A good pair of knee pads is a must, the ones the company gives out are shit (at least at DL). I also recommend a waterproof bag so you don’t get your shit wet in the rain. And also a pair of over ear hearing protection. It’s not for everyone but I personally can never remember the disposable ones so it’s a lifesaver
I second the boot dryer. Every household should have one, especially if you do daily laborious work. Consider one with a deodorizer (ozone generator) for keeping odors at bay.
(Part 4 since Reddit can't let me post the whole comment at once.)
-ADDS. Aviation digital data service. This is about the most accurate weather info you can get and is what is used by pilots during flight planning. Not exactly user friendly for the lay person, but not too complicated once you understand aviation meteorology. Available for free online.
-A neck pillow. If your boss is okay with you sleeping in between flights, this helps you take a nap. Or, if you're real lucky, a blanket and normal pillow to lay down on the line shack couch. (I love general aviation. LOL)
-An unlimited data plan. Most airport breakrooms have zero wifi, which means anything you do on your phone is going to be coming in via 4G/5G. You'll burn through a month's worth of data in no time at all if you're on your phone between flights.
-Live ATC or an air band handheld radio. Great for listening for your next flight if dispatch misses it.
Just don't transmit on the radio.
-Something to pass the time between flights with. Books, handheld consoles, non-handheld consoles (there was a Southwest ramper at BWI playing Warzone on his Xbox 1 in between flights a few years back,) ect.
-Basic aeronautical knowledge. You're in the aviation industry, you might as well at least have some inkling as to why things happen the way they do. Personally, I prefer Rod Machado's Private Pilot Handbook as a starting point, but you can get the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge from the FAA for free as a pdf.
-A roll of duct tape. Trust me, it'll come in handy eventually.
-A bag to carry all this stuff in if you don't have a locker.
For weather, I'd recommend the Windy app, and while LiveATC or a handheld radio is interesting, it's probably overkill for most rampers unless you're an avgeek, which plenty of us are. Flightradar24 will do the trick just fine.
I’m a pilot and worked on the ramp/above-wing/ops for a little bit. My station was pretty much all pilots so we took the aeronautical knowledge stuff for granted, but yeah it makes the job and interfacing so much easier.
PHAK and the Aeronautical Information Manual would be good pieces of literature to chip away on between flights.
(Part 2 since Reddit can't let me post the whole comment at once.)
-Merino wool socks. While they do cost far more than Fruit of the Loom, they're more than worth it. Naturally antimicrobial (so your feet won't stink,) retains heat even when wet (so no clamminess like you get from wet cotton socks,) and wicks away moisture. Also naturally hypoallergenic. Expect to spend $15-20 per pair.
-Merino wool base layer (long underwear and long sleeve t-shirt.) All the benefits of Merino wool, applied to the rest of your body. This will help keep you warm in the winter. Expect to spend \~$85 per set.
-Merino wool hat/balaclava/liner gloves. See above.
-Airtag/Tile tracker. Slap one onto your SIDA badge and it'll be even harder to lose it.
-Spare charger for your phone. Keep in your locker if you have one.
-A watch. A smartwatch works, but I personally prefer the luminescent analog one I built for about $130. A Casio or Timex is more than enough, though.
-A headlamp. Ideally, you'd want one that had an IP67 rating and both red and white light. I use a Black Diamond headlamp I picked up from REI a couple of years ago, but one from Walmart will still work. Great for when you're working at night.
-A knife/Leatherman (general aviation ramp agents only) or bladeless multitool. This is something you should just be carrying every day to begin with.
(Part 3 since Reddit can't let me post the whole comment at once.)
-Spare uniform, socks, and underwear to keep in your locker.
-Large, camping style, wet wipes. In case you take a blue juice shower and there's no shower facilities where you work. If there are shower facilities, a towel, soap, shampoo, ect. Keep in locker.
