When you’re flying at 35,000 feet, the last thing you want to think about is what would happen if something went wrong in the cockpit. But have you ever wondered if flight attendants are trained to take control of the plane in an emergency? While it’s a question that might cross your mind during a flight, the answer is more complex than you might think. Here’s what you need to know about the role of flight attendants and whether they could land the plane if it came down to it.

Flight attendant training: a focus on safety, not flying

Flight attendants undergo extensive training, but their primary focus is on ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers. This includes emergency procedures, first aid, fire-fighting, and evacuations, but not piloting an aircraft. While they are trained to assist in the cockpit if needed, their role is to support the pilots, not replace them.

Understanding basic cockpit operations

Though flight attendants are not trained to fly planes, they are familiar with the cockpit environment. They learn basic operations such as how to communicate with air traffic control and how to operate certain cockpit controls in emergencies. However, this knowledge is far from what’s needed to actually land a plane.

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View of the cockpit of Boeing 737.
Photo: Radzaman/Getty Images

The role of auto-pilot and air traffic control

In modern commercial aircraft, autopilot systems can handle much of the flying, but they require a trained pilot to set up and monitor. In an extreme emergency, air traffic controllers can guide someone in the cockpit through the landing process, but this would be a highly stressful and challenging situation, even for someone familiar with the basics.

The reality: landing a plane requires specific skills

Piloting an aircraft is a complex skill that takes years to master. While flight attendants are incredibly knowledgeable about many aspects of aviation, their expertise lies in managing the cabin and handling emergencies, not in flying. The ability to safely land a plane requires precise knowledge of the aircraft’s systems, as well as experience in handling various flying conditions.

Commercial Airplane Landing.
Photo: dimaberlinphotos

What happens if a pilot becomes incapacitated?

In the unlikely event that a pilot is unable to fly, the responsibility would fall to the co-pilot, who is equally trained to land the plane. If both pilots were incapacitated (an extremely rare scenario), a flight attendant could communicate with air traffic control for guidance, but the chances of successfully landing without proper training are slim. The best hope in such a situation would be for a passenger with flying experience to step in.

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Why flight attendants are not trained pilots

Airlines prioritise specialised training for different roles to ensure the highest levels of safety. Pilots and flight attendants are both highly trained, but in very different areas. While it may seem logical to train flight attendants to fly, the level of expertise required to safely operate and land a plane means it’s simply not feasible. Instead, flight attendants focus on what they do best – keeping passengers safe and calm during all stages of flight.

JetBlue Flight Attendant qualifications.
Photo: Anna Beilin | YouTube

Conclusion: a team effort in the skies

While flight attendants are not trained to land planes, their role in ensuring passenger safety is crucial. They work closely with pilots, handling everything from in-flight emergencies to passenger needs, allowing pilots to focus on flying. If you’re curious about the skills flight attendants bring to the job, or considering a career in this field, understanding these distinctions is key.

Curious about what else flight attendants are trained to do? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below, or join our cabin crew forum to connect with experienced flight attendants who can answer all your questions about the role and what it takes to succeed in the skies.