O-man,
Two rampers in the forward bin of a B737 as being the standard? Now I can see why US Airways went bankrupt twice. I recall flying them years ago and it looked as if the paychecks were loaded on as COMAT, only to realize that's the degree of ramp overstaffing as it was once done. Not to mention, mechanics reading novels and sleeping on aircraft tugs awaiting push back instructions from the flight deck. I guess it was all part of the work rules which lead to financial ruin.
Yes, you are right... I do spend time watching and learning. It is part of a curious mind, especially given my vantage point between flights to see how Southwest handles their ground operations. What makes their operations successful and ours near the bottom? I particularly enjoy when I am flying Southwest and from the view of the gate area where up close I can note how things are done... I mean if that's okay with you on my own time, right?
Also you act as if I haven't done this job for awhile, nor have had any injuries. I have had a several OJIs from shoulder spasms, back strains, finger jams, 3rd burns from air start units, tendinistis in elbows and wrists, scalp gashes requiring stitches after striking an antenna, and a few eye sprayings of Skydrol... it's all part of the job. Frankly, some people shouldn't be out here if they are prone to more serious injuries performing routine work. Gate agents and loaders should be built like sumo wrestlers and not like gymnasts.
By the way, were you the lead from BWI who was working on Sudoku puzzles between flights while in PHX?
So inquires Jester.