The Walk around

Every trip we are required to inspect the exterior of the aircraft. At American Airlines it is the First Officer who is usually performing this important task. When I was a new hire and I found going outside to observe the condition of the airplane refreshing. I remember it being one of the calmest times of the entire trip. The time on the ground between flights can be hectic and non-stop questions. Being new to the craziness It seemed like a welcome break from all the madness that comes with getting all of the necessary duties in around 45 minutes. Now twelve years later and hundreds of walkarounds later I enjoy looking at our beautiful polished silver birds with red, white and blue stripes. Things are kind of different since 1998 when I was a new hire. We wear our yellow vests so we don't get run over by the loaders, cars, catering and the fuel trucks. My head is on a swivel every time I go out there. There have been many pilots injured out on the ramp. We must have an airline ID to be out there or the FAA can fine the company thousands of dollars. We have keys or codes that unlock the door to give us access to the ramp. Every place has a different code and that can be challenging. I walk down the many steps from the jetbridge and pray that it is stable and I don't fall down the stairs. I have almost fallen especially in the icy areas. Very embarassing when the passengers are watching you from the window.

On a beautiful 70 degree day the walk about can be long and attention paid to every detail. When it is raining or snowing I stay close to the airplane and kind of jog around the parts that aren't quite as important. If we just landed, I can get down and really check the brakes because they are quite warm and that can warm me up enough to make it to the wheel well on the other side.

Every walk around starts at the nose of the airplane. I check the condition and the wheel well to make sure everything is normal and there isn't anything out of place. I walk around the nose to the right side as the pilot sits and check many different probes, tubes, intakes and the wing condition. Usually, I wave to the fueler as I step over the fueling hose which is attatched to the wing. Sometimes I trip over that or the grounding wire. I walk to the end of the wing and check the lights. Walk toward the main gear and check the flaps and ailerons. I check the wheel well for leaks and anything that doesn't look right. Sometimes there is frost or water dripping from under the wing because the fuel was so cold during flight. I have to duck to get under the loader because usually the loaders are busy loading bags. I hurry underneath just in case a bag falls while I am under there. Sometimes I ask the loaders the code to the door since I have already forgotten it. I check the engine for oil leaks and condition of the blades. I look way up at the tail and pray to God it is attached well because there is no way to tell from the ground. I do check for dents and anything else that might be visible from 30 feet below. I go to the other side of the airplane and do the exact same thing. Sometimes I even find a light bulb burned out or maybe a leak to report. Occasionally, I will find a tire that is bad or a missing rivet or latch. At that point you know you are delayed and I can go find some food to take on the flight. Since the crew meals don't seem to agree with my stomach anymore. I am back in the terminal surrounded by people and the questions that I have no idea how to answer.