Training center aims for perfection<\/p>\n
By Lukman Natanegara<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Human resource development is one of the main
\nconcerns of the state-owned flag carrier Garuda Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Garuda proves it by continually modernizing its training
\nfacilities in Duri Kosambi, West Jakarta.<\/p>\n
Visitors are first impressed by the green setting of the
\neight-hectare center and once they see the array of aviation
\ntraining equipment there, they might also feel as if they are
\nflying.<\/p>\n
The facilities, which were established in 1984, have been so
\nimpressively developed that other airlines also use it to train
\ntheir staff.<\/p>\n
These airlines include domestic carriers Sempati Air, Pelita
\nAir Service, Merpati Nusantara airlines, Trigana, and
\ninternational airlines like Korean Air, Air Niugini, Philippines
\nAirlines, Malaysian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Iran Air.<\/p>\n
The center provides facilities for aviation training,
\nincluding cockpit procedural training for pilots, training for
\ncargo agents, tour and travel agencies and training in
\nappropriate speech and behavior for cabin crew.<\/p>\n
Other airlines mostly use the center's simulators. The center
\nhas flight simulators for B-747-200s, DC-10-20s, A-300-B4s, F-
\n28s, B-737-300\/400s and MD-11s.<\/p>\n
Much of the center's efforts are, however, devoted to training
\ncabin staff.<\/p>\n
According to P.R.F Mambu, Garuda's cabin crew manager, the
\nmain requirement for Garuda's cabin crew is height. The minimum
\nheight for a steward is 165 centimeters and a stewardess 157
\ncentimeters.<\/p>\n
They have to pass tests on attitude, character, physical
\nhealth, proficiency in English, and general knowledge.<\/p>\n
\"We apply the knockout system whereby if a person fails the
\nfirst test, he or she is automatically eliminated from further
\ntesting. So you can see how difficult it is to get through,\"
\nMambu said.<\/p>\n
After passing, the would-be stewards and stewardesses begin a
\ntraining course at the center, which lasts for six or seven
\nmonths. In addition to training on service, attitude, character,
\nappearance and personality, they learn about the basics of
\nsecurity.<\/p>\n
And the results? Mambu says the center's graduates are praised
\nby other airlines.<\/p>\n
\"An official of Singapore Airlines once told me how he was
\nastonished at seeing our cabin crew work so tirelessly,\" he
\nboasted.<\/p>\n
Mambu said the crew sign a four-year contract, during which
\nthey are not allowed to marry.<\/p>\n
\"They may do so after the contract expires and they can
\nremain a crew member until the retirement age of 45 years old,\"
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
He said additional subjects such as the state ideology
\nPancasila, tourism, human interaction and international knowledge
\nwere covered.<\/p>\n
The students are divided into small classes, each with 20
\npupils at most, to enable them absorb the lessons well.<\/p>\n
The new stewards and stewardesses are assigned their ranks in
\nthe form of stripes, the highest is four stripes. It takes at
\nleast four or five years to get a stripe.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/training-center-aims-for-perfection-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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