To: oceanview
I was on a flight once that was de-iced at the gate (of course, this doesn't apply to this flight), and they must have left some ventilation duct open, the smell of the antifreeze used to de-ice the plane entered the cabin and many people started gagging. I am surprised that this (or worse) doesn't happen more often. I once worked nights at Stapleton International. One morning around 3:00 am, I was told to de-ice some jets. I had never been trained or even seen a de-icer truck before. I had no idea what I was doing and there was nobody there to tell me what to do. I had to get a baggage handler to drive the truck for me while I went up in the bucket. I made the pilots get out and tell me where to spray. I must have cringed for a good hour after each takeoff.
I remain amazed that they would let just anybody hose down a jet just before takeoff. That was just one of several stories and one reason why I hate to fly.
To: Colorado Doug
That's nuts. If you reported that to the FAA, you might get a response, now that Scary Mary is out of there. Most airlines require training because of the work involved and liability. Also it complies with the manufacturers requirements. But I know what you mean about them sending people out who are questionable. I remember talking to rampers at a station where I worked and most of them were convicted felons and the only work they could find that paid decent was tossing bags and catering food. Felons bringing food onboard; that was comforting.
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