I actually think that there's quite a lot of things to be learned on the ramp that can apply to one's future as a successful pilot. There's a saying where we learn by doing. As much as a student may have learned by reading about operational handling of aircraft, doing the handling itself is a different story. So I can't quite exactly agree with you when you say that working the ramp has no benefits to the pilot's future. I think that it does because it amazes me how many people there are out there that call them selves pilot's, who if given a credit card and instructions to fuel a plane, would have 20 beats added to their hearts, a sense of nervousness, and in ability to properly fuel their planes. Oh, and as a alert, operational handling of the aircraft doesn't stop as soon as you step into that turbo prop job. In fact, flying for most 703/704 operators, you will on occasion fly into airports where the handling of the aircraft is solely the responsibility of you, the pilot.
I think almost every rampie will agree that being on the ramp has taught them so much, and built them so much respect for the people who service the aircraft, because only somebody who has experienced it truly knows how tough of a job it really can be.
My question to you moocow, when an accountant is hired right from university, is he or she put straight into a role in controlling major corporate taxes? Most definitely not. They are started as a bookkeeper, and on occasion income tax duties. How will such duties help them with the so called "big-boy" duties? Like anything, it will build the basic foundation for taxation, number adjustments, and an insight of the whole business. Gradually as experience in acquired, they move to higher, and higher posts. Same thing with flying, you work the ground, learn heck of a lot, apply it to your flying one by one. You will quickly come to learn the uniqueness of many aircraft such as what a real walk around really consists of, or how much de-icing is necessary for the removal of ice, snow, frost, or what a certain aircraft is famous for, the list goes on... When you're up there flying the flight levels, you'll have all this experience under your belt, not just in flying, but also in operational awareness which is something that operators are always looking for. You want somebody flying your planes who cares about the airplane and knows how to handle it.
Obviously if you can score a flying job, take it, but especially for all the low timers, don't turn down jobs because you're going to work the ground for a period of time. It will teach you things you never thought were possible.
I just think that the term "true pilot" has more traits to it than the basic flight training syllabus that students are faced with. I personally think that the million dollar answer is that people in this day and age, have a huge lack of curiosity in what they do. It seems that more and more, people settle for the bare minimums, and don't get out there to explore their curiosity. How many of you students in flight training have actually taken 1 hour out of your 200 hour commercial course, to go to the AME's office, and have a chat with them? or hang out with the fueling guy at the airport and have him take you out on a few fuelings? or show interest in the rampie's job and have him teach you a thing or two about his job? See it's traits like this that will provide you with a humbling experience, get you out of that egoistic mindset, and set's you apart from that other 250 hour guy applying for the same job that you're trying to call your first. Try to learn all there is in your field, even the duties that will get your hands dirty. It will pay off! If you think that every guy sitting there controlling the MCP at 400 feet just got there with the chance of luck, you need a big reality check! While some are lucky, most that are up there flying you from Vancouver to Toronto have had their hands dirty, and they know a thing or two more than their flying duties.
I have a hard time believing that companies are looking for a know-it-all, because if they can find somebody who truly has a great character, a good attitude, curiosity in what they do, and endure a humbling attitude, the company can train that pilot into becoming what ever type of pilot they need him/her to be - making all the know-it-all wannabe's questioning them selves, why is it that this company won't hire me... I got the time... or I have the degree... or I have the PPC... or I have this... I have that... you get the picture. A very good friend of mine probably has every type rating in the book, flown for most of the carriers there are out there, and has 18 000 hours of PIC time alone. When you talk to him, you feel no difference than talking to a 250 hour pilot... in fact, he's more humble than some of the noobs I've seen out there. If you need to fuel the airplane, he's ahead of you, on his way to the self serve tanks to do it. Tell me something, would you respect this guy or what? I know I would. Try to be that guy who after so many years of flying, is still excited to do the dirty work cause as long as there are class acts like him around, there will be the so-called, know it alls questioning their progress which eventually leads to their bitterness and resignation from the industry. What ever happened to that dream you had when you were 5, where you were soaring the skies? Don't get lost in your own ego people!
But what do I know right? Cause I'm still a low timer... still learning ... still excited every time I go to work. This post is just an insight that I'm experiencing based on many so-to-speak, "aviators" that I run into on a daily basis. Some true aviators, some, who are in for a rough road.
But to each his/her own ... Good luck to everybody looking for that first flying job!
Good Night
). So when I went to flight school, as I came through my private training, especially being as young as I was, I developed an attitude of "I can do this, and most others can't!" And thus, ego was created. Of course, entering the real world, and beginning to work in the industry changes your attitude completely. I am not going to blame a flight school for this, as they did nothing to promote having "attitude", but they also don't tell you not to. I think that's where it begins, whether promoted or not, in flight school. This will lead into my next poin...
(source: Harv's Air)
