Easily confused words

There are a lot of words that sound similar and can be easily confused with other words. This article will help you in learning the correct meanings for these confusing words while learning how to correctly use them.

To/Too/Two
“To” is a preposition or part of an infinitive. It introduces a prepositional phrase or comes before a verb. It often answers the question where?
Example: David is going to the supermarket.

“Too” is an adverb meaning either also or very.
Example: Jane felt too confused to ask any questions.
Li Ling lives in London too

“Two” is an adjective; it is the name of a number.
Example: Simon got two A’s in his exams.

Quite/Quit/Quiet
“Quite” is an adverb meaning completely, very, or entirely. It rhymes with “fight.”
Example: The teacher was quite surprised by the student’s answer.

“Quit” is a verb meaning stop or cease. It rhymes with “sit.”
Example: I hope you can quit smoking this time.

“Quiet” is an adjective meaning calm, silent, or noiseless. As a verb, it means soothe or calm. As a noun, it means tranquility or peaceful.
Example: When the professor began handing out the exams, the room suddenly went quiet.

Where/Wear/Were
“Where” is an adverb referring to a place or location.
Example: The father said, “Where do you think you are going, young man?”

“Wear” is a verb that means put on or tire out. When it is a noun, it means weakening.
Example: The kids will wear (tire out) those shoes if they wear (put on) them too often.

“Were” is a verb; it is the plural past tense of be.
Example: The jeans were too tight for him.

Threw/Through/Thru
“Threw” is a verb, the past tense of throw, meaning tossed.
Example: Michael threw the ball for the winning touchdown.

“Through” is an adverb or a preposition meaning in one side and out the other.
Example: The waitress yelled, “Be careful going through the door!”
“Thru” is simply a variation of the word “through”. It is used in very informal writing only; “thru” is never considered correct in formal academic writing!

Passed/Past
“Passed” is a verb, the past tense of pass, meaning transferred, went ahead or by, elapsed, or finished.
Example: The first runner passed (transferred) the baton to the second just as she passed (went by) the stands. Three seconds passed (elapsed) before the next runner came by.

“Past” as a noun means history; as an adjective, it means former.
Example: I must have been a dolphin in a past (former) life.
Avoid digging up the past (history) if possible.

Peace/Piece
“Peace” is a noun meaning tranquility.
“Piece” as a noun means division or creation. As a verb, it means patch, repair.
Example: If you can piece (patch) together the pieces (divisions) of the story, perhaps we can have some peace (tranquility) around here.

Weak/Week
“Weak” is an adjective meaning flimsy, frail, or powerless.
Example: The patient’s heartbeat was so weak (frail) that the doctor was certain he would be dead soon.

“Week” is a noun meaning a period of seven days.
Example: I only have a week to finish the report for my supervisor.

Which/Witch
“Which” is a pronoun dealing with choice. As an adverb, it introduces a subordinate (less important) clause.
Example: Which (choice) type of soup do you want?
This car, which (introduces subordinate clause) I have never driven, is the one
I’m thinking of buying.

“Witch” is a noun meaning sorceress or enchantress.
Example: I don’t know which (choice) witch (enchantress) I should consult about my future.

By/Buy/Bye
“By” is a preposition used to introduce a phrase.
Example: We stopped by to visit my grandmother in the hospital.

“Buy” is a verb meaning purchase; as a noun, it means bargain or deal.
Example: That car was a great buy (deal).


“Bye” is an interjection used in place of goodbye.
Example: I turned and waved bye to my friends.


Dear/Deer
“Dear” is an adjective meaning valued or loved.
Example: My dear daughter’s favorite movie is Miss Congeniality.

“Deer” is a noun referring to an animal.
Example: Yesterday while I was driving, a deer ran out in front of my car.

Weather/Whether
“Weather” is a noun referring to the condition outside.
Example: The weather has gotten gloomy.

“Whether” is an adverb used when referring to a possibility.
Example: Let me know whether or not you are interested in the new class.

Than/Then
“Than” is a conjunctive word used to make a comparison.
Example: I like cheese cake better than pie.

“Then” is an adverb telling when or meaning next.
Example: Then (next), the group discussed the ways in which the new procedures would work better.

