I drove a B-757 and got fired!

Okay, so if you know anything about airplanes, you should know that when an airplane is on the ground and is in the

B-757 towed by a TUG

gate area, usually they are towed to and from the gate. For example, when aircraft are ready for departure, they need to be towed (pushed) out by a machine called a TUG. This little machine has enough power to push any size aircraft. Also, when a plane is parked on the hardstand (a place where they are parked when they are not in use and there is no room for them at the gates.) So here is my story, since I will be using airport specific terms, I needed to clear those terms up.

I worked for an ANAL airline (who is no longer in business) for about a year. I was doing passenger service, but that included everything from floor to ceiling. So after the first aircraft (we had 2 departure) was pushed back. The TUG driver (and supervisor) asked me if I want to take a ride with him to bring the 2nd aircraft from hardstand to the gate (to get it ready for the 2nd departure.) I figured, he knew what he was doing, he’s a supervisor! So I agreed. We went to the hardstand and he attached the aircraft to the TUG. So he told me to jump behind the wheel and he will direct me on how to drive it. I was excited since this was COOL at the time. There are lines and ways of operating this TUG to bring the aircraft into the gate safely. You obviously need a special license to operate this thing, especially with a B-757 attached to it. My license was that this supervisor said YES and I knew how to drive! So I started pushing (pulling rather, since the TUG was going backwards, pulling the aircraft in.) The guy told me I was doing a better job than half of his guys on the ramp, and with my airport knowledge, I really was. That aircraft was as straight as an arrow. Key, don’t be nervous of the unknown! Half way through the pull and to the gate, one of the managers spotted me (because they came to look to see what was taking so long) and screamed for me to GET THE HELL OFF! The supervisor got scared and switched places with me. He pulled the aircraft the rest of the way, but when we got to the gate, the whole management team from both companies was at the ramp side waiting to tear us both into pieces! We were both dismissed for the night, and my ANAL manager told me to write a letter asking why I think I should keep my job. I compliantly did so and sent it to him that night, but when I showed up the next day for a meeting with him, he fired me saying that I am a risk and a liability to the airline as I COULD have damaged the aircraft and god knows what else. Apparently the supervisor who allowed me to drive this thing, got a slap on the wrist because he was in a union and they couldn’t touch him.

I left with my head held high, with the understanding that it was a little stupid of me to drive that thing since I didn’t have a license for it. But to my defense, nothing happened nor was it close to happening because I did a damn good job driving that TUG. And hey, that also makes for a great FIRED story, since it’s not everyday you get fired for driving a B-757! Cheers!

This post was submitted by Banana.