need some advise
Ive applied for a position as a line man.
the only qualification needed was to be 18, which I am. What all do you do for this job, the parts I know of is that I would be Fueling the airplanes, signaling the pilots where to park, eventually towing airplanes. I know I need to learn the phonetic alphabet. Anything else? Also, do you enjoy your job?

i was also a victim of the economy, i got laid off a few weeks ago, the day after, my transmission goes in the camaro, only car currently:smoke:

I'm going to tell you that I absolutely know nothing about that kind of job.

But, as somebody that has been around the block more than once, I can say this:
Listen to what the "old guys" tell ya. They didn't get to be old guys on the job by being stupid, especially in that line of work!
Do what you're told to do & don't be afraid of of asking questions.
The only stupid question is the 1 that doesn't get asked.

As for the phonetic alphabet, it'll come to you long, long before you have to worry about going Tango Uniform on that job

I've been an A&P mechanic and working around airports for about 30 years now. Just use common since when you are around any aircraft with the engine running. Most injuries are from people not paying attention to their surroundings and walking into a propeller or touching something that burns them. The FBO your going to work for should teach you all the ins and outs of being around aircraft before they turn you loose.

It's a great job. You get to meet lots of new and different people.

I've worked around DC-8 & 10's and 767's for many years. Ramp op jobs generally are low paying as a profession. I was in a good paying job in which loading aircraft was included. I'd say Gor for it. It's hard and dangerous work. It was always fun meeting take off deadlines to avoid fines. I was so commited to it that I unloaded a 767 by myself in twenty minutes (top deck/ 120 containers). Cost me a shoulder surgery. A lot of the rampers got to know the mechanics and went to school to follow in their tracks.

While I have never been a line men, I've been around a lot of line men in my 14 year aviation career as a Flight Instructor, Cargo Pilot Corporate Pilot and now an Airline Pilot.

A couple of tips and some advice that will get you far:

KEEP YOUR HEAD ON A SWIVEL AT ALL TIMES!!! Be situationally aware of your surroundings. The ramp can be a very dangerous and unforgiving place. Be careful!

When you hear on the Unicom/Ramp freq. that an aircraft is taxiing in, be out at the ramp to marshal them in. Don't let them wait. It's a sure way to get scalded. Remember, a Jet sitting on the ramp with both engines running at idle waiting for you is burning up 1000 - 1500 lbs of jet fuel per hour. That is more money per minute they're burning than you make in an hour!!!

Learn your airplane types. Pay special attention to placards affixed to the wing. Consciously read them, don't glance, actually read them. There is No Excuse for refueling an aircraft with 100 Low Lead Aviation fuel when it should have Jet Fuel or vice-versa!

Be polite, respectful and personable. Look like a Pro. Act like a Pro! This will get you far in this job. Most pilots have your respect, especially when the weather is very hot or very cold and you still do your job without complaining. (Don't tell pilots or their passengers that you're having a bad day. After flying all day, we don't want to hear your sob story.)

Do your job well, help pilots and passengers out every way you can and you can earn some very BIG tips. A good ramper/line men can easily earn more in tips than salary.

Enjoy your self and BE SAFE!

See ya around!

Alex

I worked for Cessna Aircraft. I preserved engines, installed seats, and did miscellaneous final work. It's really easy and fun to work around planes. Not hard work at all. I agree to keep your head on a swivel... I've hit mine on a wing a time or two (not fun). It's not hard to always know where your at. Oh, never spin a propeller!!! It is likely that it will pop over far enough to smack your head (if not cut it off). My dad is one of the test pilots for Cessna and I've been around planes all my life. Once you are around them for a bit it's hard to get away from them.