Choose/Chose
“Choose” is a verb meaning select. It rhymes with “bruise.”
Example: I will choose the same item off the menu that I had last week.

“Chose” is the past tense of choose; it means selected. It rhymes with “hose.”
Example: Henry chose flex hours on Friday afternoons.

Loose/Lose/Loss
“Loose” is an adjective meaning free, unrestrained, or not tight. It rhymes with “goose.”
Example: The chickens ran loose in the yard.

“Lose” is a verb meaning misplace, to be defeated or fail to keep. It rhymes with “shoes.”
Example: Where did you lose your umbrella?

“Loss” is a noun meaning defeat, downturn, or the opposite of victory or gain. It rhymes with “toss.”
Example: The investors will lose (fail to keep) considerable capital if the market suffers a loss (downturn).

Advice/Advise
“Advice” is a noun meaning suggestion or suggestions. It rhymes with “ice.”
Example: That was the best advice (suggestion) I’ve received so far.

“Advise” is a verb meaning suggest to or warn. It rhymes with “wise.”
Example: We advise (suggest to) you to proceed carefully.

Affect/Effect
“Affect” is a verb meaning alter, inspire or move emotionally or imitate.
Example: How will this plan affect (alter) our jobs?


“Effect” is a noun meaning consequences; as a verb, it means cause.
Example: What effects (consequence) will this restructuring have on profits?

Accept/Except
“Accept” is a verb meaning to receive willingly or to approve.
Example: This instructor accepts late essays.

“Except” is a verb meaning to exclude or leave out.
Example: I love all cats, except black ones.

Idea/Ideal
“Idea” is a noun meaning a concept or notion.
Example: That is a brilliant idea!

“Ideal” is a noun that means standard of perfection; as an adjective it means conforming to what is viewed as perfect.
Example: Michelle has the ideal schedule this semester.

Already/All ready
“Already” is an adverb meaning as early as this, previously, or by the same time.
Example: We had already (previously) finished the job.
At the age of four, Bridgette is already (as early as this) reading.

“All ready” means completely ready.
Example: We are all ready (completely ready) to go to the movies.

Altogether/All together
“Altogether” is an adverb meaning entirely or completely.
Example: These claims are altogether (entirely) false.

“All together” means simultaneously.
Example: The audience responded all together (simultaneously).


Everyday/Every day
“Everyday” is an adjective meaning ordinary or usual.
Example: These are our everyday (usual) low prices.

“Every day” means each day.
Example: The associates sort the merchandise every day (each day).

Maybe/May be
“Maybe” is an adverb meaning perhaps.
“May be” is a verb phrase meaning might be.

Example: Maybe (perhaps) the next batch will be better than this one. On the other hand, it may be (might be) worse.




Remember: The following words should always be separated, even though it is common to see them put together:

All right
Even though we often see this word written in informal documents, there is no such word as “alright.”

A lot
Even though we often see this word written in informal documents, there is no such word as “alot.” The two words must always be separated.

Example: I thought it was all right that we allotted tickets to a lot of our best customers.




Remember: None of the possessive pronouns are spelled with an apostrophe: mine, your, yours, his, hers, their, theirs, ours, and whose. An apostrophe in a pronoun is always replacing a missing letter in a contraction. The following are examples of contractions and words that they are commonly confused with.

It’s/Its
“It’s” means it is or it has.
Example: It’s such a nice day.

“Its” shows ownership before a noun.

Example: Look at my book; its cover is ripped.

You’re/Your
“You’re” means you are.

Example: You’re going to need a pen for the exam.

“Your” shows ownership before a noun..
Example: Is this your pen?


They’re/Their/There
“They’re” means they are.
Example: I found your glasses; they’re on the kitchen table.

“Their” shows ownership before a noun.

Example: Do you have their new address?


“There” is an adverb used to show a place. Sometimes it is also used to start a thought when the true subject follows the verb.

Example: Put the heavy box right there.
I suspect that there are several files missing.
There will be no meeting today.

Who’s/Whose
“Who’s” means who is or who has.

Example: Who’s in charge of ordering the supplies?

“Whose” shows ownership before a noun.

Example: Whose book is on my desk?

Our/Are
“Our” shows ownership before a noun.

Example: Where is our checkbook?

“Are” is a verb.

Example: Where are my keys?

