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Mission Statement To provide the safest environment for the pilots, patrons, and aircraft that we possibly can. General Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the Special Ramp Services (aka, the Ramp Rats) have provided the Midwest with professional flightline safety crews to various aviation events for more than 25 years. All of the members of SRS are volunteers who donate their aircraft handling skills to various aviation events every flying season. Many of the Ramp Rats are "prior service", generally ex-U.S. Air Force, with a background in aircraft maintenance and/or operations In the beginning… The roots of SRS began in 1981 with the Marshalling Detachment of the Commemorative Air Force at a warbird airshow in Columbus, Indiana. Within a couple of years, SRS was officially established. In July 1999, SRS joined forces with, and is now a division of the World Wars Aircraft Museum, located at the Mt. Comfort airport in Indianapolis, Indiana. Experience Since 1983, SRS has amassed over 270 collective years of flight line and aircraft handling experience, and has provided flightline qualified professionals to well over 150 aviation events from small fly-ins to large-scale airshows. The Family Since their inception, SRS has increased their roster size to over 40 highly qualified personnel. Many current members of SRS are second, and even third generation Ramp Rats. SRS is very much a family oriented organization, and they are always looking for new members to join the Ramp Rat family. Training The Ramp Rats have regularly scheduled training sessions for all of its members, where each member must be certified before they are allowed to handle aircraft. This mandatory training is provided to all SRS members wishing to become ramp certified. No previous flightline experience is required. The only prerequisite is a desire and a passion for aircraft. Hand Signals Only well established and long standing practices are employed. At the heart of these practices are the international marshaling hand signals as specified in U.S. Air Force Instruction 11-218, and also happen to be the Standard NATO hand signals used around the world. These established hand signals are used the majority of the time, however, there are special instances where additional hand signals are required, specifically with regard to older prop driven aircraft, such as warbirds. These additional hand signals are part of the Ramp Rats regular training. For your reference and reading pleasure, below are a few documents that pertain specifically to the international marshaling hand signals and flightline safety. Air Force Hand Signals AFI 11-218.pdf CAP Hand Signals Aircraft Marshaling.doc FAA Flightline Saftey MarchApril2005.pdf Australian CASA Marshaling.pdf Physical Demands There are a few things to consider if you have an interest in becoming a Ramp Rat. Working on the flightline is demanding. It’s not uncommon for SRS members to be on their feet for 14 to 16 hours a day. Add to this the summer heat, events that usually run for 3-4 days, and it doesn’t take long to realize that a good pair of shoes or boots is an absolute must. Working on the flightline is not necessarily a physically strenuous job, but you are constantly moving. Work Schedule Not all Ramp Rats that attend an airshow or fly-in work the entire show, nor is it mandatory. SRS understands that people have jobs and other commitments that may preclude them from working a particular event. This is not a problem. Because of the number of SRS members, fulfilling the manpower commitment of an airshow has never been a problem. For a typical 2-day airshow, the show usually requires ramp personnel for 4 days; aircraft arrivals on day 1, practice on day 2, and the actual airshow takes place on days 3 and 4. Some Ramp Rats will stay over for one more day after the event to launch aircraft for the return trip home. At the Show As a spectator, you need to be aware of the dangers that are inherent with all aircraft. Even though aircraft may not be operating in your immediate area, chances are you will have access to them while they are on static display. For example, walking into a propeller, or other part of the aircraft, and banging your head is a pretty common occurrence. However, the number one rule that must be followed at all times… NO SMOKING ON THE FLIGHT LINE OR WITHIN 100 FEET OF ANY AIRCRAFT The risk of fire around an airplane is considerably higher than most people are aware of, and there are 2 reasons for this. 1) Aircraft are fitted with pressure relief valves on their fuel system.If you are a smoker, and someone asks you to extinguish your cigarette, cigar, or pipe, please do so without question. And if you happen to see someone smoking near aircraft, please advise them of the dangers. Remember, the owners of these aircraft are trusting you to respect their aircraft and not to burn it up. And the quickest way to eliminate your chances of seeing vintage aircraft up close again, is for someone to catch one on fire. Safety is paramount with the Ramp Rats. Make your day at the airshow a safe one and do not smoke near aircraft. |