South Florida is a high-traffic area for private aviation, so it is smart for flight attendants to familiarize themselves with the region: Chances are you will visit there several times during your career. Getting an inside look at the area from a resident is always key to gaining a better understanding about any location. Richard Voorhees is a contract flight attendant based out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida with over 18 years of experience in both commercial and private aviation.
When discussing his range of experience as a flight attendant, Richard says, “My years in both commercial and private aviation have given me in-depth knowledge of safety and emergency instruction.” He has flown on a range of aircraft, from BBJs to Challenger 604s, and has “flown every type of passenger, from presidents to pilgrims flying to participate in the Muslim Hajj in Saudi Arabia.” Because Richard keeps up-to-date in his training, his last recurrent was in May 2013. His career highlights include earning awards for “Designed Best in Business Class” at Laker Air, and “5-Star In-Flight Department” at Hop-a-Jet Worldwide Jet Charter. Before starting his career in aviation, Richard attended Allentown College.
Richard shared his two favorite places: Paris, France; and New York City because they are “two wonderful, powerful cities.” Since Richard is a seasoned flight attendant in the private aviation industry, he says that the most important skills for a flight attendant are to be “visible, yet invisible.” When it comes to in-flight catering, he avoids challenges by “always having a backup plan.”
As for food, Richard loves Thai cuisine, and his favorite restaurant is Thai Spice in Wilton Manors, Florida. The last Thai meal he ate was “Tiger Cries Salad (a spicy beef salad). It was a great mixture of spices, citrus flavors, and saltiness, with lots of texture.” While at home in South Florida, you can find Richard enjoying “a run on the beach, or taking a hot yoga class.” The next time you are in South Florida, or need an experienced contract flight attendant, contact Richard Voorhees at richardpvoorhees@hotmail.com.
This article is part of a series of interviews we are conducting with contract cabin crew members; individuals who are not employed by Air Culinaire Worldwide. If you would like to be considered for an interview, which is posted on our blog and all of our social media accounts, please contact socialmedia@airculinaire.com.
