Future flight attendants learn critical evacuation skills on aircraft at Fanshawe College

As videos of the Delta crash landing at Pearson airport surfaced earlier this month, many praised the flight attendant's calm response, crediting their professional demeanour in large part for the fact that all 80 on board survived that day. 

Jacqueline Bailey, a professor at Fanshawe College with decades of aviation experience, says their handling of the situation reflects the high level of training flight attendants receive. 

"To be honest, I wasn't surprised. I always say flight attendants are trained to do what we hope we never have to," Bailey said.

Bailey notes that flight attendant training is rigorous, with commercial airlines having failure rates of up to 40 per cent in their ground schools due to the volume of critical information to be learned. She says early preparation is key.

WATCH | How flight attendants train for emergency situations:

How flight attendants are trained to respond to situations like the Pearson crash

13 hours ago

Duration 3:59

While a number of questions remain unanswered about the Delta plane crash at Toronto's Pearson airport on Feb. 17, many are praising the calm and professional response by flight attendants. CBC's Talia Ricci got a behind-the-scenes look at the training that prepares them for emergency situations like these.

At Fanshawe College's flight services program, Bailey says future flight attendants learn evacuation drills on an actual aircraft and gain important hands-on experience before they're hired by an airline.

Bailey says the college's access to an aircraft is unique and gives the students the chance to practice in a realistic environment. She says communication and global etiquette is also a big part of the school's curriculum.

"Our students are very well prepared," she said.

First-year student Hannah Thompson says travelling for work and being able to learn about different cultures was part of the appeal for pursuing the career, but safety is always top of mind.

"Being hands-on like this is definitely beneficial before you start the job," she said.

Bailey, meanwhile, hopes the fact that the Delta crash ended with no fatalities helps passengers feel reassured of the extensive training flight attendants receive, and that flying remains an extremely safe way to travel.

"I have been a flight attendant now for over 30 years and I absolutely love the career," she said.