SOP F/D Cabin Communication and Signals

Question 1

GENERAL AIRCRAFT BOARDING

Answer 1

Cabin crew will confirm with captain before boarding
Pre-boarding starts at least 25 mins before departure.

Question 2

PRIOR TO DOOR CLOSING

Answer 2

FA confirms passenger count and zones with Capt.
Main door stays OPEN until:
-All passengers seated.
-Carry-ons stowed.
-Cockpit door closed.

Question 3

PRE-TAKEOFF

Answer 3

Cabin inspected, then via interphone: “CABIN SECURE” reported to flight deck.
Flight deck signals cabin crew takeoff is imminent.
Cabin crew must be seated, signaled by:
-SEATBELT SIGN OFF & ON
-PA announcement: “CABIN CREW BE SEATED FOR TAKEOFF”

Question 4

CLIMB 10,000ft

Answer 4

Flight deck signals cabin crew at 10,000ft with one chime (seatbelt OFF).
This means:
-Safe to stand up and start service.
-Wireless devices can be used with send/receive features off.

Question 5

IN-FLIGHT TURBULENCE

Answer 5

Light turbulence expected/encountered:
Flight deck turns ON FASTEN SEATBELT SIGN. This means:
-Passengers told to be seated and fasten seatbelts.

Turbulence more than light:
FASTEN SEATBELT SIGN cycled OFF/ON once & PA announcement: “CABIN CREW BE SEATED”. This means:
-Passengers and cabin crew told to be seated and fasten seatbelts.
In-Charge advised of anticipated timing and when safe to resume duties.

Unanticipated turbulence:
FASTEN SEATBELT SIGN turned ON & PA announcement for passengers and cabin crew to take their seats and fasten seatbelts immediately.
In-Charge advised when safe to resume duties.

Question 6

DESCENT 10,000 FT

Answer 6

When descending past 10,000 ft:
-Turn FASTEN SEATBELT SIGN ON.
-Make PA announcement: “CABIN CREW PREPARE FOR LANDING”
-If seatbelt sign already ON due to turbulence, cycle it OFF/ON.
Before landing:
-Inspect cabin.
-Report “CABIN SECURE” to flight deck via interphone.

Question 7

LANDING

Answer 7

When Gear Down:
Flight deck signals cabin that landing is imminent.
Signal is either:
-SEATBELT SIGN OFF & ON
-PA announcement: “CABIN CREW BE SEATED FOR LANDING”

Question 8

OPENING OF DOORS

Answer 8

When engines stopped and plane parked at gate:
Flight deck turns SEATBELT SIGN OFF. This means:
-Main door can be opened.
-Passengers can stand up.

Question 9

NON-CREWMEMBER ATTEMPTING TO BREACH THE FLIGHT DECK

Answer 9

If someone tries to open or enter the flight deck:
-Any crew member shouts “DOOR, DOOR, DOOR”
-This signals to close and protect the flight deck door.

Question 10

FLIGHT DECK/CABIN COMMUNICATION SWITCHES

Answer 10

Ordinance sign: single or double tone
CALL button on pedestal: chime sound
3 call buttons between flight deck and flight attendants:
-CALL: Normal use, green light, ONE Hi/Lo chime
-EMERG: Emergency, red flashing light, THREE Hi/Lo chimes
-PA: Cabin announcement, green light, no chime

Question 11

TESTRA

Answer 11

TESTRA briefings:
Done by Capt, if not, FO
FO on PA: “IN-CHARGE, COMMUNICATE WITH THE FLIGHT DECK”
Cabin crew expects TESTRA briefing after abnormal/emergency

TESTRA format:
Capt asks if in-charge is ready
If not emergency, but requires turn back:
-Full TESTRA, emphasis on NO CABIN PREPARATION

TESTRA details:
TYPE OF EVENT:
-Abnormal: FA on high alert, no cabin prep
-Emergency: Cabin prep done (brace call), even if no evacuation planned
EVACUATION (emergency only):
-No or Yes
-If yes, specify LAND or DITCH
-If possibility exists, state it’s required for cabin prep
SIGNALS:
-Standard (on PA) or Alternate (Interphone if PA not working)
TIME:
-Time remaining before landing/ditching
-Cabin crew needs to understand intentions, especially if normal landing or runway stop needed
RELOCATION:
-Of passengers, as directed by situation or captain/in-charge
ANNOUNCEMENT ON PA:
-Capt informs passengers, minimizes anxiety, avoids false info
-Use phrases like “technical problem”, not “engine failure”
Questions: Ask if any questions