living. They’re often people with goals and objectives looking for opportunities who say being a CFA was just their first stop on the way to living their dream.

Let’s Talk Budgets! Pro-tips on Budget Planning for Private Aviation

As CFA’s we have an important task of making the aircraft presentable for our corporate guests. A task which may seem easy, but takes time, money, and a good plan. To make it all happen and come together some CFA’s are often given a budget from which to operate. As we all know it’s never easy to stick to a budget. However, as a CFA you have to make it happen, do it right, and all within the limitations given to you. So how do you stay within your budget and make it appeal to upscale guests who like champagne and caviar? Well we’ll show you how!

We do not just train Flight Attendants to work in Corporate Aviation, we train them to provide safety, service and hospitality to special guests who like champagne and caviar. We train Corporate Flight Attendants to provide service to affluent business persons who are accustomed to receiving deluxe superior service and hospitality, and who can afford it. Let’s keep in mind though that affording doesn’t mean frivolous spenders. In fact, many are frugal and like to see money spent wise. We often use the phrase in private aviation, “spend their money as if it were your own''. Spend moderately and be able to account for your purchases in your expense report. Attention to detail is essential. It’s important to show where the money went. It’s okay to run out to Walmart or Costco, and it’s okay to purchase Lalique when approved, but...

#1 is don’t have a Costco Mind Set. Quality over quantity always!

We’re always interested to talk to others in our field who know what guests are looking for, what owners/operators need, and what will help make a CFA be their best. Our goal is to help CFA’s become the best while meeting demanding needs of the clientele in Corporate Aviation. To find out more about what owners/operators think about Budgets we spoke to Luis A Cruz, CEO of Jetliv Aviation. We asked Luis what he’s experienced CFA's doing that is not required, but has appreciated the most with regards to budget and spending and here is what he said:

“We really appreciate the CFA’s bringing nice treats to the plane (flowers, Macaroons, etc). The Cockpit Crew doesn’t really take time to prepare those little details which make the difference to the passengers and to us.” Luis A. Cruz, CEO of Jetliv

 When you're working as a crew morale is important. When you take time to plan a budget you have the time to plan the little extras that are not only meaningful to your guests, but to your crew as well. Which brings us to our…

#2 Budget pro-tip - You won’t always have the time, but when you do use it to troubleshoot in order to execute on demand. Draft an agenda for yourself and a plan of what you need to make the flight a success for you, the crew and your guests. Remember, they’re all counting on you! You need time to consider pax preferences and time to shop around. Whatever the guests request should be top of your list! You definitely want the best, and don’t want to be cheap, and you can find the best bargains when you take the time to plan. When you shop at the last minute you are forced to settle for what’s available and may miss an important item on your list.

One of the most important aspects of any job is communication. As a CFA you need to maintain good communication with your crew. Truth be told this is the one time when it’s okay to call . Which brings us to…

#3 Communicate, but don’t over communicate! Once you’ve trained and you’re ready to go show them you have what it takes. This is your chance! Make your list, check it twice, and then communicate to make sure you got it right and you got it covered. Keep in contact with operations, pilots, catering and the FBO so come show time everyone looks good.

“I think the most important qualities a CFA’s should have are Professionalism, Proactiveness, Creativity.” Luis A. Cruz, CEO of Jetliv

Our 4th pro-tip is of vital importance. Catering! What do they want? What do they need? How much will it cost? The best thing to do is start with a call to the preferred in-flight catering service. Let them know what you need and they’ll let you know the cost so that you can factor it into your budget. That is how much you set aside automatically to ensure the most important aspect of the entire flight, other than safety, is covered. Good food is of the essence!

Now for #5. Stay within the budget! They say it’s easy to shop on someone else’s dime, but it really isn’t. You want to make sure you got everything but leave a little wiggle room. You don’t want to skip out on the little gifts that give the flight that personal touch and please guests. This is why pro-tip #2 is paramount. Have a solid plan you can work from that allows you to be inventive and original yet stay within your budget. If you won’t take it from us, take it from Luis, who told us:

“As a 135 operator we always want to provide the best available while trying to stay within budget  and never compromising the safety and comfort of the crew, because we all benefit from the company staying healthy and operating.”

As a CFA it’s up to you to bring it all together and make the flight a success. Expect a lot of pressure in the beginning, but if you have what it takes and have undergone training you’ll know exactly what to do. We asked Luis what he thinks is the most important thing for a CFA to consider and he feels CFA’s should be able to handle the cabin without having to ask for help and without having to interrupt the cockpit. Luis said “we (Pilots) need someone that can take care of most situations regarding the Pax and Cabin without telling us, and of course, know that in an emergency situation we can rely on a well trained, assertive, and professional help.” Now you’ve heard it from a professional and us here at VVIP, where we provide CFA’s with the kind of training they need to be successful in this industry. We hope you appreciate our pro-tips and our blog, Notes From The Sky. We also hope that you find them both helpful and that they give you the little extras you need to be successful too!