Could’ve/Could of
“Could’ve” is the contraction for could have; therefore, “could of” (or “would of” or “should of”) is always incorrect!

Example: If she had known I was worried, I am sure she would’ve (would have) called.

Sources: Grammar That Works by Ann Honan Rodrigues
Writing Skills Success in 20 Minutes a Day by Judith F. Olson
Created by Jacqueline Myers for the Learning Enhancement Center

For more advice on learning English for airline careers please subscribe to our blog and visit http://www.aviationenglish.asia

Sample Interview Questions for Cabin Crew

This time we will discuss what possible questions will be asked during the interview. Cabin crew interviews are tricky and can be tough, especially if one is not prepared. To be able to have an excellent interview, here are some examples of Cabin Crew interview questions and how to answer correctly and confidently.

1. "Tell us about yourself." This is one of the most common questions you can expect to be asked at the interview. Do not be fooled by the informal tone of this question and try to "wing-it" or ramble along. This is a question that can prove what sets you apart from the other candidates. Try to describe yourself in a sentence or two and give the interviewer a brief "synopsis" or your "major selling point", what your major strengths are and in what way you can benefit the company if they do decide to hire you.
2. "Why do you want to join ***** airlines?" This is where your research into the airline company will come in handy. Say specific things which you have learned about them, such as their background and future plans, etc. You will want to express your great interest about the Cabin Attendant position and along with "solid proof" that you are the right candidate for the job.
   
3. "How do you see yourself in 5 years?" To answer this question, state what your short term goals are, in relation to your position as Cabin Attendant. The purpose of this question is that the interviewer is trying to see your professional ambition and aspirations.
   
4. "Do you prefer to work with others or alone?" This is a trick question. This will determine if you are cabin attendant material or not. Of course the obvious answer would be that you prefer to work in a team. Cabin attendants always work in teams. Before every flight, they conduct preflight briefings during which cabin crew assigned to the flight are introduced to each other, checked for physical, mental and emotional readiness to fly and given their respective duties and responsibilities on board the aircraft. This camaraderie is continued from beginning of the flight, when they leave home base, till they finally comeback to their home base and conduct their post flight debriefing.
5. "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" State whatever specific strengths and capabilities you may have, in relation to the job, and be able to give solid examples as well. In stating weaknesses, be sure to reveal a small but insignificant weakness and be able to turn it into a strength if possible.
   
6. "Why should we hire you?" Give them a very brief but significant "selling point" or "signature" that will show how different you are from the other candidates.
   
7. "What would you do if you were faced with an angry passenger?" Knowledge in customer service procedures and ways of handling conflict will be the key to answering this question. Give the interviewer specific instances or experiences you've had when you dealt with an irate customer or how you resolved a conflict in the past. The interviewer will try to discern if you have effective problem solving skills and can handle pressure when faced with a difficult and stressful situation.
   
8. "What would you do if you accidentally spilled something on your passenger?" The best answer would be to apologize, if what you spilled was something hot and the customer ended up being scalded, immediately administer first-aid. Offer to have the soiled clothing cleaned (some airlines even foot the dry cleaning bill if the stain is really severe) and inform your supervisor of what happened.
   
9. "What is the most difficult situation you've ever faced and how did you resolve it?" Be able to give specific situations about how you handled conflict in the workplace. The interviewer wants to determine how you handle stressful situations and pressure in the work place and how you will work in a team environment.
10. "Tell me about your last company/employer and why you resigned?" Be honest and state the reason when and why you left your previous company. If you're still working for the company, state why you want to leave.
    
11. "Do you and have you ever made mistakes? " We are human, therefore we tend to make mistakes. State specific situations and admit to making small and insignificant mistakes in your workplace and specifically state your experience, how you handled it and whether you learned something from it.
    
12. "What do you know about our company?" State specific information about the company which you have learned from previously researching about them, like who is their CEO, what their future plans are, what kind of aircraft they have, etc. Be sure to research the airline company before your interview. Most information are readily available from their company website, magazines, news and press releases, etc. It will definitely impress the interviewer if you know so much about the company and it shows your enthusiasm and real interest in joining their company as a member of their cabin crew.
    
13. "If we decide to hire you, what would you bring to the company?" Sell yourself by stating your specific strengths in relation to the responsibilities of being a member of their cabin crew.
    

