Aircraft Marshalling: Importance and Common Signals

The engine starts, and you look out the window–the aircraft is starting to move. You will be in the air any moment now. As the aircraft is making a turn, you spot someone wearing a bright green vest, directing where it must go next. They are actually Aircraft Marshalling.

Aircraft marshalling is a critical part of ground operations that guides the safe and efficient movement of aircraft when on the ground. Ground handlers direct pilots during takeoff, landing, and parking. Aircraft marshalling involves the use of specific hand signals or wands to help navigate areas where they may have limited visibility.

In this article, we take you through the basics of aircraft marshalling, its importance, and the most common marshalling signals used globally.

Aircraft Marshalling

Aircraft marshalling is the visual communication system used between ground handlers (marshallers) and pilots to safely guide an aircraft during operations. It is particularly important at airports, airfields, and helipads where the pilot’s view from the cockpit may be limited.

The process is executed using universally recognized hand signals or with the help of illuminated marshalling wands during night operations. These signals allow marshallers to convey important instructions such as when to stop, turn, or proceed forward. Aircraft marshalling signals are important in preventing possible collisions on the ground, making sure there is a swift and safe path the aircraft is taking to either take off or park after landing through crowded airports or confined spaces.

Importance of Aircraft Marshalling

It is due to Aircraft Marshalling that the aircraft can find its safe way to the runway and back–in fact, an important aspect of aviation that most people do not notice or know about.

1. Safety of Aircraft and Personnel

One of the primary reasons for using aircraft marshalling signals is to enhance safety. With large aircraft moving at airports, the pilot’s view is often limited. Marshallers act as the pilot’s eyes on the ground, guiding them to avoid obstacles, vehicles, or other aircraft. This reduces the risk of accidents or damage to the plane and ground personnel.

2. Efficient Ground Operations

Marshalling ensures that aircraft can be parked, loaded, and unloaded in a timely and organized manner. Without proper aircraft marshalling, ground operations could face delays, which would impact the schedule of departures and arrivals, especially when the airports get busy.

3. Helps Pilots during Poor Visibility

Aircraft marshallers are essential when weather conditions cause poor visibility or when an airport lacks advanced ground-based radar systems. In such scenarios, clear aircraft marshalling hand signals play a major role in helping pilots safely move on the ground.

4. Prevention of Ground Collisions

At crowded airports, there is always a risk of ground collisions between moving aircraft, support vehicles, and other objects. Aircraft marshallers guide the pilot to lead the aircraft to the runway during takeoff, or to their parking positions during taxiing, a term referring to the movement of an aircraft on the ground.

5. Support for Smaller Airports

Many smaller or remote airports may not have sophisticated ground guidance systems. In such situations, manual marshalling is the primary method for directing aircraft safely. This is especially important in Nepal, where several smaller domestic airports may rely heavily on marshallers.

Aircraft Marshalling Tools and Equipment

Marshallers use several tools like wands and sticks to help them in guiding aircraft.

Marshalling Wands and Sticks

Aircraft marshalling sticks or wands are typically brightly coloured batons that are used during the day, and illuminated wands are used during night operations or low-visibility conditions. These tools help marshallers communicate their instructions to the pilot.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

With the marshalling wands, marshallers also wear reflective vests, helmets, and hearing protection. This ensures their safety while working in noisy and potentially hazardous environments around aircraft.

Aircraft Marshalling Qualification

Becoming a qualified marshaller requires specific training and certification. In many countries, individuals must undergo formal education and practical training in aircraft marshalling techniques. They learn about the standardized hand signals, communication protocols, and safety procedures that must be followed during marshalling operations.

Aircraft marshalling qualification includes theoretical instruction and practical experience. In most cases, one must demonstrate proficiency in giving marshalling signals before receiving certification. Airports and airlines require ground crew members to maintain their qualifications through continuous training and assessments.

Common Aircraft Marshalling Signals

Aircraft marshalling relies on a set of standardized hand signals recognized internationally. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) outlines these signals, and they are universally used to avoid confusion.

Here are some of the most common signals used in aircraft marshalling:

1. Proceed Forward

In this signal, the marshaller stands in front of the aircraft with arms raised and extended above their head. They move both hands towards their body, indicating that the aircraft should move forward.

2. Turn Left or Right

To instruct the pilot to turn left, the marshaller extends their right arm horizontally and moves their left arm upwards, bending at the elbow. For a right turn, the signal is reversed with the left arm extended and the right arm bent upwards.

3. Stop

When the aircraft needs to stop, the marshaller raises both arms above their head, crossing the marshalling wands or sticks to form an X. This signal indicates that the aircraft should immediately come to a halt.

4. Engines Shutdown

To signal the pilot to shut down the engines, the marshaller raises one arm and moves it in a circular motion while pointing to the aircraft with the other arm. This is an important signal once the aircraft has reached its final position.

5. Start Engine

When it’s time for the pilot to start the engines, the marshaller extends one arm upwards and moves it in a circular motion. This signal is usually given when the aircraft is ready for departure.

Conclusion

Aircraft marshalling is an essential component of safe and efficient ground handling operations in aviation. Whether at a busy international hub or a smaller domestic airport in Nepal, marshallers play a critical role in guiding aircraft during taxiing, parking, and takeoff. Through the use of standardized aircraft marshalling signals and specialized equipment such as aircraft marshalling sticks or wands, marshallers help prevent accidents and ensure that ground operations run smoothly.

FAQs

What are marshalling signs in aviation?

Marshalling signs are hand signals or gestures used by trained ground personnel to guide and direct aircraft during movements such as taxiing, parking, or approaching a gate. These signals ensure the safety of both aircraft and ground crew during ground operations.

How does aircraft marshalling ensure safety?

Aircraft marshalling enhances safety by providing clear visual instructions to pilots, reducing the risk of accidents or collisions on the ground. Marshallers act as guides, helping pilots navigate areas with limited visibility or high traffic.

What qualifications are required to be an aircraft marshaller?

An aircraft marshalling qualification typically involves formal training, which includes learning the standardized hand signals, safety procedures, and practical skills needed for guiding aircraft. Certification and regular retraining are necessary to maintain competency.

What tools are used in aircraft marshalling?

Marshallers use marshalling wands or sticks, which are coloured or illuminated batons, to signal instructions to pilots. They also wear personal protective equipment such as reflective vests and helmets to ensure their safety during operations.