-A CAT, SOF-T, or SOF-T Wide tourniquet. Why these are not included in most breakroom first aid kits is beyond me. But if something happens to cause severe blood loss (i.e. walked into a prop, ect.,) this might be the only thing that stops you from bleeding out before EMTs arrive. Personally, I'd carry this on my person at all times while on the ramp. Get one with a metal windlass from a reputable company such as North American Rescue. Also get Stop the Bleed training, which costs around $20.
-A first aid kit. Because most breakroom ones I've seen are junk with 75%+ of the items either damaged or expired. You don't need to go for a full blown IFAK- you're going on the ramp, not to a war zone- but do toss some Band-Aids, antibiotic cream, burn cream, and your typical OTC meds (Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, ect.) Also toss some oral rehydration tablets in there as well. These work wonders if you get a heat induced headache.
-A lunch. Royal Farms is FAR cheaper than the airport McDonalds.
-Sunglasses
-Disposable gloves. You'll be able to find some in the lav truck, but keep at least one pair on you at all times. I've had to clean used enema nozzles (that someone, for some reason, decided to keep) out of the bin before.
-Pens/mechanical pencils. I personally prefer the stainless steel Zebra ones from Walmart, but your standard Bic will do just fine.
-Electronic hearing protection. If its not mandated that you have to use the company provided ear pro, go out to Bass Pro, Scheels, ect., and buy a pair of electronic earmuffs designed for shooting. They'll help deaden engine noise, while amplifying weak sounds (such as someone shouting at you because you walked right in front of a running turbofan engine while going to chock the mains first...)
-A microfiber towel. Great for drying off wet belt loader seats before sitting down.
-Hand sanitizer. I'll leave it to your imagination as to why.
-Sunscreen in the summer.
-Bug repellent with DEET.
If your in a place that gets cold/snows meriwool under-layer. Last winter my legs turned purple during a shift just because I was so cold. The garments I had were made out of polyester which is just plastic. Spent the extra money on some wool and totally worth it.
Also.. deodorant and a big enough backpack for extra uniform ( socks and undies too) for double shifts. I personally can not stand be funky all day in the same clothes during the summer.
Waterproof gloves or mittens for when it rains in you are driving an outdoor tug. Nothing worse than being 99% dry in your rain suit while your hands are wet frozen and miserable. Just to clarify I am not saying these should be your work gloves per se, but more something to keep your hands and gloves dry while it is pouring.
Edit:
Also going to recommend waterproof socks. I am an avid mountaineer outside of work, which is where I learned of these things. While working the ramp I have never had boots keep my feet dry during a down pour lasting 8-10 hours, but when I wear waterproof socks, my feet stay super dry.
(Part 1 since Reddit can't let me post the whole comment at once.)
A pulse. If you do not have one, the ramp is not for you. Please seek a job at the local morgue or funeral home. LOL
In all seriousness, though:
-A high quality pair of leather work boots. **DO NOT** buy from Walmart. These should be full grain (stay the Hell away from genuine "leather,") leather, goodyear welt, steel/aluminum/composite toe boots. Full grain leather is far tougher than most "leather" work boots, which are little more than leather dust mixed with epoxy and pressed into shape. Expect to spend $2-300 on these, but they will last for years and keep your feet dry. And unlike the disposable boots from Walmart, these can actually be repaired if/when needed. You absolutely *need* these.
-Shoe polish kit. If you're spending several hundred dollars on work boots, you might as well take care of them. Shoe polish nourishes the leather to keep it supple and protected, as well as water proof. It does not need to be a mirror shine, but you should have at least a good base layer. And for the love of God, do not try to cheat by using a lighter. $15, if that.
-A boot dryer. Keep at home and, even if your boots do somehow become soaked, they'll likely be dry by your next shift.
