This week we are spotlighting Adrienne Dyner, a bi-coastal corporate flight attendant based in the San Francisco Bay Area, who also flies out of the Tri-State Area. Adrienne has many experiences and insights to share from her world travels, so we invite you to read along and learn more about this highly-experienced member of the business aviation community.
Hi Adrienne, thank you for participating in our series on corporate flight attendants. First, how long have you been a flight attendant?
I’ve been a corporate flight attendant since 2005. It’s already been 10 years, and I still love it!
Where did you receive flight attendant training?
I have been going to Aircare FACTS Training since I began working in the corporate flight attendant world in 2005. I look forward to also training with FlightSafety someday.
When was your last recurrent?
I last trained with Aircare FACTS Training in October of 2014.
Aside from your training, do you have any additional college background?
I hold a Bachelors of Arts in Physical Anthropology from Adelphi University with minors in Environmental Studies and Fine Arts.
Which languages do you speak?
I speak a bit of Spanish, which I learned while spending an extended amount of time in South America, and a bit of Dutch (my other nationality).
I taught English as a foreign language, both abroad and in the United States. With my extensive travel to over 45 countries (since I last counted!), I have gained the ability to communicate, whether the individual speaks English or not, and get what is needed for my passengers.
Which aircraft have you flown on during your career?
- Gulfstream 200, 3, 4, 450, 5, 550
- Falcon 50, 2000, 900, 7X
- Challenger 300, 601, 604, 605
- Global Express, 6000
- Legacy
- Citation X
- Hawker
- Sovereign
- Astra (surprisingly)
Which business aviation trade shows and conventions do you attend?
Attending the National Business Aviation Association’s (NBAA) events is an important part of a corporate flight attendant’s career. I do my best to attend regional events in the NY / NJ area and in the San Francisco Bay Area, as they provide a wealth of knowledge and a great opportunity to network.
Have you received any industry awards or have any career highlights you would like to share?
My entree into the corporate flight attendant world began with a very generous award from the NBAA Flight Attendant Committee. I won the full Aircare FACTS Training Scholarship. This scholarship included entrance to the Flight Attendants Conference, where I met some very kind and helpful mentors. My career soared from there! I am also grateful for the Women in Corporate Aviation (WCA) Scholarship in 2012 for MedAire training.
Looking back at your career so far, which flights stand out as being the most memorable?
My most memorable experience was a recent trip that had us in nine European countries in 13 days. It was a whirlwind, and has been my favorite trip so far. Every day the doors opened to a new culture. Fantastic!
In general, I am a big fan of road shows – each one is very memorable with the unfolding of getting to know the passengers likes and dislikes, while jumping around the globe. It’s a lively process.
There was one flight in particular to South America where it was mentioned that the passengers might require special attention. However, the flight was a breeze since they were very happy with the level of service they received. So much so, they invited the crew to visit one of their two homes, the mountain house or the beach house. We opted for the beach house and were picked up in their armored car, taken by helicopter to the compound and boarded a yacht to take us to lunch. They had eight staff members assisting us during the journey, and it was an absolutely amazing experience.
You have traveled all over the world, but what are your favorite restaurants at home in San Francisco?
- I love going to Le Mar on the Embarcadero, they have The Best Ceviche sampler and pisco sours.
- State Bird Provisions – a small restaurant the serves American dumplings and tapas. Amazing!
- Gary Danko is an all-time favorite!
- Too many great places to mention in the Wine Country of Sonoma, Napa and beyond.
What is your favorite destination in the United States?
One is the San Francisco Bay Area, because it is one of my homes, and it is a beautiful place to be. San Francisco is full of the “ings” I love – kayaking, bicycling, fishing, sailing, hiking, year-round outdoor swimming, and horseback riding. Another is to my other home in New Jersey, where it is always busy in the corporate aviation world and New York City is at my doorstep. Naples, Florida is also a great destination.
What is your favorite destination in the world?
Every international trip is an exciting adventure of sourcing the best of the area, and I enjoy the challenge of searching out the local delicacies to delight the passengers with. It is like a treasure hunt.
Bali has been one of my favorites. It is called the “Island of the Gods,” and the natural beauty and lovely warm people help one see why. In general, anywhere tropical is a delight to me, especially if I can get some diving in.
What is your favorite food to order for your passengers?
I like to order an option of the local seafood specialty when near the sea, and stick to fresh organic local produce whenever possible. An array of specialty appetizers from the region we are departing from is always a crowd-pleaser.
What are some activities you would suggest for a corporate flight attendant visiting San Francisco for the first time?
I recommend getting on one of the boats from Fisherman’s Wharf that takes you under the Golden Gate Bridge at sunset. Also, take a seaplane ride out of Mill Valley that takes you all around the Bay Area (say hello to Paul the pilot for me!)
You mentioned you also fly out of the Tri-State Area. What are some activities you would suggest for a corporate flight attendant visiting there for the first time?
In New York / New Jersey, book a room for a week at the Gansevoort in the Meat Packing District and explore. The culinary delights just in that area are remarkable, such as the Chelsea Market and the Spice Market. Also, be sure to walk the High Line Park. The Brandy Library in Tribeca is a favorite place to meet with friends.
Any tips for helping a corporate flight attendant visiting the United States for the first time?
For food, grab a Michelin book and choose from there. Being half European, I know it may come as a surprise, but here the customer is king in restaurants – so be sure to ask for what you want. They probably have it or are willing to get it for you.
Use Air Culinaire Worldwide for your catering needs. They are based out of so many locations in the USA, and have become a fine-tuned operation in the ordering process with spectacular results; there is a continuity in deliverables no matter where you order from.
What do you feel are essential skills for a successful corporate flight attendant?
You have to keep a professional, poised demeanor no matter what happens, since you are representing the companies you are working for. Provide the highest level of service while improvising when needed. Flexibility is paramount since changes in the number of passengers, destination and timing of flights can happen — sometimes all in the same hour. Be prepared, organized and anticipate for those last-minute changes. Most important of all, use discretion — confidentiality is paramount in this profession.
What advice would you give someone looking to become a corporate flight attendant?
I would advise to attend any networking opportunity available in your region, and be “pleasantly persistent” when new to the industry. Your time will come!
For those who would like to connect with you, what email address should they use?
I can be reached at dynerwest@hotmail.com.
This article is part of a series of interviews we are conducting with corporate 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.
