“I love seeing things take flight. Aircraft and birds have always captivated me. I've always found the art of flight fascinating. I'm actually a falconer in my spare time. Nothing compares to the speed and stillness of an airplane or a bird. It kind of makes you gasp. Additionally, I enjoy doing manual labor. maintains your busyness. During the journey, I worked at a desk job and was quite bored.”
Tedesco described some challenging aspects of the job, from climbing airplanes to repair WiFi receivers to working outside in freezing temperatures without gloves when necessary. He noted that fixing broken lavatories is among the least desirable duties but finds satisfaction in working on complex machines.
Ground crew mechanics are under pressure to return planes to service quickly during last-minute delays while ensuring safety standards are met. Their responsibilities require technical skill and attention to detail amid often chaotic conditions.
The job involves exposure to hazardous noise levels from engine testing and frontline work environments with risks such as harsh weather—ranging from sub-freezing cold during winter holidays at MSP to extreme heat on tarmacs in places like Arizona.
During winter holiday periods at busy hubs like Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport, ground crews must manage increased workloads due to more passengers and flights while coping with severe cold that complicates their tasks further—such as deicing aircraft or dealing with frozen equipment.
In hot climates, airport workers contend with dehydration risks due to high temperatures amplified by jet exhausts and engine heat from idling aircrafts on the apron area.
Airlines implement safety measures such as hydration breaks and cooling gear for employees during peak summer months when operational demands may also lead to rescheduling flights if maintenance cannot keep pace with conditions.
The highest-paying roles on the ground crew require advanced technical training; experienced aviation technicians can earn over $80,000 annually according to industry reports https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-mechanics-and-technicians.htm . Positions include ramp agents—often entry-level jobs—and specialized roles like avionics technicians or cargo handlers.
Working as part of tight-knit teams under pressure builds camaraderie among ground crew members who help keep airlines running smoothly even through crises or challenging seasons.
These jobs provide valuable skills transferable within or outside aviation—such as teamwork under stress—and often come with benefits like discounted travel for employees’ families.
Delta Air Lines remains one of America’s largest full-service carriers with major hubs across several cities—including Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York JFK Airport—and has been part of SkyTeam alliance since its founding in 1929 https://www.delta.com/us/en/about-delta/corporate-information/delta-profile .
Alerts Sign-up
