Ramp Apes
Posted: Sat Dec 09, 2017 7:57 am
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
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!
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
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!