These are just some of the questions the interviewer may ask during the cabin crew interview. Try conducting practice or mock interviews so that you are better prepared in successfully giving a good impression and confidently answering any questions.

For more English learning advice for Cabin Crew please remember to subscribe to our blog and visit http://www.aviationenglish.asia/english-for-flight-attendants/in-flight-english.html

7 Keys to Making a Great First Impression at the Cabin Crew Interview

This article was contributed to English for Cabin Crew
http://aviationenglishasia.blogspot.com by Angel

You have just been handed a once in a lifetime opportunity, you very first interview for the airline of you choice and a chance to land the job of your dreams! Now what? To be able to finally achieve your ultimate goal of becoming a cabin crew member, it is essential for you to have a successful interview. Airline representatives usually conduct the interview and they will be looking for those with the most potential. Today we will be discussing some interview questions the airline representatives can possibly ask and some tips to how we can answer them accordingly.

It is important to come very well prepared to the Cabin Crew interview. Remember, this is your chance to prove to them that you are the best candidate for the job. So as a general rule, here are some ways you can prepare yourself for that big day.

1. Research the Airline Company. As a general rule, this should always be the first step. Not only will you be able to determine if this company is the right one for you, it is also a very crucial element in determining if the interview will be successful or not. Not only will it impress the interviewer, but it can also prepare you so that you will be able to answer any questions regarding the airline if they will include it in your interview. So before the interview, be sure to review the airline company's website and read up on the company's background, future plans and other relevant information. It is also helpful to Google the company name and try to get some more information about the company.
2. Good Grooming. Interviews conducted by airlines usually require the applicant to be in Corporate Attire. So, if you don't already own a suit it is wise to invest in a good quality matching suit. Good grooming is also an essential preparation before the interview, if not the most important. Cabin Crew are considered as the official front-line representatives of the airline. Grooming must always be perfect. So aside from looking smart in your suit, be sure that you smell good (although it would be recommended to use mild and not overpowering perfume or colognes), your hair is neatly in place (the hair tied into a neat bun would be the best choice for women and a classic tapered haircut for men) and your fingernails are neat and trimmed. For women, it is best to have make up that is minimal, simple and not distracting. A properly groomed and neat outer appearance reflects self-confidence and professionalism to the interviewers.
3. Study your CV and other documents. Educational and professional background is always a part of the interview process and some interview questions will be according to the former. Be prepared to answer any questions confidently and thoroughly regarding dates of employment, why you left the company and when, etc. The interviewer wants to know about your past experiences and will be able to determine if you are the ideal candidate for the cabin attendant position.
4. Watch your body language. We can find a lot about a person by simply studying his body language. In order to exude a positive image, you have to watch your actions. Stay calm, smile, greet your interviewer confidently. You have to appear open and approachable, avoid negative body language (like slouching, avoiding the interviewer's eyes when answering a question, crossing your arms, etc.).
5. Mock Interview. In order to come fully prepared for the interview, why not practice? Try this with a friend or by yourself. Visualize how the interview will be, practice how you will act and what you will say, from the moment you greet the receptionist to the interview itself. Find out what possible questions they may ask and practice how you're going to answer them confidently. Study your posture, your gestures, your handshake, how you will enter or exit the interview room.
6. Be Punctual. Being punctual shows how responsible a person is. If the interview is to start at 8 am for example, be there at least 10 to 15 minutes early. If possible, before the interview day itself, try to visit the place where it will be held so you can calculate how much time you need to get there and avoid getting lost.
7. Your Exit. After the interview, remember to thank your interviewer, shake hands, turn and walk out. If it is possible, follow up by writing a thank you note and state once again your interest in becoming a member of their cabin crew team.
   

"Being forewarned is being forearmed" as the saying goes. Just as we shouldn't be caught unawares by any situation we may face, we should always come prepared to any interview we attend, especially to the Cabin Crew interview. Next time we will discuss what possible interview questions will be asked in the Cabin Crew interview.