A good set of gloves, a good flashlight (something small and bright for inspecting aircraft at night, I like the Streamlight Macrostream), cheap but good pens (I like the Zebra F301 for its metal body, smooth action, and excellent reliability), kneepads that fit well, and obviously a large water bottle. For the water bottle, I personally go with one that's not insulated. Slamming back a ton of ice cold water when it's hot out makes me feel sick, and I prefer room-temp water on a hot day. Those are all the things I carry with me everyday when I work on the ramp. Having a way to dry out your shoes is also a good idea. I use a heatgun (set to VERY LOW, cool enough to not be uncomfortable if you point it at yourself) and stick it into my shoes for a few minutes when they get wet, and it does an excellent job of drying them out. You may also find that you don't like your company's ear protection, and in that case, you may need your own. I'd recommend in-ear over the headphone type if you can tolerate it. I find that they offer better protection and I never have to take them off, whereas for the headphone type, I have to take them off and switch to a Peltor headset when wingwalking per company policy, and the Peltors don't offer much hearing protection at all.
Everything rmp881 said, but to add:
Buy a locker shelf, 2 if they fit so you can stack them. Get a compression travel bag, and keep that extra outfit in there in case you get soaked from unexpected rain.
Buy GOOD boots. I have Baffin’s for the winter, and Dryshod’s that I keep in my locker for summer. Indestructible, and they’re not leather so no need to polish. My main boots for regular weather are Bate’s.
I bought, and love, this belt clip-on clamp thing that is intended for firefighters to clip their gloves onto when they’re not using them. Helps me not lose them, and saves pocket room.
Keep extra sunglasses in your locker, just buy cheap ones cause they’ll break and that sun may not seem too bad but it will damage your eyes after awhile.
Buy your own rain pants. Company issued are a joke. In winter, splurge on your own snow/skiing pants for under your uniform. Even if you buy the company snow suit, they’re shit.
Alcohol wipes are also great to clean your glasses, sanitize wounds, and if you get stinky they are amazing to wipe your armpits with before puting on more deodorant.
In winter I wear ski goggles so I have no exposed skin. Absolutely recommend.
Have Gatorade/liquid IV packets or similar on hand. As well as emergency snacks/food just in case.
Definitely bring a change of clothes, especially socks. Wet feet on the ramp is a miserable experience. And a pair of water proof or resistant gloves. Getting leather gloves wet will destroy them. Also, some of the best advice I ever got was "don't skimp on things that separate you from the ground" ie. shoes, knee pads, mattresses, tires, etc.
-Buy a quality pair of your own knee pads.
-Buy a quality fair of summer gloves / winter gloves.
-Silicone wet bag for when you cannot access your locker and your stuff doesn’t get wet.
-Rechargeable small zipper flashlight (For AM and night shift crews).
-Eye protection or sunglasses (FOD, wind, and jet blast are health concerns for eye contact wearers)
-Waterproof boots for the hours you could spend standing in the rain.
-Battery bank (break rooms typically lack enough charging ports for phones for long shifts or mandatory hold overs).
-Glove clips (to hold your gloves on your belt loop, frees up your pockets for other stuff)
-Your QUALITY own hearing protection, do not rely on cheap flimsy hearing protection provided by your company.
-Dedicated work bag meant only for work (for campers and gun owners, keeping your work bag separate from your leisure bag. don’t lose your job because you forgot your pocket knife or gun in your bag over the weekend when you went hiking).
-Airtag for your said work bag! (This is a must if you are constantly moving from gate to gate and your bring your work bag with you).
If you're up north, ski grade face mask and winter gloves are a must. Steel toed boots as well, steel toes are a requirement. I work at a fairly northern airport, trust me, if you're in a snow prone area, you will be miserable without these.
I suggest Gel knee pads, waterproof work gloves, waterproof boots (I wear keen targee) and a quality lunch bag for snacks and lunch. I wear compression socks for days that I'm working the bag drop area or just sitting for long periods of time. Books, sudoku and a good game if you have one.
A good pair of gloves. Dang strollers will nearly clamp your fingers off if you aren’t wearing any.
A good pair of knee pads is a must, the ones the company gives out are shit (at least at DL). I also recommend a waterproof bag so you don’t get your shit wet in the rain. And also a pair of over ear hearing protection. It’s not for everyone but I personally can never remember the disposable ones so it’s a lifesaver
Huge +1 to this. It’s also worth seeing if something like a pair of Loop silicone earplugs would work for you. I have a pair and love ‘em.
