Is attending recurrent training for corporate flight attendants is typically required?

So let's review the context of why you take FAA Emergency Safety training when first attending initial training to become a corporate flight attendant.  Your initial training includes very comprehensive emergency protocols in handling fires, emergency evacuations, water ditching, CPR, AED, aircraft doors (opening/closing) and typically reviewing real life situations that could mean the difference between life and death. And many cases learning about those circumstances having to make quick decisions in a flash. 

In commercial aviation, a licensed FAA 121 Flight attendant who is employed by a major airline is required annually to renew their certificate and show competencies in the various emergency protocols. In the industry is is known as an "annual recurrent". Every commercial flight attendant is required to attend every year. 

One of the reasons for this type of recurrent training is performing emergencies just do not happen daily, and some are very rare.  It is extremely important to be continuously aware and "trained" as not to forget what to do in the very highly unlikely event an emergency does occur where your training, decision making and urgency is paramount. If you have been ingrained, conditioned and have practiced over and over again to respond appropriately, it will almost feel that it is instinctual when you need to react.  And with some basic emergencies like medicals which occur more frequently, having to employ an AED, providing CPR, oxygen and other minor medical assistance is will come to you more readily. The other more infrequent emergencies involves survival on land and water, preparing the aircraft for emergency landings on land or water,  fire fighting, fire detection, and decompressions. And the training can be easily forgotten because it's not common nor occurring frequently if at all.  But they do happen, and being trained, aware and prepared will make the difference. 

In corporate aviation, Part 91, 125 & 135 annual recurrent training will be dependent on the company/family you are working for. Some will require it, others will encourage it. Some may even  offer to pay for it.  But let's consider that part of your job in being a corporate flight attendant is about safety and service.  You are working in the luxury travel business and your guest's expectation will be that you will provide the best in class service and that will include being able to save their lives, provide emergency assistance, fight fires or more. It would be disservice to your guests and employers to not keep current with your emergency safety protocols especially should an emergency arise and you somehow forgot and it resulted in an injury where you could have intervened or prevented. Lack of proper application or training will show up in an emergency and your crew and guests may suffer the consequences. 

As a corporate flight attendant your main duty is safety but your guests may think you are there for their service. Seldom do they every consider the risks and dangers of flying. That is ok, you are a well trained safety professional and they will be very happy to have you should they need you in an emergency. 

Beyond and Above Corporate Aviation Training offers both an online annual recurrent with a certificate of completion or the 3 day in-class recurrent where you attend the last 3 days of initial training to receive the hands-on training. 

Now you can most likely deduct the cost of your annual recurrent as "continuing education " according to the IRS Work-Related continuing education definition. 

Especially if you are operating as an independent contractor and the recurrent is certainly important to maintain standards in your job.  You can also inquire as to whether your employer will spring for the cost of recurrent. Or reimburse you. In either case, we suggest you  look to your tax advisor for tax advice. 

So the answer is yes, we highly encourage all corporate flight attendants to attend an annual recurrent to ensure that you stay up to date on safety protocols, emergency procedures, and service standards. It helps maintain compliance with industry regulations and enhances the overall safety and comfort of passengers. Regular training also fosters teamwork and adaptability in various situations.