For more English learning advice from Cabin Crew, please subscribe to our blog and visit http://www.aviationenglish.asia/english-for-flight-attendants/in-flight-english.html

Cultural Awareness for Cabin Crew

This article was contributed to English for Cabin Crew
http://aviationenglishasia.blogspot.com by Angel

Cabin crew are front liners of the aviation industry. We regularly travel on international routes, our passengers come from different parts of the world and we work in a culturally diverse environment. And when one suddenly interacts with another of a totally different cultural background, there are bound to be cultural misinterpretations that can cause embarrassment or be considered offensive, unless we are equipped with a skill called Cultural Awareness.

Cultural awareness can also be considered as a foundation of communication itself. In order for us to have effective communication, it is essential to have the understanding of why we are the way we are, our beliefs, practices and values that make up our cultural background (self-awareness). Being culturally aware also involves trying to gain information about how we are different from other people or other nationalities(cross-cultural awareness). It is especially essential for cabin attendants to have this skill because they belong to a business that deals with giving quality service to passengers who come from different cultural backgrounds. Your airline may not require you to be fluent in other languages but they will be extremely impressed by a cabin crew member who has taken the time to learn their passengers' customs and/or traditions. Some instances wherein an appropriate behavior for one culture may be considered inappropriate in other cultures are:

• Thumbs-up. This simple sign happens to have different meanings: It could mean an affirmative sign or “OK”, or this can also be used as a sign for hitch-hikers who need a lift. It can also be insulting to others because it may mean “up yours” if the thumb is jerked sharply upwards.

• Touching during conversation. This depends on the culture of the person you are talking to. For instance, for some people from Japan, Germany, England and USA it may not be appropriate to touch someone while in conversation but for some people from France, Italy and Spain it is just natural for them to continually touch as they talk.

• A man holding another man's hand while walking may be a strange sight to some people but it is a sign of mutual respect to middle eastern men.

• Making a “V” sign with your two fingers may easily mean a sign for “victory”, but if the palm is facing the person making the “V” sign, it is meant to offend and means “up yours” to people from some parts of Europe.

• If someone asks for directions to the “Loo”, “CR”(comfort room), “WC” (water closet), “powder room” or “wash room”, don't be confused because all of these terms mean “Toilet”.

• Looking straight into someone's face and looking them in the eyes while talking to them may be natural to others because it expresses an interest in what the other person is saying, but for some, like people from Japan, it is considered rude to do so.

These are just some of the examples of cultural differences a cabin crew may encounter . So how do we develop cultural awareness? Since culture usually manifests itself in our subconscious, we may find it difficult to develop cultural sensitivity. Some of the main considerations we can do in order to be conscious and develop cultural sensitivity are:

• Asking for information from a foreign counterpart (for example, a foreign colleague).

• Researching the information (internet, books, movies, etc.)

• Welcome the similarities and accept the differences between different cultures.
  

• Avoid making assumptions and judgments.

• Learn how to empathize.

• Think outside of your comfort zone.

Cultural awareness plays an big role in determining if a flight will go smoothly for a cabin crew member or have disastrous results. This is why cultural awareness courses are an essential part of cabin crew curriculum during their training so that they may increase their knowledge of different cultural practices and apply these to the situations they may encounter in their future flights.

For more English learning advice for cabin crew, please subscribe to our blog and visit http://www.aviationenglish.asia/english-for-flight-attendants/in-flight-english.html

Preventing Miscommunication between Airline Passengers and Cabin Crew

This article was contributed to English for Cabin Crew http://aviationenglishasia.blogspot.com by Angel

In this post I'm going to give some examples of how we can communicate with passengers who might not be able to understand English, and also explain some airline vocabulary in simple alternative words.

Cabin crew's purpose is to ensure that each of their passengers receive VIP treatment, like a being in a flying five-star hotel hotel AND more importantly, ensure their safety while they are enjoying the flight. This is why before you can even step foot into an aircraft's cabin, you have to undergo rigorous training. During your training, you learn how to fight a fire (like firemen), treat ailments ranging from a simple nose-bleed to delivering a baby (like medical practitioners), serve entrées and remember what wine compliments which food. Training manuals become like your bible, you live and breathe airline terms such as, “ARM YOUR DOOR”, “SECURE THE CABIN”, “SILENT REVIEW”, and other airline terms that might seem strange and confuse non-airline people. This is why when we are talking to our passengers, we should be careful not to use these kind of "internal" words.