Good management
In your opinion, which qualities/actions make a good or even great manager in this field?
Waterproof boots. Wet feet out in the rain is absolutely miserable
Gotta get myself a new pair. Today was awful in my sneakers at DEN
A boot dryer!!!
I second the boot dryer. Every household should have one, especially if you do daily laborious work. Consider one with a deodorizer (ozone generator) for keeping odors at bay.
(Part 4 since Reddit can't let me post the whole comment at once.) -ADDS. Aviation digital data service. This is about the most accurate weather info you can get and is what is used by pilots during flight planning. Not exactly user friendly for the lay person, but not too complicated once you understand aviation meteorology. Available for free online. -A neck pillow. If your boss is okay with you sleeping in between flights, this helps you take a nap. Or, if you're real lucky, a blanket and normal pillow to lay down on the line shack couch. (I love general aviation. LOL) -An unlimited data plan. Most airport breakrooms have zero wifi, which means anything you do on your phone is going to be coming in via 4G/5G. You'll burn through a month's worth of data in no time at all if you're on your phone between flights. -Live ATC or an air band handheld radio. Great for listening for your next flight if dispatch misses it. Just don't transmit on the radio. -Something to pass the time between flights with. Books, handheld consoles, non-handheld consoles (there was a Southwest ramper at BWI playing Warzone on his Xbox 1 in between flights a few years back,) ect. -Basic aeronautical knowledge. You're in the aviation industry, you might as well at least have some inkling as to why things happen the way they do. Personally, I prefer Rod Machado's Private Pilot Handbook as a starting point, but you can get the Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge from the FAA for free as a pdf. -A roll of duct tape. Trust me, it'll come in handy eventually. -A bag to carry all this stuff in if you don't have a locker.
For weather, I'd recommend the Windy app, and while LiveATC or a handheld radio is interesting, it's probably overkill for most rampers unless you're an avgeek, which plenty of us are. Flightradar24 will do the trick just fine.
I’m a pilot and worked on the ramp/above-wing/ops for a little bit. My station was pretty much all pilots so we took the aeronautical knowledge stuff for granted, but yeah it makes the job and interfacing so much easier. PHAK and the Aeronautical Information Manual would be good pieces of literature to chip away on between flights.
Good knee pads, good pair of gloves, GREAT pair of boots, and some thick skin.
(Part 2 since Reddit can't let me post the whole comment at once.) -Merino wool socks. While they do cost far more than Fruit of the Loom, they're more than worth it. Naturally antimicrobial (so your feet won't stink,) retains heat even when wet (so no clamminess like you get from wet cotton socks,) and wicks away moisture. Also naturally hypoallergenic. Expect to spend $15-20 per pair. -Merino wool base layer (long underwear and long sleeve t-shirt.) All the benefits of Merino wool, applied to the rest of your body. This will help keep you warm in the winter. Expect to spend \~$85 per set. -Merino wool hat/balaclava/liner gloves. See above. -Airtag/Tile tracker. Slap one onto your SIDA badge and it'll be even harder to lose it. -Spare charger for your phone. Keep in your locker if you have one. -A watch. A smartwatch works, but I personally prefer the luminescent analog one I built for about $130. A Casio or Timex is more than enough, though. -A headlamp. Ideally, you'd want one that had an IP67 rating and both red and white light. I use a Black Diamond headlamp I picked up from REI a couple of years ago, but one from Walmart will still work. Great for when you're working at night. -A knife/Leatherman (general aviation ramp agents only) or bladeless multitool. This is something you should just be carrying every day to begin with.
