Hi everyone,
I normally post happy stuff on here, but I though I’d give some information to anyone wishing to become a ramp agent, and for those currently working in an airport already.
This is an actual experience that really happened. I’m sharing my experiences to everyone so you don’t have to face what I faced, and I was EXTREMELY lucky that I’m still working at an airport. I love my job as always, but this one made me stop and think about what I should have done.
Today, I was doing lavatory on a Boeing 767. It was a moment where I had to get things done quickly. Since I’ve really never been in a high stress situation, I felt very rushed and a lot of miscommunication happened as well.
Normally, another person has to be with you to guide you out and away from the airplane
In this case, that did not happen. No one was with me.
I ended up accidentally driving UNDER the fuselage of the airplane. Yes I’m not lying, this really did happen
Now, think about the thousands of possibilities and outcomes that could have happened, but thankfully did not happen.
The lavatory truck is small, and the port is in the very back, so it was at a reasonable distance where there was no danger to the aircraft, but due to the fact I was being hurried, I never realized my mistake until someone told me to step out and told me what I have done wrong.
Of course, I panicked and began to apologize profusely.
Because I did not hit anything (a big sigh) I got off with a single warning, unfortunately it will be documented, and I’m not sure if that stays on the record forever (probably does).
1 - Do not rush
Unlike me, I felt very rushed, and was told to move onto the next plane. I should have used my Common sense and called for someone to marshal me out.
While it was primarily my fault, there is also a problem where my coworkers did not spot me and did not stop me on time. Miscommunication was a small factor in this incident
2 - Communication is vital
Communicate!! It’s very important! Don’t just go, ask for help when you need it! Not only you, your coworkers also need to communicate with you too!
Let your coworkers know if you feel that they’re not communicating with you effectively to work safely.
I told my coworkers that they should have stopped me and not let me go on like that. Safety is our Number one priority, and I jeopardized myself since no one yelled on the radio for me to stop. I also failed to call for guidance when it was needed.
3 - situational awareness
Like driving a car, you should feel like you’re a part of the vehicle you’re driving.
The Lavatory cart I drove felt small but long, which is why I did not feel any imminent danger.
In the end, I was very lucky, and I learned a very valuable lesson, which I will not do ever again.
I still had a good time seeing the 747 that came behind the 767 I was working on, and I just had to take some pictures of the Queen of the skies.
Thanks for reading