First of all, passengers do not need to know and understand everything about our job. Our passengers will come from different parts of the world, and part of our duty as cabin crew is to be “culturally aware”. We have to be sensitive about what we say or do, because different nationalities behave and have traditions or practices that are different from others. What's important is that they can understand how they can be safe while they are on board our flight. How do we do it?

The universal language used around the world is ENGLISH therefore we need to know how to communicate well and choose which words to use when dealing with different nationalities. By making our language simple and using words they can easily understand or using body language to communicate what we mean, even if a passenger doesn't speak or understand English at all.

Here is some airline lingo/jargon we often use followed by alternative ways of speaking and expressing yourself so passengers can understand what you mean:


“Please FASTEN your seat belt” - the meaning is clear, but to some who don't understand this, you can gesture how to do it, or by doing it for them after asking them for permission to do so.

To a passenger who won't stay seated even if the seat belt sign is on: “Passengers keep your seats”, may sound strange to some, so you can instead say, “Please remain seated until the fasten seat belt sign comes off”. Or if they don't understand English you can gesture your hands up and down as if to say, please sit down.

If a passenger asks, why do I have to turn off my mobile phone/electronic gadgets before take off and landing, don't tell them “Because it's an aviation regulation, or airline policy” because they won't understand and most likely they will ignore this. Instead tell them that electronic gadgets have to be switched off because it can interfere with the aircraft's electronic system, we have to keep them off, it's for your safety and the safety of your fellow passengers. Giving them a reason is more likely to ensure co-operation.

“SEAT BELTS FASTENED, SEAT BACKS UPRIGHT,  TRAY TABLES STOWED, FOOTREST STOWED”- Trust me, this is one of the most confusing phrases passengers hear on every flight. To passengers who don't know what this means, just say “seat belt on (while gesturing with your hand as if connecting the two ends of the belt together), seats back in position (or just assist them, because a lot of them forget how to do it after a 9-hour flight), Tray tables up (try to gesture with your hands or better yet, do it for them), and foot rests up (then point towards their feet and make a gesture to imply what you mean).

“OVERHEAD STOWAGE”- simply means the storage compartment above your head.

“ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE- simply means the time we are going to leave and what time we are going to reach our destination.

“EMERGENCY EXITS”- this is very important because it can be a case of life or death when there's an emergency on board your flight. Just tell them, in case of an emergency and we have to leave the plane (on life or death situations such as a big fire or smoke in the cabin) you have to leave through those doors and then point to that direction).

“PLEASE CLEAR THE AISLES/BULKHEAD OF ANY DEBRIS”- this simply means we have to remove any items such as trash, cups, candy wrappers, etc., off the floor of the cabin. The bulkhead is the physical partition that divides the classes of the aircraft (economy, business, first). Just tell passengers to politely pick up anything left on the floor and politely explain that this is to avoid anyone slipping on anything on the floor.

These are just some of the airline terms you are bound to learn while training to be cabin crew and hopefully the alternative ways of expressing them to your future passengers will prove helpful and will give you ideas how to communicate with those who can't understand English.

For more English learning advice for cabin crew please subscribe to our blog and visit http://www.aviationenglish.asia/english-for-flight-attendants/in-flight-english.html.

What are the basic requirements for a cabin crew career?

One of the first questions that you need to ask yourself when considering a cabin crew career is whether you meet the airlines basic requirements. These differ between airlines so we recommend that you check with the airline to make sure you fulfil their basic criteria before applying. Aviation English Asia students have access to the career centre which contains updated information about requirements.

Language proficiency

Regardless of where you are in the world, airlines look for candidates with strong language skills. Fluency in a major world language such as French, Spanish, German or Italian is a major advantage. Asian languages such as Chinese (Putonghua and Cantonese), Japanese and Korean are becoming increasingly important following shifts in the world economy.

But really there is one language that is ESSENTIAL if you want a career as a flight attendant. Airline recruitment departments are very concerned with your ability to speak English - being able to pass an English exam is not enough. You need to be able to communicate in English effectively and be prepared to deal with a lot of non-routine situations.

In Asia, English proficiency is the biggest hurdle for most candidates. Recruiters don't expect you to be completely fluent in English but they expect you to be able to able to express yourself with a high degree of fluency and most importantly confidence. Fluency in English cannot be obtained overnight - it requires sustained effort. For recommended courses to help you achieve that English fluency see aviationenglishasia.com.

