Aircraft marshaller

Aircraft marshallers signal pilots to assist them in operations such as turning, slowing down, stopping, and shutting down engines. They lead aircrafts to their parking stands or to the runway. They also indicate directions to the pilots by driving a “follow-me” car.

The following job titles also refer to aircraft marshaller:

marshaller of aircraft
marshaller
aircraft ground handler
aeroplane ground handler
aeroplane marshaller
ground marshaller
aircraft ground marshaller
aircraft signal crewman
aeroplane signal crewman

A high school diploma is generally required to work as an aircraft marshaller.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Aircraft marshaller is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to aircraft marshaller.

aircraft dispatcher
aircraft fuel system operator
ground lighting officer
aircraft cargo operations coordinator
aircraft maintenance coordinator

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of aircraft marshaller. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of aircraft marshaller with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

aviation data communications manager
private pilot
co-pilot
airline transport pilot
aircraft pilot

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of aircraft marshaller.

• Dangers of marshalling activity: Understand the dangers and difficulties that accompany marshalling activity, including noise, dust, ingestions or vehicle collisions.
• Aircraft marshalling signals: The arm and hand gestures used to guide aircraft according to official marshalling procedures.
• Civil aviation regulations: Know civil aviation regulations, rules and signals, including marshalling signals.
• Ramp safety requirements: Thoroughly understand ramp safety requirements and procedures.

These skills are necessary for the role of aircraft marshaller.

• Operate radio equipment: Set up and operate radio devices and accessories, such as broadcast consoles, amplifiers, and microphones. Understand the basics of radio operator language and, when necessary, provide instruction in handling radio equipment correctly.
• Perform necessary checks before moving aircraft onto stand: Perform a series of standard checks before bringing aircraft into a stand; check service equipment and check for oil/fuel spills; check activities on adjacent stands, etc.
• Ensure efficient communication in air traffic services: Ensure the implementation of an efficient communication exchange in air traffic services (ATS) involving airport movement areas. Follow procedures within the network.
• Work in an aviation team: Work confidently in a group in general aviation services, in which each individual operates in their own area of responsibility to reach a common goal, such as a good customer interaction, air safety, and aircraft maintenance.
• Operate follow-me vehicles: Drive the ‘follow me’-vehicle in a safe and efficient manner in order to marshal the aircraft through a designated area.
• Comply with air traffic control operations: Act in compliance with instruction provided by air traffic controllers.
• Identify airport safety hazards: Spot threats related to security at the airport and apply procedures to counteract them in a quick, safe, and efficient way.
• Apply airport standards and regulations: Know and apply the accepted standards and regulations for European airports. Apply knowledge to enforce airport rules, regulations, and the Airport Safety Plan.
• Execute necessary procedures prior to take off: Perform a series of actions prior to aircraft take-off; this includes activities such as starting the main and auxiliary engines and correctly positioning the chocks, FOD check, unplugging GPU.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of aircraft marshaller. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Write signalling reports: Write accurate communications and reports about signalling operations and safety procedures. Perform record keeping and event recording.
• Handle fuels: Handle and store fuels and assess their potential risks and dangers.
• Use ICT systems: Select and use ICT systems for a variety of complex tasks in order to meet a variety of needs.
• Write work-related reports: Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.
• Respond to changing navigation circumstances: Respond decisively and in sufficient time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations while navigating.

5419 – Protective services workers not elsewhere classified

References

1. Aircraft marshaller – ESCO