A Guide to Aviation Ground Signals for Safe and Efficient Aircraft Taxiing and Parking
Aviation ground operations are critical for ensuring the safety and efficiency of aircraft. Ground personnel, known as aircraft marshals, communicate essential instructions to pilots through standardized hand signals. These signals are crucial during the taxiing and parking process. In this guide, we will explore the most common hand signals used by ground personnel, along with scenarios where additional signals might be required.
Standardized Hand Signals for Aircraft Marshaling
Ground crew members must be adept at using standardized hand signals to direct aircraft during taxiing and parking. Below are some of the most commonly used signals:
1. Stop
The signaler raises both arms above their head with palms facing the aircraft. This clear and unambiguous gesture communicates a complete halt.
2. Proceed Forward
The signaler extends one arm straight out to the side and moves it in a circular motion. This indicates that the aircraft should continue moving forward.
3. Turn Left
The signaler extends their left arm straight out and moves it in a circular motion, signaling the aircraft to turn left.
4. Turn Right
The signaler extends their right arm straight out and moves it in a circular motion, signaling the aircraft to turn right.
5. Back Up
The signaler raises both arms and moves them in a backward motion, often combined with a waving motion to indicate an immediate backward movement.
6. Cut Engines
The signaler crosses their arms in front of their body, signaling the pilot to shut down the engines. This gesture is crucial for safety and environmental reasons.
7. Chock Wheels
The signaler points to the ground with one hand, indicating the need to place wheel chocks under the wheels to secure the aircraft.
8. All Clear
The signaler waves their arms above their head to indicate that the area is clear for the aircraft to proceed.
Additional Signals and Interpretations
While the above signals are standardized, some additional signals might be required depending on specific situations. Here are two common additional signals:
9. Brakes Engaged
As the signaler raises their arm and hand with fingers extended horizontally in front of their face, they then clench their fist. This gesture indicates that the brakes are engaged and the aircraft needs to halt.
10. Brakes Released
With the reverse of the previous signal, the signaler raises their arm with the fist clenched horizontally in front of their face, then extends their fingers, indicating that the brakes are released and the aircraft can continue moving.
11. Insert Chocks
The signaler stands with arms extended, palms outwards, moving their hands inwards to cross in front of their face. This gesture is used when indicating the need to insert wheel chocks to secure the aircraft.
Positioning and Clarity
Aircraft marshals play a vital role in ensuring that all signals are seen and understood by the crew. Marshals stand in positions where they can be seen by the crew at all times and where they can also see their own support colleagues, who might be in tight spots such as by the wingtips. These additional personnel check for clearance and report any issues to the marshals, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
It's important to note that all signals relate to the direction the aircraft is facing. For example, a ‘Straight Ahead’ signal given by a marshal standing to the right does not mean turn to them but to continue in the direction the aircraft is pointing. This clarity prevents confusion and ensures safe operations.
Conclusion
A well-trained aircraft marshal is an invaluable asset to any aircraft crew, providing clear and unambiguous signals that help maintain safety and efficiency on the ground. While there can be some room for interpretation, marshals should stick to the standardized signals to avoid confusion. The consistency and clarity of these signals can make a significant difference in the overall operations, ensuring that all ground personnel and pilots are on the same page.