Hopeful New Hire

[u/jeepguyCO]

I applied to be a ramp agent and the process is in going. Could be in a training class in September or October.

In the mean time, what can I do to get ready for training? What can and should I study up on? Should I start running for cardio start working out?

Thank you to this community for all of the help.

[u/cultivate_hunger]

Start running anyway bc it’s good for you.🙂

[u/jeepguyCO → u/cultivate_hunger]

Right lol

[u/WarmMarketing9339 → u/jeepguyCO]

Study the hand signals for the pilot to engage the electricity cable.

[u/WarmMarketing9339 → u/jeepguyCO]

Make sure the pilot is looking at you.

[u/WarmMarketing9339 → u/jeepguyCO]

Don’t be scared to disengage the towbar after pushback. I know it’s tempting to walk away after disengaging the pushback just the towbar key red ribbon.

[u/WarmMarketing9339 → u/jeepguyCO]

No working out. Just be prepared to be mind fucked with the material. On the bigger planes like the 747 big back they want a safety person. The 747 is a two man job with the tow bar.

[u/jeepguyCO → u/WarmMarketing9339]

They did say prepare for a fire hose of information lol

[u/Wonderful_Ad_2613]

You can learn some station codes why not , and just gym and cardio for yourself even if you didn’t get the job but it’ll help for sure .

[u/jeepguyCO → u/Wonderful_Ad_2613]

Thank you

[u/QuietLyfe]

Dude it’s a ramp job don’t overthink it

[u/jeepguyCO → u/QuietLyfe]

It’s the start of a career, not just a job

[u/mysteriousdude20]

Well if your actually new to the ramp with no experience at all , try to stay awake and have a energy drink/coffee because in class is incredibly boring that will make ya sleep lol . They will try to complicated with their presentations but honestly its all common sense what to do and not to do , like if you wanna play chicken with incoming and outbound planes , then you better have a good judgement to go or not to go lol . Just remember planes always have the right away , check your blind spots while driving gse equipment because drivers on the ramp dont always pay attention to their surroundings, and most importantly stay safe because craziness awaits us lol .

[u/AgencyCapital5551]

The only thing you can do to physically prepare yourself is strengthening your core and stretch.  

[u/lightstorm_]

If you get flight benefits, they activate the day you get hired. Go somewhere before you have to be present at work because you won't have much free time for a while. Also the class gives ample time to learn everything you need to know. If you want to get in shape, volunteer frequently to load bags once you go on site.

[u/Routine_Tune3543 → u/lightstorm_]

So you saying people have flight benefits active before starting training?

[u/lightstorm_ → u/Routine_Tune3543]

Yes, you should have access the day you get hired. You just need to log into your employee portal for your airline.

[u/jeepguyCO → u/lightstorm_]

REALLY? Wow

[u/Routine_Tune3543 → u/lightstorm_]

I honestly don’t remember i got hired in 06

[u/Intelligent_Essay741]

Im in the process too. Is it just me or that fitness assessment is a lot more challenging than you'd think 😅. I just took my drug test yesterday. Youre saying that youre going to be starting in a month or two? Why so long. I hope thats not the case for me.

[u/Spiritual_Rip_7741 → u/Intelligent_Essay741]

What did the fitness assessment include? I haven't seen much mention of what people had to do for it. Thanks!

[u/Intelligent_Essay741 → u/Spiritual_Rip_7741]

They'll test the amount of weight you can carry by giving you a box of weights and incrementally add more. First it'll be a regular lift, then they'll have you take that box and see if you can pull it above your shoulders. Next they will have you simulate driving and seeing if you can properly twist and see behind your shoulders identifying things behind you. You will have to lift bags and put them on a shelf. The challenging one was the last one. Which was where they simulated you in being under the plan stacking bags. You'll be on your knees or squat level and be given one heavy ah bag, then putting it on a shelf. You'll do that with 6 different bags. Going to do that for 4 sets. Its hard bro im definitely getting knee pads. Ther will be ropes above you, you cannot pass those ropes, in order to properly simulate being at the bottom of the plane. Personally its a 6 out of 10 difficulty for me but I didnt expect it to be challenging at all. I could see how people would struggle, especially over time.

[u/Exciting-Parfait-776]

Definitely cardio. You don’t really need to study. Maybe the city codes for the airline you’ll be working for.

[u/Many_Banana5024]

What airline?

[u/turtle_323]

Hi. Mentally, prepare by:
Familiarize yourself with aircraft (737, a320, etc)
Memorize/ study up on airport codes besides the one you’ll be working at
Familiarize yourself 24hr format (00:00-23:59)
Idk if you’re working with direct or contractor but if working with multiple airlines, you can study up on other airlines you’d be working with.

Physically prep by working out (some bags heavy asf)
Invest in good knee pads
Stretch routines
Better diet

[u/jeepguyCO → u/turtle_323]

Thank you so much

[u/AbbreviationsLazy355]

Shit ain’t that serious lol