Flight Attendant Requirements

FAR 91.533 — Flight Attendant Requirements

FAR 91.533 sets minimum flight attendants based on passenger count and emergency duty qualifications. Study guide for pilot oral exams and checkrides.

In Plain English

FAR 91.533 establishes the minimum number of flight attendants required on board large airplanes operated under Part 91, based on the number of passengers carried. This rule keeps emergency response capability proportional to the number of people on board.

Minimum flight attendant staffing:

More than 19 but less than 51 passengers: 1 flight attendant
More than 50 but less than 101 passengers: 2 flight attendants
More than 100 passengers: 2 flight attendants, plus 1 additional attendant for each unit (or part of a unit) of 50 passengers above 100

In addition, no one may serve as a required flight attendant unless they have demonstrated to the pilot in command that they are familiar with the emergency functions and emergency evacuation procedures for that aircraft, and are capable of operating the installed emergency equipment.

Operationally, this means the PIC is responsible for verifying flight attendant qualifications before flight — staffing the cabin alone isn't enough; each attendant must be competent on that specific airplane.

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 91.533

§ 91.533 Flight attendant requirements. (a) No person may operate an airplane unless at least the following number of flight attendants are on board the airplane: (1) For airplanes having more than 19 but less than 51 passengers on board, one flight attendant. (2) For airplanes having more than 50 but less than 101 passengers on board, two flight attendants. (3) For airplanes having more than 100 passengers on board, two flight attendants plus one additional flight attendant for each unit (or part of a unit) of 50 passengers above 100. (b) No person may serve as a flight attendant on an airplane when required by paragraph (a) of this section unless that person has demonstrated to the pilot in command familiarity with the necessary functions to be performed in an emergency or a situation requiring emergency evacuation and is capable of using the emergency equipment installed on that airplane.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1Under Part 91, how many flight attendants are required if you have 75 passengers on board?

Two flight attendants are required. Per FAR 91.533, airplanes with more than 50 but less than 101 passengers must have at least two flight attendants on board.

Q2If you're flying 165 passengers under Part 91, what's the minimum flight attendant count?

Four flight attendants. FAR 91.533 requires two attendants for the first 100 passengers, plus one more for each unit (or part of a unit) of 50 above 100 — so 65 extra passengers adds two more attendants.

Q3Before someone can serve as a required flight attendant, what must they demonstrate to the PIC?

Per FAR 91.533(b), they must demonstrate familiarity with the emergency functions and evacuation procedures for that airplane, and show they are capable of using the installed emergency equipment.

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Related Sections in Part 91

§ 91.1

Part 91 Applicability