jetcareers - View Single Post - Personal equipment that made your lives easier at work

Gumps · February 19th, 2008, 10:08

Quick donning ear protection. Plugs are a pain and take too much time, eventually you start to not use anything. So get something you can toss on quickly.

Don't put latex gloves on under your work gloves. You end up sweating and breaking out in a rash. Just toss your regular gloves on the defroster every time you're in a vehicle, and in the office find a register and make it your spot. I would stick to the cheap hardware store heavy leather gloves because you'll go through them all so fast you need to treat them as a disposable item. 20 dollar gloves don't last any longer than 3 dollar ones.

As for the boots, my old Fbo gave us 100 bucks per year, so I always spent the extra money and got Redwings. They last longer, have a 0 day break in period, the store will oil them for free, give you free laces, and you can get them re-soled for 60 bucks. If this is going to be a short term gig for you buy what ever you want, if you think the ramp will be a career move, well... you'll learn what works for you.

What climate do you work in?

Cold outside? Synthetic wicking long jons, do not buy cotton! Neck gator/hat combo. Wool socks. Boots insulated with gortex. Insulated gloves. Economy size hot chocolate. Shades dude. Breathable rain suit.

Hot out there? Nalgene. Sunblock. Hat. Shades dude. Breathable rain suit.

Get a bag of those cheap Bic pens that click open. (no cap to loose, one hand operation.)

Small note book. For writing notes, requests, ect.

Gammon tec plug.-Your fbo should have these. Then find the proper grounding location on each aircraft you work with so you don't look like a tool crawling around under the airplane!

Always check the volume on your radio! Missing calls is a typical rookie mistake. Don't get down when your co-workers bust your balls but, make it a habit to always check the volume is on full!

Good luck, I hope you enjoy your time on the ramp as much as I did.

February 19th, 2008, 10:08	#2
Gumps Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western 'burbs of Chicago Posts: 90	Re: Personal equipment that made your lives easier at work Quick donning ear protection. Plugs are a pain and take too much time, eventually you start to not use anything. So get something you can toss on quickly. Don't put latex gloves on under your work gloves. You end up sweating and breaking out in a rash. Just toss your regular gloves on the defroster every time you're in a vehicle, and in the office find a register and make it your spot. I would stick to the cheap hardware store heavy leather gloves because you'll go through them all so fast you need to treat them as a disposable item. 20 dollar gloves don't last any longer than 3 dollar ones. As for the boots, my old Fbo gave us 100 bucks per year, so I always spent the extra money and got Redwings. They last longer, have a 0 day break in period, the store will oil them for free, give you free laces, and you can get them re-soled for 60 bucks. If this is going to be a short term gig for you buy what ever you want, if you think the ramp will be a career move, well... you'll learn what works for you. What climate do you work in? Cold outside? Synthetic wicking long jons, do not buy cotton! Neck gator/hat combo. Wool socks. Boots insulated with gortex. Insulated gloves. Economy size hot chocolate. Shades dude. Breathable rain suit. Hot out there? Nalgene. Sunblock. Hat. Shades dude. Breathable rain suit. Get a bag of those cheap Bic pens that click open. (no cap to loose, one hand operation.) Small note book. For writing notes, requests, ect. Gammon tec plug.-Your fbo should have these. Then find the proper grounding location on each aircraft you work with so you don't look like a tool crawling around under the airplane! Always check the volume on your radio! Missing calls is a typical rookie mistake. Don't get down when your co-workers bust your balls but, make it a habit to always check the volume is on full! Good luck, I hope you enjoy your time on the ramp as much as I did.