The Exciting Role Of An Airport Marshall: A Guide To Becoming One

Aircraft marshallers are the unsung heroes of the aviation industry, responsible for guiding planes at airports and ensuring the safe and efficient flow of air traffic. If you're interested in becoming an aircraft marshaller, there are several steps you need to take. Firstly, you'll need a high school diploma or its equivalent. Then, gain hands-on experience by working in an entry-level position on the ground crew of an airport. This will allow you to immerse yourself in the world of aviation operations. The next step is to complete specialized training in aircraft marshalling, offered by institutions like the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Obtaining relevant certifications and a good understanding of aviation safety and operations is crucial. Excellent communication skills, physical fitness, and knowledge of hand signaling techniques are also essential for this role. Once you've completed your training and gained the necessary experience, you can apply for positions at airports or aviation services companies. It's important to stay informed about industry regulations and maintain professionalism and safety standards at all times.

Gaining a high school diploma or equivalent

During high school, it is beneficial to focus on subjects such as mathematics, physics, and geography, which will provide you with basic knowledge about navigation, distance calculation, and physical space. This knowledge is crucial for a career in aircraft marshalling. Additionally, consider participating in physical education classes as the job requires good physical condition and can involve intense hand and arm waving, along with standing for long periods.

Developing your communication and teamwork skills is also highly valuable, as aircraft marshalling requires close collaboration with pilots and air traffic controllers. Leadership positions in school clubs or sports teams can help cultivate these skills. Furthermore, if your school offers vocational courses in aviation, enrolling in them can give you an early introduction to the field and help you become familiar with aviation terminology and protocols.

Developing excellent communication skills

To become an aircraft marshaller, you must possess excellent communication skills. This is because marshalling involves coordinating with pilots, ground crew, and air traffic control to ensure the safe movement of aircraft on the ground. Here are some ways to develop and improve your communication skills for this role:

Understand the Basics of Effective Communication

Recognize the barriers to effective communication, such as stress, lack of focus, or inconsistent body language. Being aware of these obstacles will help you identify areas for improvement and enable you to communicate more effectively.

Develop Active Listening Skills

Active listening is a crucial aspect of effective communication. It involves focusing on the speaker, understanding their emotions, and making them feel heard and understood. Give the speaker your undivided attention, avoid interrupting, and show genuine interest in what they are saying. This will help you build stronger connections and enhance your interpersonal relationships.

Master Nonverbal Communication

Nonverbal cues, including facial expressions, body language, eye contact, and tone of voice, play a significant role in communication. Be mindful of your own nonverbal signals, ensuring they align with your verbal message. Additionally, learn to interpret the nonverbal cues of others to better understand their feelings and intentions.

Enhance Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is the foundation of effective communication. It enables you to assess and understand your own emotions, as well as empathize with others. Leaders with high emotional intelligence are better able to engage in active listening, maintain a positive tone, and use appropriate body language.

Practice Clear and Concise Communication

Choose your words carefully, ensuring clarity and brevity. Outline your goals and audience before engaging in communication to include all necessary information while eliminating irrelevant details. Avoid unnecessary words and repetition, as they can distract from your message or cause your audience to tune out.

Prepare in Advance

Before any communication, know what you want to say and how you want to say it. Prepare by researching and anticipating questions or criticisms. For example, if you are negotiating a salary, know your expectations and be ready to discuss ranges and potential compromises.

Implement a Workplace Communication Strategy

Develop a strategy to streamline the flow of information in your workplace. Define who receives what message and when, as well as the appropriate tools for communication, such as group chats or emails. This will help ensure that everyone receives the correct information in a timely manner.

Foster a Positive Organizational Culture

Effective communication is easier in a positive work environment founded on transparency, trust, empathy, and open dialogue. Encourage employees to speak up and offer suggestions to create a culture of mutual respect and understanding.

By following these steps and continuously practicing your communication skills, you will excel in your role as an aircraft marshaller, ensuring safe and efficient aircraft movements at the airport.

Learning hand signalling techniques

Hand signalling is an essential skill for aircraft marshallers, who are responsible for guiding and directing aircraft on the ground at airports. Effective hand signals ensure the safe and efficient movement of planes on runways, taxiways, and apron areas.

To become proficient in hand signalling techniques, aspiring aircraft marshallers must learn and memorise a set of standardised hand signals prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in their Annex 2- Rules of the Air Regulations. These signals facilitate clear and precise communication between the marshaller and the pilot, enabling the smooth navigation of aircraft on the ground.

