Security & DefenceProtective services workersISCO 5419
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.
About aircraft marshaller
As an aircraft marshaller in Poland, you will work on airport ramps and taxiways to safely guide aircraft from arrival gates to parking stands and from parking stands to runways. Using standardized hand signals, radio communication, and a follow-me vehicle when necessary, you will assist pilots in maneuvering large aircraft safely through congested airport areas. Your role requires precise coordination with air traffic control, exceptional situational awareness, and strict adherence to airport safety protocols. You will work in dynamic, high-pressure environments where your decisions directly impact aircraft safety, passenger security, and airport operations efficiency.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a aircraft marshaller.
1
Aircraft Guidance and Marshalling
- Use standardized aircraft marshalling signals to communicate with pilots and guide aircraft safely to designated parking stands
- Direct aircraft to runways and manage ground movements during pushback and taxiing operations
- Maintain constant visual contact with aircraft and coordinate with pilots regarding position, speed, and directional changes
- Operate follow-me vehicles equipped with directional lights and signs to lead aircraft when visual communication is limited
2
Radio Communication and Air Traffic Coordination
- Operate radio equipment to communicate with pilots and air traffic control personnel during aircraft movements
- Comply with air traffic control operations and follow all instructions issued by control tower personnel
- Maintain clear communication with other ground personnel, including ground handling teams and security personnel
- Communicate in air traffic services using standard phraseology and procedures to ensure safety and efficiency
3
Pre-Movement Safety Checks
- Perform necessary checks before moving aircraft onto stand, including verifying ground equipment placement and personnel clearance
- Execute necessary procedures prior to takeoff, including final clearance verification and aircraft positioning confirmation
- Inspect the ramp area for hazards, obstacles, or debris that could interfere with aircraft movement
- Verify that all ground support equipment is properly positioned and will not interfere with aircraft operations
4
Safety Hazard Identification and Management
- Identify airport safety hazards including FOD (foreign object debris), equipment failures, and personnel positioning issues
- Understand and avoid the dangers of marshalling activity, including jet blast, propeller wash, and rotating equipment
- Apply airport standards and regulations to all marshalling operations and enforce safety protocols
5
Aviation Teamwork and Professionalism
- Work effectively as part of an aviation team, coordinating with flight crews, ground handlers, and air traffic personnel
- Understand and comply with civil aviation regulations and international aviation standards
- Maintain ramp safety requirements and ensure all personnel understand their responsibilities during aircraft movements
- Demonstrate professional conduct and situational awareness at all times to ensure safe airport operations
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (13)
aircraft marshalling signalsaircraft marshalling signalsThe arm and hand gestures used to guide aircraft according to official marshalling procedures.civil aviation regulationscivil aviation regulationsThe body of regulations, rules and signals that apply to the field of civil aviation, including marshalling signals.ramp safety requirementsramp safety requirementsThoroughly understand ramp safety requirements and procedures.operate radio equipmentoperate radio equipmentSet 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 ...perform necessary checks before moving aircraft onto standperform necessary checks before moving aircraft onto standPerform 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.communicate in air traffic servicescommunicate in air traffic servicesEnsure 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 teamwork in an aviation teamWork 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,...operate follow-me vehiclesoperate follow-me vehiclesDrive 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 operationscomply with air traffic control operationsAct in compliance with instruction provided by air traffic controllers.identify airport safety hazardsidentify airport safety hazardsSpot threats related to security at the airport and apply procedures to counteract them in a quick, safe, and efficient way.apply airport standards and regulationsapply airport standards and regulationsKnow 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 offexecute necessary procedures prior to take offPerform a series of actions prior to aircraft take-off; this includes starting the main and auxiliary engines, correctly positioning the chocks, FOD check, unplugging GPU, etc.dangers of marshalling activitydangers of marshalling activityThe dangers and difficulties that accompany marshalling activity, including noise, dust, ingestions or vehicle collisions.
Optional (5)
write signalling reportswrite signalling reportsWrite accurate communications and reports about signalling operations and safety procedures. Perform record keeping and event recording.handle fuelshandle fuelsHandle and store fuels and assess their potential risks and dangers.write work-related reportswrite work-related reportsCompose 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 intelligib...respond to changing navigation circumstancesrespond to changing navigation circumstancesRespond decisively and in sufficient time to unexpected and rapidly changing situations while navigating.use ICT systemsuse ICT systemsSelect and use ICT systems for a variety of complex tasks in order to meet a variety of needs.
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AI Replacement Risk
29/ 100
Low Risk
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