My first (of two) rampings in 16 years took place at Gove and started with the FOI saying "Is this piece of sh1t still flying?" :\

He was fine though. Even let me tighten a couple of screws on the side window.

Good advice 4x. I did something similar on one of the blitz tours on HID. Had pax helping unload the cargo and heading back and forth to the fence. Told the FOI that I needed to supervise the pax and that he was welcome to look around the outside of the aircraft in the mean time, until I was finished.

I then placed all the legally required documentation (lic, medical, MR etc) on the seat and told him that all the legally required documentation for a charter was there for his perusal.

It was after that that he wanted to look in my navbag (as mentioned earlier) that I declined his kind offer. All done politely though and no problems.

Mind you stallie, its going to be a dedicated FOI who ramps you where you are now.:}

Actually had my first ramp check the other day. Had a call to do a patient transfer to AS which had to be done fairly snappy. Rock up to the airport and see the nose of a PC12 where the RFDS usually park. Think this is a bit strange and then see that it is not one of the RFDS aircraft. Oh damn and blast but too late now though.

Crowd of them in the terminal building so big smile, "Morning gentlemen", and proceed to the aircraft. Sure enough few minutes later see one approaching the aircraft who asks for 5 minutes of my time. That's OK but as long as I can keep getting the aircraft ready as I have a patient due in about 40 minutes. That's fine by him.

He wants to check my paperwork and another wants to check the aircraft's. Give licence to first and MR to the second and get on with getting the aircraft ready. The first asks about weather and notams, show him the print outs, and I head off a query from the second that I know is going to come about weight and balance. Advise him that the aircraft in aeromed role has loading rules rather than weight and balance and show him the paperwork for that.

Thanks from both and that was that. Ambulance turned up with patient and as I loaded up they were all getting into the PC12 to "terrorise" AS.

Hey Lucky,

Was the FOI a large chappie? Lots of cooked dinners under his belt literally!

TBT

That'd be a fair appraisal of the gentleman, yes.