As part of the activities at the June 2011 (and very first) Dubai Do, organized by FT member eightblack (thanks once more!), we had a half day exposure to many behind the scenes aspects of training and safety at Emirates Airways.

In one session the FA Training Manager for the company told us that whenever you observe an FA during take off, they often have a distant, day-dreamy look in their eyes while they appear to be staring over the heads of passengers. She explained that FA's are taught at this time before the flight, to visualize what might go wrong, know where pax who might need assistance are seated, imagine how everything might work in case of an emergency, etc.

It isn't a stretch for me to think that this same concept is taught to FA's at many -- if not all -- airlines. IME, any good, well-trained FA should be doing this.

It also isn't a stretch for me to know that a sleeping on-duty FA is not doing his/her job. Many here on FT know the drill and hopefully would help in any emergency situation, but for those of us who don't or can't, I want my FAs awake!

Something to remember on this day, the third anniversary of "The Miracle on the Hudson." Anyone remember what happened then?