How has the ramp made you a better pilot?

[fly4food84]

It's helped me become more aware of ramp operations!

It's also allowed me to meet many many professional pilots who have given me loads of advice as well as some flight time. It all helps.:hiya:

 

[Joe]

We got an ATIS in November, and a NOTAM was issued because it would be a while before it was published on all the charts. After hearing the controllers getting frustrated at all the pilots who didn't know we had an ATIS, I've had a newfound respect for checking NOTAMs before every flight. I also issued a lot of NOTAMs while we had to plow this past winter, which again reinforced this.

Also, hearing a lot of pilots who are less than stellar on the radio has made me strive to stick to standard phraseology as often as possible, which involves breaking some bad habits here and there.

 

[n57flyguy]

Great posts from all of you guys. When I started the thread I had these thoughts in mind:

1. Courtesy. (enough said)

2. Procedure/etiquette. Many things like when to hangar, when to refuel, the difference between a cold engine and a dead battery, the limits of de-ice fluid, ramp safety, dealing with passengers, politics when phrasing requests with ATC, the way things work at an FBO in general. I believe the situational awareness on the ramp of pilots who have worked a ramp is superior to those who haven't, and everybody can tell.

Nail on the head Gumps

 

[Star-Bright Aviation]

When I worked the line, I seen many things that I have been able to relate to my students as a CFI. New Years Eve, 2006, I was working the line when a Cherokee landed and taxied in. It was dark out, and the weather was Marginal VFR at best. A young girl, about 15 yrs old, jumped out of the plane. I asked her if they needed fuel. She was shaking and looked as if she could cry at any moment. She told me that they really needed fuel. I walked with her into the FBO then returned to the Cherokee. The man (who was the girl's father) was still sitting motionless in the plane. I stepped onto the wing, leaned into the plane and asked if he needed fuel. He stared straight ahead and only nodded. I went to get the fuel truck, and filled the plane. I met them both inside and told the man how much fuel I put in. 49.5 gallons. He told me that the cherokee only holds 50 gallons. They were on there way from Texas to Olathe, Kansas. He did not realize that his headwing was as bad as it was. He was IFR and told ATC that he had a fuel emergency. His daughter told me that the fuel gauges had been on empty for quite awhile. They landad with only .5 gallons of fuel remaining, IFR at night. This could have turned tragic very easily. It made a very lasting impact on me. I was staring at two people who came very close to no longer being. I tell this story to my students, not to scare them, but to instill in them the need for proper planning and how to make decisions and changes to plans to avoid ever getting into a situation like that one.

 

[PGT]

If I remember correctly, useable fuel on a Cherokee is 49.625 gallons.

Edit: just got out my old POH and confirmed that it is 49.625.

 

[Kalikiano]

Networking seems like it may pay off with all the corporate/charter pilots that I was able to talk with if I go that route. Pilots were usually really cool about discussing aviation especially when I told them I would be attending flight school soon.

I can recognize a lot more aircraft now because of being a lineman (dont need to be a lineman to do this)

If a lineman parks you over on the side out of the way dont yell at him especially when he has a golf cart to escort you back to the terminal. There may be a good reason and its in your best interest.

Ramp awareness is a great skill

Marshalling skills have improved tremendously.