Gilbert B Norman wrote:Mr. Hogger, I believe the Forum will accept your clarification. I know I do.
Now what I'm waiting to see is some "Lorenzo" type airline CEO start staffing his flights with FAA Certified and under Hours of Service Attendants only to the extent needed (I believe it is 1 to 50 seats). Any others would be non-qualified "Servers" not subject to HOS and, for an overseas flight, turned with the aircraft. Not alert?; we'll kids, best be alert and smiling!!! Otherwise, guess what: you "Finito".
I doubt that there are many flights staffed over and above that required by the FAA (1:50 is correct). However, to paraphrase the old iPhone slogan, if an airline wants to staff a flight with some non-operating people, there's a reg for that.
Basically, any "non-F/A" personnel must be clearly identified as such by uniform, ID, or some other means. They can be used for duties such as such as serving beverages, conducting customer relations, or acting as translators. The non-F/A person's duties may not include the typical duties of the F/A. Non-F/A personnel may not operate any aircraft systems included galley equipment, HVAC, or the PA system. Just like passengers, they must remain seated on the ground and during take off and landing.
Bottom line: there is no great benefit for an airline to add any non-F/A personnel to a flight. If four flight attendants are required by regulation, and some crazy airline decides to put six on board, the extra two must be clearly identified and will be greatly limited in the services they can perform if the airline wants them to operate outside the normal requirements for operating personnel. Otherwise, all six are flight attendants and subject to all applicable regulations for operating personnel, included hours of service and rest.