Ramp Manager

RAMP Incident Position Description

The Ramp Manager provides oversight for all ramp related activity. The RAMP supervises assigned resources and reports to an Airtanker Base Manager (ATBM), Fixed Wing Base Manager (FWBM), Single Engine Airtanker Manager (SEMG), or other assigned supervisor. The RAMP works in the Air Operations functional area.​

Prepare and Mobilize

• Ensure individual readiness.
• Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.
• Travel to and check in at assignment.
• Review Base Operations Plan and obtain briefing from supervisor.
• Obtain briefing from ATBM, FWBM, SEMG, or previous RAMP as necessary.

Build the Team

• Identify assigned resources and maintain accountability.
• Assemble and validate readiness of assigned personnel and equipment.
• Calculate amount and type of additional resources required; obtain through established ordering procedures. Ensure adequate staffing is in place for anticipated or expected activity.
• Establish and communicate: chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, and radio frequency management.
• Participate in operational briefings as directed.
• Obtain and distribute Incident Action Plans (IAPs), other relevant plans, maps, local area information.

Supervise and Direct Work Assignments

• Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.
• Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make more informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
• Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Develop and implement contingency plans. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and Base Manager.
• Ensure daily operational objectives and performance standards are met.
• Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback to assigned personnel.

Perform Ramp Manager-Specific Duties

• Brief assigned personnel using Base Operations Plan, simultaneous fueling and loading plan, hot loading plan, local aviation plan, and storm water pollution and prevention plan (SWPPP) when in place. Train assigned personnel in these operations if necessary.
• Designate areas for loading, fueling, maintenance, overnight parking, day(s) off parking, transient aircraft, and general parking and ensure adequate space for ramp operations.
• Maintain the safety of ramp operations.
• Coordinate and direct the Fixed Wing Parking Tenders (FWPTs) and provide daily or more frequent briefings.
• Establish communication with incoming aircraft to identify and coordinate ramp assignment.
• Respond to unforeseen circumstances and initiate contingency operational plans pertaining to ramp congestion, unexpected maintenance, unanticipated delays, etc.
• Perform nationally standardized hand signals as necessary, as referenced in the NWCG Standards for Airtanker Base Operations (SABO), PMS 508.
• Provide Base Manager with resource needs within specified timeframe.
• Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.

Communicate and Coordinate

• Coordinate movement of all aircraft, vehicles, equipment, and personnel on the ramp.
• Utilize base radios to communicate with aircraft and base personnel.
• Ensure Fixed Wing Parking Tenders are proficient in the use of aircraft radios and nationally standardized hand signals.
• Ensure all personnel are trained in hot loading and simultaneous fueling and loading if approved for the base.
• Monitor and ensure the safety of all fueling operations by requiring fuelers to adhere to established regulations and procedures.
• Assign and brief wing walkers as needed to ensure proper clearances.
• Maintain communication with Mix Master (MXMS) and/or Retardant Crew Members (RTCMs) regarding retardant needs.
• Assist with maintenance and repairs of equipment and facility as appropriate.
• Communicate and coordinate aircrew and base personnel needs.
• Communicate any pertinent issues, provide documentation when necessary, and brief Base Manager.
• Ensure clear understanding of expectations and timely communication within and across ICS functional areas and chain of command.
• Establish communications and exchange necessary information with the following:
  • Base Manager
  • Parking Tenders
  • Flight Crews/Pilots
  • MXMS and Loaders
  • Fuelers/Fuel truck drivers
  • Fixed Base Operator (FBO) when applicable
• Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Use plain language and ICS terminology.
• Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

• Apply Aviation Safety & Risk Management Systems to include Policy, Risk Management, Assurance, and Promotion.
• Apply principles of Operational Risk Management:
  • Identify and assess risks or hazards
  • Develop controls or mitigations
  • Make Risk decisions, or elevate as appropriate to the next management level
  • Implement controls or mitigations
  • Supervise and Evaluate
• Utilize Aviation Safety Managers and Base Managers to assist with the risk management process and provide input into safety of operations.
• Ensure the use of required PPE.
• Plan for emergencies. Ensure that assigned resources are prepared to execute the NWCG Interagency Aviation Mishap Response Guide and Checklist, PMS 503. Ensure familiarity with medical responders, communication procedures, and transportation plan.
• Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.
• Account for location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.
• Submit accident/incident reports with pertinent forms (SAFECOM, SAFENET, agency-specific forms) through established chain of command.
• Brief personnel in emergency ramp procedures.
• Ensure that hazards are reported and corrective action taken.
• Report all hazards and incidents/accidents immediately to the Base Manager.
• Ensure the ramp is free of Foreign Object Debris (FOD).
• Ensure Ground Support Equipment (GSE) is in the designated safe zone and visually validate that it is properly secured prior to any aircraft movement.
• Monitor critical turning radii for wing clearances and jet/prop blast, to maintain safe operating distances from facilities, other aircraft, equipment, and personnel as needed for different types and sizes of aircraft operating at the base.
• Ensure cleanliness of the ramp. Report all fuel and retardant spills to the Base Manager and ensure they are promptly cleaned by the responsible party according to established environmental and/or hazardous materials procedures.
• Monitor ramp operations for safety and efficiency.
• Monitor personnel working on the ramp for fatigue, stress, and distraction.
• Prepare and respond to emergencies as training and qualifications allow.

Document

• Complete, authorize, ensure timeliness of, and route as required:
  • Crew Time Report (CTR), SF-261 (Watch: How to correctly fill out a CTR)
  • Emergency Equipment Shift Ticket (OF-297)
  • Incident Personnel Performance Rating (ICS 225 WF)
  • Contractor Performance Evaluation
  • General Message (ICS 213)
  • Base Activity Log
  • SAFECOM
  • Agency-specific forms

Demobilize

• Anticipate demobilization, identify excess resources, coordinate with Base Manager to prepare demobilization schedule.
• Plan for demobilization. Brief assigned resources on demobilization procedures and responsibilities. Ensure incident and agency demobilization procedures are followed.