In this video I discuss Atlantic Coast Airlines (ACA) Operations at Washington Dulles International Airport in Terminal A. Also cover some other things about Washington Dulles itself, from a former employees perspective.
I was originally intending to review the amazing 3D modelling of Washington Dulles International Airport in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS2020), but ended up talking about working at the airport instead. The 3D modelling is so accurate, I immediately recognize various areas of the airport. It is amazing how far flight simulators have come since their inception. Press play on the video embedded below to watch.
As you may not know, I worked for Atlantic Coast Airlines (ACA) from 2002 til its closure in early 2005. When I joined ACA it was operating as a United Express carrier out of Washington Dulles International Airport (KIAD) and Chicago O’Hare Airport (KORD). Operating both J41 turbo props and CRJ200s, ACA flew up and down the east coast and throughout the midwest as the main United Express carrier. ACA operated as a United Express carrier until shortly after United Airlines filed for bankruptcy.
The perspective and operations experience discussed are unique perspectives you not find in many videos posted online. Topics of discussion in the video include; employee parking, the baggage sorting system for outbound flights, Operations Ramp Control, Ramp Operations and various pointers about Washington Dulles itself.
Of all the jobs I held with ACA, the Operations Ramp Control position was certainly the most fun. I enjoyed Operations Ramp Control even more than Flight Dispatching. Unfortunately Flight Dispatching with most airlines usually does not take place at the actual airport or around any aircraft. Flight Dispatching mostly takes place from the airlines corporate headquarters, which is not the same as working at the airport in and around the aircraft. There is something about working in and around aircraft at the airport that is much more interesting than working at any corporate headquarters office.
Hopefully you get something of value out of the video and Thank you for watching. If you have any questions; please feel free to contact me by email.
