Life on the Ramp (With a Twist)

One of the most unexpected moments during my Flight Operations Regulatory Compliance Co-Op at Delta happened right on the ramp.

As part of my rotation, the compliance team got exclusive access to visit a Delta Airbus A350 that was being prepped for an international departure. From ground crews loading cargo to catering pulling up and cabin prep in full swing—it was a front-row seat to the coordination it takes to launch a wide-body flight.

Then came the moment that hit me the most:

I watched the pilots arrive.

They stepped into the cockpit, began their preflight checks, and moved through the flight deck like second nature. Quiet, focused, and confident.

It was in that moment—standing there in a safety vest, clipboard in hand—that I felt it. That spark. That glimpse into what my next chapter looks like.

Being on the compliance side taught me how safety, regulations, and documentation shape the industry. But watching that A350 come to life on the ramp?

That reminded me why I’m here.

It’s moments like that—seeing the full picture, from the gate to the flight deck—that affirm me. This co-op wasn’t just about paperwork or policy.

It was about vision.

And I saw mine so clearly that day.