In some Western countries, a lot of flights are domestic only so those airlines will not require you to speak a second language. These airlines might have a second language preference for some international destinations. On these routes, a designated Language of Destination/Origin (LOD/O - pronounced "low-doe") flight attendant is assigned to the flight. These routes are usually awarded to senior flight attendants, and it is very competitive even for qualified applicants.

Residence in a country that the airline serves

Every airline requires you to be a resident of their country of origin or be able to obtain a permit/visa to work in that country. It is also important to have the right to travel to and from the countries the airline serves.

Some countries have a National Identity Card and it goes without saying a passport! If you don't have a passport at the moment it would be a good idea to apply for one as soon as possible as it will speed up the application process. This can take several months.

Willing to relocate if necessary

A lot of airlines have a clause in the contract requiring that you be willing to relocate if necessary. You can read more about this in a future post.

Appearance

Airlines used to have a reputation for hiring only the most beautiful flight attendants. Beauty isn't the requirement it once was but airlines are still prefer hiring people who have a neat and attractive appearance. Cabin crew have continuous direct contact with the public. Most airlines will say that they don't require beauty but in reality they will at least require that their flight attendants are well groomed, neat and presentable. Some airlines have specific requirements to help create an appealing brand identity.

Typically, airlines do not allow visible tattoos, piercings, long hair on men, wild hairstyles, unusual makeup or very "bling" jewelry, poorly manicured hands, etc. Each airline is are different so be sure that your lifestyle is compatible with the airlines corporate image. If you are a goth or rocker, you might want to avoid wearing studded chokers and white makeup during your interview. Some airlines do not even permit facial hair on men! During your induction training, you will be given specific grooming regulations which must be strictly adhered to.

Physical health and Background check

If you don't quite meet the airlines minimum requirements you might be considering cheating on the application form. It is best not to, as the application will be invalid. Airlines will check your height, weight, body composition, criminal convictions and past drug use. Airlines are very security conscious and will investigate every part of the applicants background.

Every airline will require you to have a medical examination. During this exam, an airline is able to confirm any discrepancies on your application about your height, whether you have a drug or alcohol problem, or whether your past medical history shows anything adverse that would disqualify you from getting the job. Since you are given a urine test during this health check, it is very important that you tell the doctors of any medications you are taking.

Hello world

Hi, I'm the director of Aviation English Asia. In this post, I'm going to introduce you to the way in which we are going to use blogging platforms and social networking sites.

We will be updating our blogs when we feel we have something beneficial to share with you. We don't want to make empty posts that waste your attention. However, we welcome our teachers and students to make posts and contribute to our blogs independently. We really want to help our learning community thrive. So, if you would like to contribute please email me and I will send you a login code. This applies to pilots and ATCOs, cabin crew, trainers, flight schools and airlines. We are interested in your progress.

We particularly want to keep you updated about the world of Aviation English and its development as a distinct form of ESL. This could be in the form of news from regulatory bodies and advances in teaching. As Aviation English teachers, we learn a lot from our students - our students are the real Subject Matter Experts - teachers just have the advantage of being able to communicate our thoughts in English.

We care about the development of our students, so we like to hear about progress in your careers. This is applies to both the ICAO Aviation English and the In-flight English students. To this end we are displaying links to job adverts on our sites. If you are successful in your career as a result of training at Aviation English Asia, please let us know. We all want to hear about your successes.

Some students are aware that we also have a Wordpress blog and presence on a few other social networking sites. The content is different in that the Blogger.com blog is focused on Flight Attendants whereas the Wordpress.com blog is focused on ICAO Aviation English for pilots and ATCOs, though readers are free to post comments on any of the sites that they choose. We chose to do this because we operate Asia wide and some platforms are more popular is some countries.

Blogs and social networking sites are important as they allow transparency in our organisation. We like to hear what you think, and also what you think we could do better. Every criticism is a gift so that we know what we can do better next time. You can give feedback on particular parts of the course, onsite sessions, instructors and any great ideas for the future that you may have.

So, here's what you can do. If you want to contribute send me an email at mje@aviationenglish.asia.