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Fast Fact Friday
Minimum Crew Requirements
Friday, April 25, 2025
Q1: “What is ‘Minimum Crew’? Is it contractual?”
Minimum Crew not a contractually negotiated requirement. It is an FAA mandate that requires a specific amount of Flight Attendants to be on board an aircraft during boarding, deplaning, and ground time.
Q2: “Why is there a Minimum Crew requirement?”
A minimum number of crew members are required to remain on the aircraft in order to handle any emergency situation that may arise, such as (but not limited to) a medical or evacuation.
Q3: “Are Minimum Crew requirements aircraft specific?”
Yes, they are. For boarding on a -700 series aircraft, all three (3) Crew Members must be on board and in their boarding positions to meet the Minimum Crew requirements. During ground time (through flight) and deplaning on a -700 series aircraft, only one (1) must remain on board. On an -800 series or MAX 8 aircraft, all four (4) Crew Members must be on board and in their boarding positions throughout the entire boarding process. During ground time (through flight) and deplaning on an -800 series or MAX 8, two (2) Flight Attendants must remain on board and spaced out throughout the cabin.
Q4: “Can anyone stand in for a Flight Attendant during ground time?”
Yes, Flight Attendants or Pilots not part of the working Crew can be a substitute during ground time. However, they must stay with-in the forward entry area, be identifiable as a Crew Member to passengers (either by uniform or displayed company ID), and must have verified with Crew Scheduling that they are legal to stand in.
NOTE: All working Crew Members must be present and in their boarding positions to commence boarding.
Q5: “Where can I find information about Minimum Crew, in the event I want to read this myself?”
Minimum Crew requirements can be found in the Flight Attendant Manual (FAM) – Standards 11.33 on your iEFB > Comply 365