Marshalling Signals
Chapter 5.7
Introduction
In large airports with a lot of traffic, you may be confronted with ground personnel who control the movement of aircraft on taxiways and ramps. Communication between the pilot and the marshaller is done by signs. These signs are set according to the international standard, Annex 2 of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO Annex 2).
Marshalling Signals from a Signalman to an Aircraft
The marshaller positions himself either in front or on left side of the aircraft, where he is best seen by the pilot.
Wingwalker / Guide
Raise right hand above head level with wand pointing up; move left-hand wand pointing down toward body.
Note – This signal by a person positioned at the aircraft wing tip indicates to the pilot / main marshaller / push-back operator, that the aircraft movement on/off a parking position is unobstructed.
Straight ahead
Bend extended arms at elbows and move wands up and down from chest height to head.
Turn right (from pilot’s point of view)
With left arm and wand extended at a 90-degree angle to body, make “come ahead” signal with right hand. The rate of signal motion indicates to pilot the rate of aircraft turn.
Turn left (from pilot’s point of view)
With right arm and wand extended at a 90-degree angle to body, make “come ahead” signal with left hand. The rate of signal motion indicates to pilot the rate of aircraft turn.
Slow down
Move extended arms downwards in a “patting” gesture, moving wands up and down from waist to knees.
Normal stop
Fully extend arms and wands at a 90-degree angle to sides and slowly move to above head until wands cross.
Emergency stop
Abruptly extend arms and wands to top of head, crossing wands.
Chocks inserted
With arms and wands fully extended above head, move wands inward in a “jabbing” motion until wands touch. Ensure acknowledgement is received from flight crew.
Chocks removed
With arms and wands fully extended above head, move wands outward in a “jabbing” motion. Do not remove chocks until authorized by flight crew.
Proceed to next signalman or as directed by tower/ground control
Point both arms upward; move and extend arms outward to sides of body and point with wands to direction of next signalman or taxi area.
Cut engines
Extend arm with wand forward of body at shoulder level; move hand and wand to top of left shoulder and draw wand to top of right shoulder in a slicing motion across throat.
Set brakes
Raise hand just above shoulder height with open palm. Ensuring eye contact with flight crew, close hand into a fist. Do not move until receipt of “thumbs up” acknowledgement from flight crew.