u/Ill_Chest_6482

Saw a homeless man walking eastbound on W. Century Blvd toward Avion Dr pushing two airport luggage carts. This is right outside of LAX. Each cart had two pieces of luggage on them, along with large bags full of recycling cans/bottles.

I tried calling 911 (explained non-emergency) but the hold times were too long. I then called the LAX Airport Police directly. The officer was very patient and explained that unless someone is caught in the act of stealing, or there's definitive proof, their hands are tied—they can't just stop someone based on suspicion alone.

My main takeaway for travelers to LAX:

If your bags are stolen and you didn't catch it happening live, the police realistically can't do much. They always have something more important than your bags.

Put an AirTag in your checked bags. At least that way, if the worst happens, you might be able to track where your belongings ended up.

About 5 years ago,

Delta A330 3317 forward cargo door blew off at the gate.

Technician pressurized aircraft at the gate for maintenance. Ramp agent unawared and attempted to open forward cargo door.

Door blow off, ramper injuried.

Does anyone know what happened to the ramper? The technician? And the airplane?

Have seen too many new AMTs struggling in decision making.

As a new/junior tech in the major, sometimes you have to make that call that no one wants to make. This is a typical situation for a new/junior tech has to go through working for the major.

Overnight aircraft came in and the tire is bald. Senior tech came over and be like. “It’s still have some meats left. Don’t worry about it.” You decide to change it. Brake got stuck on to the wheel. Now it becomes a brake change, a much bigger job.

Senior tech “told you so. Should have just let it go. fzzkin new guy.” Senior tech got pissed. Other junior techs have to come over to help and they got pissed. You feel bad as if you have done something wrong.

Next night, you see another bald tire and decided to let it go. In the morning, aircraft tow to the terminal gate. Pilot wrote up “#1 tire bald”. Now the senior techs at the terminal have to change it. They start yelling “aircraft was here all night. How come no body change that tire?”

Aircraft took a first flight delay. Now pilots, passengers, management are all pissed because tire was not replaced the night before. You feel bad because you decided to let it go.

The lesson…..

Sometimes you just have to make that call. Along the way, you are gonna piss off some people no matter what. It’s part of our job to take some heat from others. You will NEVER be able please everyone at work.

Next time, when you see a questionable tire. Ignore all the noise from others. Focus on what the AMM has to say. Eventually you will become confident to make a call and have consistent good outcome.