Air transport ramp attendants operate ramp vehicles and equipment, handle baggage, and conduct various service jobs on and around airplanes. Ramp attendants, also known as station attendants, are employed by airlines, cargo and courier companies, and the federal government.
Many on-ground duties of an airline are performed by ramp attendants. Working in crews, you tow planes to and from the gate area, hook up the passenger bridge, arrange all the carts and dollies to load or unload baggage and cargo, and connect ground power units for electrical power, heating and air conditioning, as required.
Servicing of aircraft is a major aspect of this job. Cleaning and grooming both the interior and exterior of the aircraft, servicing the lavatories, de-icing the plane, and conducting a thorough safety check of the plane before departure are all expected of you. Other duties include loading food, ensuring the weight and balancing of the plane meets accepted standards, and preparing the ramp area for the next incoming flight.
Pay for this position is based upon hourly wage. Many companies provide excellent benefits for their workers, including discount air passes. You must be flexible with your time as most of the work is performed on a shift basis.
You are responsible for communicating with a number of different people when performing this job. Remaining in contact with the crew to ensure a smooth taxi into the gate is vital. As well, you must stay in contact with ground control, who determines when you are clear to tow the plane to the gate.
Training differs slightly from company to company. What is common to all companies, however, is emphasis on safety. You become familiar with the various types of aircraft a company flies and learn what vital spots must be checked on the aircraft.
You must also be familiar with the equipment you operate on the ground. Though most companies hire mechanics to fix ground equipment, you need to be able to identify problems as they arise. More and more companies are now training their ramp attendants to deal with emergency situations. Standards in the airline industry are constantly changing so training is an ongoing element of the business.
Companies hire both full- and part-time staff for these positions. If you show promise, you may eventually become a ramp supervisor or cargo manager.
Since airlines follow strict schedules, you must be organized and efficient in this work. You must be responsible and pay attention to what is going on around you. You should also enjoy the physical nature of the work.
You should enjoy working as part of a team and be able to communicate clearly with your supervisor and with the aircraft crews. If you identify a problem with the aircraft, you should not hesitate to alert the necessary personnel. People in this position should also enjoy working outside in all kinds of weather and be able to adapt to changing conditions quickly.