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If you've ever taken a commercial airplane
flight, you've surely seen people driving,
waving hand signals and walking alongside
the airplane as it prepared to take off
or while it taxied to the gate. They are
ground support service workers, and the
ones you're most likely to see from your
window seat are specifically called ramp
agents.
Airline
Ramp Agent Duties
Ramp agents are responsible for all ground
servicing of an aircraft while in the airport
between flights. Typically, this means preparing
for aircraft arrival by readying the wheel
chocks, beltloaders (for unloading baggage),
and various other machinery used in aircraft
maintenance. When the aircraft arrives,
ramp agents are responsible for guiding
the pilots with hand signals or orange flashlight
wands into position next to the gate. When
the plane comes to a stop, ramp agents chock
the wheels of the plane and guide the jetbridge
(the enclosed ramp connecting the airport
gate to the aircraft) to the aircraft door.
Ramp agents also perform a variety of
maintenance activities, including spraying
de-icing solution on the plane's wings,
keeping the tarmac free of debris, and sometimes
refueling and loading catering supplies,
although refueling is usually handled by
independent contractors.
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Work Conditions
The work requires constant exposure to outdoor
conditions and loud jet engines, resulting
in high turnover. Most work is performed
outside in all types of weather, and ear
plugs are usually necessary because of aircraft
engine noise. Agents sometimes must work
quickly to ready a plane for departure,
and weather delays can cause several flights
to arrive at the same time, making for hectic
schedules. Overtime work is common. Applicants
should have a high school diploma or its
equivalent and a valid driver's license,
be able to lift heavy objects, and work
well under pressure.
A Day In
The Life
Cargo flights also need ground handling
and our video partner provides
us with a video look at a ramp crew in action,
including a unique first person view of
a Boeing 747 being pushed back for its engine
start. 'It's just a day in the life of a
ramp agent.
Read more about Airline Ramp Agents
at www.avjobs.com
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