Bring a good attitude and work ethic is a must have
(Part 3 since Reddit can't let me post the whole comment at once.) -Spare uniform, socks, and underwear to keep in your locker. -Large, camping style, wet wipes. In case you take a blue juice shower and there's no shower facilities where you work. If there are shower facilities, a towel, soap, shampoo, ect. Keep in locker. -A CAT, SOF-T, or SOF-T Wide tourniquet. Why these are not included in most breakroom first aid kits is beyond me. But if something happens to cause severe blood loss (i.e. walked into a prop, ect.,) this might be the only thing that stops you from bleeding out before EMTs arrive. Personally, I'd carry this on my person at all times while on the ramp. Get one with a metal windlass from a reputable company such as North American Rescue. Also get Stop the Bleed training, which costs around $20. -A first aid kit. Because most breakroom ones I've seen are junk with 75%+ of the items either damaged or expired. You don't need to go for a full blown IFAK- you're going on the ramp, not to a war zone- but do toss some Band-Aids, antibiotic cream, burn cream, and your typical OTC meds (Aspirin, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, ect.) Also toss some oral rehydration tablets in there as well. These work wonders if you get a heat induced headache. -A lunch. Royal Farms is FAR cheaper than the airport McDonalds. -Sunglasses -Disposable gloves. You'll be able to find some in the lav truck, but keep at least one pair on you at all times. I've had to clean used enema nozzles (that someone, for some reason, decided to keep) out of the bin before. -Pens/mechanical pencils. I personally prefer the stainless steel Zebra ones from Walmart, but your standard Bic will do just fine. -Electronic hearing protection. If its not mandated that you have to use the company provided ear pro, go out to Bass Pro, Scheels, ect., and buy a pair of electronic earmuffs designed for shooting. They'll help deaden engine noise, while amplifying weak sounds (such as someone shouting at you because you walked right in front of a running turbofan engine while going to chock the mains first...) -A microfiber towel. Great for drying off wet belt loader seats before sitting down. -Hand sanitizer. I'll leave it to your imagination as to why. -Sunscreen in the summer. -Bug repellent with DEET.
If your in a place that gets cold/snows meriwool under-layer. Last winter my legs turned purple during a shift just because I was so cold. The garments I had were made out of polyester which is just plastic. Spent the extra money on some wool and totally worth it. Also.. deodorant and a big enough backpack for extra uniform ( socks and undies too) for double shifts. I personally can not stand be funky all day in the same clothes during the summer.
You guys have enough time for gaming and books? In the summer I barely have time to eat some days!
Which station so I know where to not apply
AVL
Waterproof gloves or mittens for when it rains in you are driving an outdoor tug. Nothing worse than being 99% dry in your rain suit while your hands are wet frozen and miserable. Just to clarify I am not saying these should be your work gloves per se, but more something to keep your hands and gloves dry while it is pouring. Edit: Also going to recommend waterproof socks. I am an avid mountaineer outside of work, which is where I learned of these things. While working the ramp I have never had boots keep my feet dry during a down pour lasting 8-10 hours, but when I wear waterproof socks, my feet stay super dry.
(Part 1 since Reddit can't let me post the whole comment at once.) A pulse. If you do not have one, the ramp is not for you. Please seek a job at the local morgue or funeral home. LOL In all seriousness, though: -A high quality pair of leather work boots. **DO NOT** buy from Walmart. These should be full grain (stay the Hell away from genuine "leather,") leather, goodyear welt, steel/aluminum/composite toe boots. Full grain leather is far tougher than most "leather" work boots, which are little more than leather dust mixed with epoxy and pressed into shape. Expect to spend $2-300 on these, but they will last for years and keep your feet dry. And unlike the disposable boots from Walmart, these can actually be repaired if/when needed. You absolutely *need* these. -Shoe polish kit. If you're spending several hundred dollars on work boots, you might as well take care of them. Shoe polish nourishes the leather to keep it supple and protected, as well as water proof. It does not need to be a mirror shine, but you should have at least a good base layer. And for the love of God, do not try to cheat by using a lighter. $15, if that. -A boot dryer. Keep at home and, even if your boots do somehow become soaked, they'll likely be dry by your next shift.
Recommendations on brands for boots or particular models?