Talent Is Great, The Right Attitude Is Preferred!

A smile isn’t always good enough. To work in Private Aviation attitude is important, but to work as a Corporate Flight Attendant attitude is everything! Today’s industry is very competitive, so having a good and positive attitude right from the beginning is paramount. People who get the job done and meet expectations are great, but the people who stand out and are considered fantastic are the ones who go the extra mile while getting the job done. Are you a person who can not only fulfill your duties, but can do them with finesse? Perhaps even add that little extra that makes you stand out, or makes you unforgettable? Because that is the real ticket in this industry!

The right attitude is what you really need to be successful as a Corporate Flight Attendant. We “hire attitude, and train skills” as they say. Skills can be taught and trained, but attitude is a learned way of evaluating things that influences behavior. Attitude can be far more important at times than the skills that can be taught on the job to a person with the right attitude and perspective. Now please don’t get me wrong here, of course there are many important key factors to being a CFA, like knowing all of the safety protocols and procedures to ensure the safety of our guests at all times. However, a positive attitude will walk you in the door and make all the difference! Here are a few of the qualities we look for. See if you have what it takes to provide service and hospitality as a Corporate Flight Attendant?

6 Qualities You Need to Work In Hospitality:

★ Must be committed to ensuring guests’ satisfaction

★ Have great communication and people skills

★ Be patient and stay cool

★ Be enthusiastic about the job, and of course possess a good attitude

★ Ability to think on your feet

★ Practice active listening

With a positive outgoing attitude and a commitment to providing good service you can’t go wrong. At VVIP we always tell our trainees how important it is to be empathetic to our guests. You never know what someone is feeling or going through. If there is one thing you should do it’s always put yourself in their shoes. The “Golden Rule” in hospitality is, treat people the way you want to be treated! In hospitality we anticipate the needs of our guests and go above and beyond. Be friendly and generous with a warm disposition. Remember, when it comes to guests in a private industry there is no request that is considered unreasonable. As CFA’s we do our best to ensure that what our guests want they get! Making your guests feel like they are the most important people in the room at all times is the #1 way of showing them you are dedicated to their needs.

“I think attention to details and organization are the most important to us here at JAA. We pride ourselves on getting the details right.” - Jack E. Lambert, President/CEO Jet Access Aviation

When you provide service excellence you exceed the expectation. Do whatever you can to think outside the box and bring new ideas to your crew. Don’t just take it from us, take it from an industry pro like Jack E. Lambert Jr., President/CEO of Jet Access Aviation, who spoke to us. We asked him what he has experienced CFA’s doing that was not required, but that he has appreciated the most, and this is what he had to say:

“Well I think, “thinking outside the box” for starters. We live in a world where we have options at our fingertips. Those options are costly. I believe CFA’s going above and beyond the call of duty, for example- Catering obviously is a big ticket item. I have seen CFA’s, go out and try to find the best of the best and spend the time preparing prior to the flight. Ordering stuff on amazon a few days prior to ensure the clients get taken care is just one example of “thinking outside the box”. That is much appreciated by our staff here at JAA.”

In this industry we look to surpass the standards and expectations and the people who do well are those who give their all to the service and hospitality of our guests.

Why do we love providing service and hospitality as VVIP CFA’s?

★ You get to see the fruits of your labor

★ You work with great people

★ Allows you to develop your professional skills and learn others too

★ The job has excellent mobility so you can expand your career

★ You never know who is going to show up on board

Hospitality is defined as the relationship between a guest and a host, wherein the host receives the guest with goodwill, including the reception and entertainment of guests, visitors,and strangers. It’s all about the art of entertaining and receiving guests.(Hospitality-Wikipedia) Good hospitality isn’t seen or touched because it can be felt. It takes the right person with the right attitude to accomplish that! As CFA’s in private aviation it really is all about providing the best service and hospitality. We are there to handle tasks for guests, so there is the physical labor aspect, but our warmhearted munificent way of interacting with guests while we provide the service is what we look for in CFA’s. Service in hospitality is the level of assistance provided to achieve gratified customers. The attitude for that is attentive, courteous, amiable, and at all times welcoming and understandable. If that is you then you just may have what it takes to become a Corporate Flight Attendant in private aviation.