MikeB525

Ok, I know I should be laughing hysterically, but for some reason I actually feel sick. Seriously, someone needs to be borderline retarded to do that (no offense to anyone). These are the kinds of people that really shouldn't be breeding.

EFIS COMP MON

(disclaimer: I am in no way, shape, or form attempting to defend Mesa below...just stating some observed facts).

Having said that, I was parked in F2A a couple days ago, and had an interesting chat with a lead ramper who has been working that sector of the ramp for 8 years. He normally works the "coffin corner" (as he calls it) of F1A, F1B, F2A, and F2B.

Given that this incident was with a Mesa plane (my company ) I asked him what the scoop was (I was in recurrent when this happened, so I was interested in the real story). Before he gave me the details, he sternly said that "this kind of crap happens to us almost every day, no matter who the airline, and we rampers are always catching it from getting to that point at the last minute" (namely, moving bag carts/equipment that are in jeopardy of creating hazard due to jet blast). This particular individual was sidelined for months a while back when jet blast knocked him off the baggage slide as he was removing bags, and broke his leg. Just for the record, the airline responsible wasn't Mesa.

The fact is, that "coffin corner" is a breeding ground for this type of event to occur. It was just an accident waiting to happen, unfortunately. This ramper was not at all happy that UAL had not done something to help alleviate this problem. And anyone who operates out of those gates on a daily basis wouldn't blame them. Those guys/gals do one HECK of a job in a pretty dangerous place...and this type of problem shouldn't have to exist.

Hopefully this past incident will serve as a wake-up call for safe future operations to protect not only the passengers, but also the dedicated ramp crews at ORD.

In short, while I would be more than happy to join in on some Mesa-bashing, let's please remember how we all live in glass houses in this industry, and this could have happened to any carrier (and has, for that matter)

...on that note, JO is a worthless scumbag (I couldn't resist!)

Ski Patrol

Well said EFIS.

I guess I'll have to eat my my previous words, b-cause yes I'm back I couldn't resist. My bad.

Joeshmoe

What a STUPID comment. Would you have the b@lls to say this to a family member of one of the passengers who perished on that Comair flight? I didn't think so

stamps

1. I worked F-alley during the ACA days. F1 & F2 are absurdly dangerous. It amazes me that bad crap doesn't happen more often.

2. Yes, Ornstein is a scumbag.