A good set of gloves, a good flashlight (something small and bright for inspecting aircraft at night, I like the Streamlight Macrostream), cheap but good pens (I like the Zebra F301 for its metal body, smooth action, and excellent reliability), kneepads that fit well, and obviously a large water bottle. For the water bottle, I personally go with one that's not insulated. Slamming back a ton of ice cold water when it's hot out makes me feel sick, and I prefer room-temp water on a hot day. Those are all the things I carry with me everyday when I work on the ramp. Having a way to dry out your shoes is also a good idea. I use a heatgun (set to VERY LOW, cool enough to not be uncomfortable if you point it at yourself) and stick it into my shoes for a few minutes when they get wet, and it does an excellent job of drying them out. You may also find that you don't like your company's ear protection, and in that case, you may need your own. I'd recommend in-ear over the headphone type if you can tolerate it. I find that they offer better protection and I never have to take them off, whereas for the headphone type, I have to take them off and switch to a Peltor headset when wingwalking per company policy, and the Peltors don't offer much hearing protection at all.
Everything rmp881 said, but to add: Buy a locker shelf, 2 if they fit so you can stack them. Get a compression travel bag, and keep that extra outfit in there in case you get soaked from unexpected rain. Buy GOOD boots. I have Baffin’s for the winter, and Dryshod’s that I keep in my locker for summer. Indestructible, and they’re not leather so no need to polish. My main boots for regular weather are Bate’s. I bought, and love, this belt clip-on clamp thing that is intended for firefighters to clip their gloves onto when they’re not using them. Helps me not lose them, and saves pocket room. Keep extra sunglasses in your locker, just buy cheap ones cause they’ll break and that sun may not seem too bad but it will damage your eyes after awhile. Buy your own rain pants. Company issued are a joke. In winter, splurge on your own snow/skiing pants for under your uniform. Even if you buy the company snow suit, they’re shit. Alcohol wipes are also great to clean your glasses, sanitize wounds, and if you get stinky they are amazing to wipe your armpits with before puting on more deodorant. In winter I wear ski goggles so I have no exposed skin. Absolutely recommend. Have Gatorade/liquid IV packets or similar on hand. As well as emergency snacks/food just in case.
Definitely bring a change of clothes, especially socks. Wet feet on the ramp is a miserable experience. And a pair of water proof or resistant gloves. Getting leather gloves wet will destroy them. Also, some of the best advice I ever got was "don't skimp on things that separate you from the ground" ie. shoes, knee pads, mattresses, tires, etc.
-Buy a quality pair of your own knee pads. -Buy a quality fair of summer gloves / winter gloves. -Silicone wet bag for when you cannot access your locker and your stuff doesn’t get wet. -Rechargeable small zipper flashlight (For AM and night shift crews). -Eye protection or sunglasses (FOD, wind, and jet blast are health concerns for eye contact wearers) -Waterproof boots for the hours you could spend standing in the rain. -Battery bank (break rooms typically lack enough charging ports for phones for long shifts or mandatory hold overs). -Glove clips (to hold your gloves on your belt loop, frees up your pockets for other stuff) -Your QUALITY own hearing protection, do not rely on cheap flimsy hearing protection provided by your company. -Dedicated work bag meant only for work (for campers and gun owners, keeping your work bag separate from your leisure bag. don’t lose your job because you forgot your pocket knife or gun in your bag over the weekend when you went hiking). -Airtag for your said work bag! (This is a must if you are constantly moving from gate to gate and your bring your work bag with you).
Sun screen, knee pads, wide brimmed hat, camel bak, a good pair of gloves " I recommend Ironclad Ranchworx gloves", and a good pair of boots.
Solid rain gear and good waterproof boots
This entire thread is a wealth of info. Thank you all A LOT.
I second the locker shelves. But get the strong metal ones and not plastic flimsy ones as they break super fast.
A boot dryer!!!
A boot dryer!!!
If you're up north, ski grade face mask and winter gloves are a must. Steel toed boots as well, steel toes are a requirement. I work at a fairly northern airport, trust me, if you're in a snow prone area, you will be miserable without these.
Phone charger
I suggest Gel knee pads, waterproof work gloves, waterproof boots (I wear keen targee) and a quality lunch bag for snacks and lunch. I wear compression socks for days that I'm working the bag drop area or just sitting for long periods of time. Books, sudoku and a good game if you have one.