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8A090 Career Guide

Air Force

8A090: Flight Attendant

Career transition guide for Air Force Flight Attendant (8A090)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 8A090 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Flight Attendant

$65K
High matchStable demand

Corporate Flight Attendant

$85K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Customer ServiceCulinary SkillsSafety Procedures

Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner

$55K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project ManagementBudgetingNegotiation

Transportation Security Officer (TSA)

$45K
Moderate matchStable demand

Customer Service Manager

$75K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

LeadershipConflict ResolutionData Analysis

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 8A090 training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

Quickly assessing and addressing passenger needs during emergencies, such as medical situations or evacuations, while maintaining overall cabin safety and order.

The ability to swiftly evaluate situations, identify the most critical needs, and allocate resources effectively under pressure.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering strictly to safety regulations, emergency procedures, and operational protocols during flight to ensure passenger and crew well-being.

A dedication to following established guidelines and protocols to maintain safety, quality, and efficiency in regulated environments.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining constant awareness of the cabin environment, passenger behavior, and potential security threats to proactively address issues and ensure a safe flight.

The capacity to perceive and understand the surrounding environment, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions based on real-time information.

Resource Optimization

Efficiently managing available resources, such as food, beverages, and emergency equipment, to meet passenger needs and maintain operational readiness throughout the flight.

The ability to effectively allocate and manage limited resources to maximize efficiency and achieve desired outcomes.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161.00

You've been responsible for passenger safety and emergency response in a high-pressure environment. That translates directly to planning and coordinating responses to all kinds of emergencies.

Restaurant Manager

SOC 11-9051.00

You've planned menus, coordinated meal requirements, and managed supplies to ensure passenger comfort. This experience can easily translate into overseeing all aspects of a restaurant's operations.

Logistics Coordinator

SOC 13-1081.02

You've supervised the loading and unloading of aircraft, validated passenger manifests, and inspected baggage. Your skills in logistics and coordination make you perfect for managing the flow of goods and materials in various industries.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Basic Flight Attendant Course, Lackland Air Force Base, TX

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 3 semester hours recommended in Hospitality Management or Aviation Safety

Topics Covered

  • Aircraft Emergency Equipment and Procedures
  • Passenger Safety and Emergency Egress
  • First Aid and Basic Medical Assistance
  • Cabin Service and In-Flight Passenger Comfort
  • Food Handling and Preparation
  • Security Procedures and Baggage Handling
  • Documentation and Record Keeping
  • Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity Training

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Flight Attendant75% covered

Differences in specific aircraft types and airline-specific procedures.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification60% covered

Specifics of food safety regulations and best practices for food handling, preparation, and storage in a civilian environment.

Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)40% covered

Differences in scope of practice, legal considerations, and specific protocols used by civilian EMRs.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Customer Service Professional (CCSP)Certified Hospitality Supervisor (CHS)Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Aircraft Intercommunication System (ICS)Aircraft Intercom Systems
Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT)Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
Night Vision Goggles (NVG) - for low light emergency situationsHigh-Intensity Tactical Flashlights
Airborne Flight Following System (AFFS)Commercial Flight Tracking Software (e.g., FlightAware)
Defense Travel System (DTS)Corporate Travel Management Software (e.g., Concur, Expensify)
Passenger Manifest System (PMS)Airline Passenger Management Systems

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