Marshalling Signals from Marshaller to Pilot:

• Raising the right hand above head level with a wand pointing up and moving the left hand with a wand pointing down towards the body indicates that the aircraft can move on or off the parking position without obstruction.
• Raising fully extended arms straight above the head with wands pointing up directs the pilot to proceed to the next signalman or as instructed by the control tower.
• Pointing both arms upward and then extending them outward to the sides while pointing with wands indicates the direction of the next signalman or taxi area.
• Bending extended arms at the elbows and moving wands up and down from chest height to head signals the pilot to keep the aircraft moving forward in a straight line.
• Extending the right arm and wand at a 90-degree angle to the body and making a "come ahead" signal with the left hand instructs the pilot to turn left. The rate of the signal's motion indicates the rate of the turn.
• Extending the left arm and wand at a 90-degree angle and making a "come ahead" signal with the right hand directs the pilot to turn right. Again, the rate of the signal's motion indicates the rate of the turn.
• Fully extending arms and wands at a 90-degree angle to the sides and slowly moving them upwards until the wands cross is a signal to bring the aircraft to a complete stop. The speed of this motion indicates to the pilot how close they are to stopping.

Technical/Servicing Hand Signals:

• Raising the hand just above shoulder height, ensuring eye contact with the flight crew, and then closing the hand into a fist signals the flight crew to acknowledge with a "thumbs up."
• Raising the hand with a closed fist and then opening the palm signals the flight crew to acknowledge with a "thumbs up."
• Extending both arms at 90 degrees from the body and moving the hands to cup the ears indicates a request to establish communication via the interphone.

Signals from Pilot to Marshaller:

• Raising the arm and hand with fingers extended horizontally in front of the face and then clenching the fist, followed by extending the fingers again, is a signal from the pilot.
• Raising the arm with a clenched fist horizontally and then extending the fingers is another signal used by pilots.

It is important to note that hand signals may vary slightly between different airports and organisations, so it is crucial for aspiring marshallers to familiarise themselves with the specific signals used at their workplace. Additionally, during periods of low visibility or darkness, illuminated marshalling wands or other light sources should be used to ensure effective signalling.

Gaining knowledge of aviation safety and operations

To achieve this, aspiring aircraft marshallers should seek specialized training in aviation safety. This training will equip them with the skills to enforce safety protocols, identify and report hazards, and ensure compliance with aviation regulations and airport rules. A solid grasp of safety procedures is essential, as marshallers are often responsible for performing safety inspections, such as Foreign Object Debris (FOD) inspections, to maintain a secure airport environment.

In addition to safety, knowledge of airport ground operations is vital. Aircraft marshallers should understand the complex chain of command within the aviation industry and their role in coordinating various ground crew members, including ground handlers, fueling personnel, and baggage handlers. Effective coordination ensures smooth and synchronized operations, contributing to the efficiency of airport operations.

To gain proficiency in aviation safety and operations, individuals can pursue training courses offered by organizations like the IATA or similar industry groups. These courses provide valuable insights into airport ground operations, safety protocols, and industry regulations. Additionally, prior experience in aviation-related fields or military training in marshaling skills can be advantageous.

Obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum educational requirement for aircraft marshallers. However, pursuing additional education or aviation-related training can enhance an individual's knowledge of aviation safety and operations. This extra step demonstrates a commitment to the field and can make a strong impression on potential employers.

Lastly, staying updated with industry developments and advancements is essential. Aviation safety protocols and procedures are subject to changes and improvements, and marshallers must adapt to these updates to maintain the highest safety standards. By combining knowledge of aviation safety and operations with ongoing learning, individuals can excel in their roles as aircraft marshallers, contributing to the safe and efficient movement of aircraft at airports worldwide.

Completing specialised training

To become an aircraft marshaller, you will need to complete specialised training. This training will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to control the movement of aircraft on the apron safely and efficiently, adhering to local and international standards.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and other industry organisations offer specialised training in aircraft marshalling. The training covers various aspects, including safety procedures, communication protocols, aircraft handling techniques, and ground operations. It is designed to prepare individuals for the role of guiding and directing aircraft on the ground at airports, ensuring safe and efficient movements on runways, taxiways, and apron areas.

One example of a specialised training course is the Aircraft Marshalling Course offered by AviAssist Foundation. This course covers a range of subjects, including an introduction to ICAO and IATA standards, aircraft familiarisation, background to marshalling signals, movement and technical signals, foreign object debris and damage, aircraft arrival inspection, marshalling techniques, and obtaining and acknowledging ATC clearance. The course includes practical exercises, on-the-job observations, and training.

In addition to completing specialised training, it is important to stay informed about industry regulations and developments. Aircraft marshallers are expected to understand and comply with complex regulations imposed by local, national, and international aviation authorities. These regulations are subject to change and evolve over time to keep up with advancements and safety measures in the aviation industry. Regularly consulting guidelines and staying updated on current regulations is essential to ensure safety and compliance.

Specialised training in aircraft marshalling provides individuals with the qualifications and skills needed to guide and direct aircraft safely and efficiently on the ground. It covers a range of topics and practical exercises to prepare individuals for the challenges and responsibilities of the role. Staying informed and up-to-date with industry regulations is also a crucial aspect of an aircraft marshaller's ongoing professional development.

Frequently asked questions