The SkyWest General Emergency SSG is a critical internal safety certification for flight crews and operational staff at SkyWest Airlines, a leading regional carrier. This comprehensive exam validates an individual's knowledge of essential emergency procedures, safety protocols, and standard operating practices (SOPs). It is designed to ensure that every crew member can respond decisively and effectively in high-pressure situations, maintaining the highest standards of passenger and crew safety.

What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The SkyWest General Emergency SSG covers a wide array of vital safety topics. The curriculum is meticulously aligned with FAA regulations and SkyWest’s internal safety management systems. Core areas include:

• Emergency Evacuation Procedures: Detailed protocols for land and water evacuations (ditching) across all aircraft types operated by SkyWest, including specialized commands and exit operations.

• Firefighting and Smoke Control: Hands-on and theoretical training for in-flight and ground fire scenarios, including proper equipment usage.

• Medical Emergency Response: Recognizing and managing common and severe medical events on board, including CPR, AED use, and first aid.

• Decompression Procedures: Actions required during sudden and slow cabin pressure loss.

• Security Protocols: Understanding threat levels, hijacking procedures, and crew member security duties.

• Survival Skills: Core principles of post-evacuation survival in various environments.

The training involves a mix of classroom instruction, detailed manual study, and practical drills in simulated environments, including full-motion simulators and cabin mock-ups.

What to Expect in the Final Exam

The final SkyWest General Emergency SSG exam is a rigorous assessment of both knowledge and practical application. Candidates can expect:

• Format: A closed-book, multiple-choice examination. Some sections may include scenario-based questions that require applying knowledge to real-world situations.

• Passing Score Requirements: SkyWest maintains exceptional safety standards; therefore, a high passing score (often 90% or above) is required on the written portion.

• Time Limits: The exam is timed, typically allowing between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on the specific module version.

• Practical Assessment: A critical component is the practical "hands-on" evaluation. Candidates must flawlessly demonstrate key skills, such as opening emergency exits, operating a fire extinguisher, and delivering evacuation commands, in front of a certified instructor. Failure to pass a practical drill can lead to exam failure, regardless of the written score.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Preparation is key to succeeding on the SkyWest General Emergency SSG. Effective strategies include:

• Master the Manuals: The primary resource is your SkyWest Flight Attendant Manual (FAM), Pilot’s Operating Manual (POM), or equivalent department safety manual. Focus on the 'Emergency' sections, which contain the specific commands, procedures, and flowcharts you will be tested on.

• Use the Official Practice Exams: SkyWest provides official practice tools and quizzes through its internal learning management system (LMS). These are the single best way to gauge your readiness and understand the question format.

• Group Study and Practical Drills: Form study groups with classmates. Practice commands out loud and "dry run" practical drills. Muscle memory is vital for the practical exam.

• Flashcards: Utilize digital (e.g., Anki) or physical flashcards for rapid recall of commands, equipment locations, and pre-flight checks.

Exam Centers: The final exam and practical assessments are conducted exclusively at specialized SkyWest Airlines training centers. These include the airline's primary training hubs, such as those in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Denver, Colorado. The exams are not offered at public test sites (like Pearson VUE). You must be an employee or trainee of SkyWest to access these facilities and take the exam.

Job Opportunities from the Course

Passing the SkyWest General Emergency SSG is not just a certification; it is an absolute requirement for employment in key operational roles at SkyWest Airlines. It validates that you possess the necessary safety competencies to fulfill your duties. The specific career paths this certification unlocks include:

• Flight Attendant

• First Officer (Pilot)

• Captain (Pilot)

• Ground Instructor (Safety/Emergency Procedures)

• In-Flight Support Specialist

• Operational Managers with Safety Oversight