When people think about aviation careers, the conversation usually starts with pilots. But one of the most misunderstood roles in the industry is sitting right in front of us.
Flight attendants.
In my recent conversation with Tasha Funes, who has spent over 20 years across commercial, charter, government, and private aviation, one thing became clear: We are not fully understanding what this role actually demands or what it offers.
The big picture
Most people associate flight attendants with service.
But the foundation of the role is safety.
Flight attendants are trained to manage emergencies, lead evacuations, and respond to critical situations onboard. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, they must complete rigorous training and maintain certification throughout their careers.
Service is visible.
Safety is constant.
And in private aviation, the role expands even further.
What our guest said
Tasha shared something that rarely gets talked about. In commercial aviation, there are entire teams that support the aircraft. In private aviation, much of that responsibility shifts to the flight attendant.
They are:
Preparing trips days in advance
Sourcing and purchasing catering
Managing client preferences and confidentiality
Ensuring the aircraft is fully ready before departure
What stood out to me is how much ownership this role requires. You are not just showing up. You are responsible for the entire experience.
Between the lines
What stayed with me most from this conversation was the level of awareness required to do this job well.
This is a role built on:
Emotional intelligence
Anticipation
Adaptability
Attention to detail
In many ways, it is one of the most human roles in aviation. You are constantly reading the room, adjusting in real time, and delivering under pressure.
For the right person, that is not a challenge. It is what makes the job meaningful.
By the numbers
This conversation also connects to a broader workforce opportunity.
Yet many roles beyond piloting remain unclear. That includes flight attendants in private aviation.
The part we do not talk about enough
There is no clear, standardized path into this career.
Tasha shared that breaking into private aviation can require:
$4,000 to $6,000 in training
Building experience in commercial aviation first
Navigating an industry that is not always transparent
That lack of clarity is exactly what led Tasha to build her company and create a roadmap for others. You can learn more about her company, Exlusive InFlight, here.
The bottom line
This conversation is not just about flight attendants. It is about where opportunities exist in aviation and how clearly we communicate them.
We often highlight the most visible careers while overlooking those that keep the system running.
For those looking to enter aviation or pivot within it, this is a path worth considering. Because talent is not the issue. The system is not built to make the path clear.
And that also means there is a real opportunity for those willing to step into it and figure it out.
This podcast conversation is now available on all podcast platforms. Listen now.
About AVIATE
AVIATE is hosted by me, Shaesta Waiz, the 8th woman in history to fly solo around the world in a single-engine aircraft. Along that journey, I met people everywhere who wanted to talk about the same themes that inspired this show.
AVIATE stands for Acknowledging those in our industry, Vocalizing our experiences, Inclusion, Acting on our passions, Travel, and Evolving.
Now in its eighth season and exclusively sponsored by Atlantic Aviation, AVIATE is heard in over 100 countries.
Until next time,
Shaesta