Page 1 of 1

Ramp Apes

Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2017 7:57 am
by Jim Hardin
Last weekend I went down to Phili area, Wings Field (KLOM) for some dual in their simulator. I had never been there and was a little disappointed by the general run down condition of the whole field. Founded in 1930, there is a lot of history there. While I was waiting I was listening the the CATF calls but sitting with my back to the windows.

I heard a helicopter make a few blind calls as he approached the field. Next thing, a ramp ape bursts in cussing about the helicopter taxiing too close to the building/parked aircraft and demand the girl at the desk call him! I am pretty sure that anyone driving a turbine helicopter is aware of their powerful wake and their responsibilities. By then the pilot was busy with his passengers and not on the radio.

As he taxied out to leave the ramp ape grabs the mike and makes contact. He proceeds to berate the pilot and finishes with "... then don't come the F--- back here".

I was not in a position to actually see what was going on, but I don't think this is the guy you want as your ambassador.

At least it was offset when I came back from the sim and found my wife had cornered 3 locals and were talking about an earlier era of aviation. They also recommended a good nearby place to eat :P

The sim was a Cirrus and I'll go back when I can to try out a real one. AND to take another crack at those scallops!

Re: Ramp Apes

Posted: Sun Feb 18, 2018 10:51 am
by rgstubbsjr
Hence the rundown condition.
People don't use facilities if they don't feel welcome.
If they don't use the facilities, no money changes hands.

Re: Ramp Apes

Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2018 12:37 pm
by HAPPYDAN
If you're ever in Wisconsin, fly into Sheboygan on Lake Michigan. The Ramp crew will meet you as you taxi into the parking area, guide you to your parking space, assist you with baggage, push your plane to the "T" and tie it down for you as one will escort you to the Pilots' Lounge. And ask if you need fuel. Nice place!

Re: Ramp Apes

Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2018 1:09 pm
by Half Fast
If you'd like a glimpse into the history of the place, not to mention the glory days of general aviation, try reading the book Weekend Pilot by Frank Smith.

https://www.amazon.com/Week-End-Pilot-F ... 039471069X

He learned to fly at Wings and it sounds like it was a really neat place back in the 50s.

Re: Ramp Apes

Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2018 1:30 pm
by drseti
Half Fast wrote: try reading the book Weekend Pilot by Frank Smith.
As I recall, Frank was a Philadelphia attorney. So, would you really choose to believe anything he wrote? ;)

Re: Ramp Apes

Posted: Mon Feb 26, 2018 2:59 pm
by Half Fast
drseti wrote:
Half Fast wrote: try reading the book Weekend Pilot by Frank Smith.
As I recall, Frank was a Philadelphia attorney. So, would you really choose to believe anything he wrote? ;)

No, but I enjoy reading fiction, too. :mrgreen: