Plane Answers: Do jets have keys, my first airline flight and overwing exits

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I do like the question on if Airliners have keys. I used to be a ramp worker for American West (HP) in SLC a few years ago. I got to know many of the people there well and started a 'Rookie move' after a while. Although many of us worked there for the fun of being around airplanes (and aspiring to become pilots one day), there are some that come in who just need a job and have no clue about airplanes.

One particular Rookie got the adventure of 'finding a spare' key for an 737. We talked to the pilots and asked to say they lost the keys and needed a spare. Luckily, I was the ramp lead and sent our rookie up to talk to the pilot. He informed of the problem and down he came to the ramp. I stated to check with United as they fly some 737's in. On the other end, my op's guy was calling UA's op's telling him the joke. He played along, told him they didn't have any, but to check SouthWest. Although I'm unsure if my UA guy called SWA, they also told him no, and sent to Delta.

In the end, he came back 20 min's after the flight left, very upset after a mech at Delta told him 'Planes don't have keys to start. Someone's playing a trick on you'.. Needless to say, he learned something new about planes. Planes don't use keys! Also, planes don't require a sound check by 'Yelling' into the engine. Another story for another time - Thanks for sharing Kent. Love reading your chronicles.

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