Aircraft Marshalling Course

Lesson 1 • Role of the Aircraft Marshaller

Defines the marshaller's duties within ground operations and the chain of command. Connects professional accountability to safe aircraft movement.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory Framework for Ground Operations

Surveys international and operator-level standards governing ramp safety and marshalling. Learners understand compliance obligations without referencing specific code identifiers.

Lesson 3 • Aviation Safety Culture

Covers the principles of a safety-first mindset and just culture in aviation. Establishes the behavioural foundation required throughout the course.

Lesson 1 • Mandatory PPE for Ramp Personnel

Identifies all required protective items for ramp work and their protective functions. Builds the safety baseline for all hands-on training.

Lesson 2 • PPE Inspection and Maintenance

Teaches pre-shift inspection routines and serviceability criteria for all PPE. Defective equipment must be identified and replaced before operations begin.

Lesson 3 • Marshalling Wands and Batons

Covers the types, colours, and operational conditions for marshalling wands and illuminated batons. Correct equipment selection directly affects signal visibility.

Lesson 1 • Arrival and Parking Signals

Covers signals used to guide aircraft from taxiway entry to final stop position. Accuracy in these signals prevents stand incursions and equipment strikes.

Lesson 2 • Emergency and Abnormal Signals

Presents signals for fire, immediate stop, and other abnormal conditions. Rapid and unambiguous execution of these signals is critical to preventing accidents.

Lesson 3 • Signal Categories and Classification

Organises marshalling signals into functional categories: movement, stop, engine, and emergency. Classification aids memory and systematic learning of the full signal set.

Lesson 4 • Departure and Pushback Signals

Teaches signals for engine start authorisation, pushback direction, and brake release. These signals coordinate the marshaller with tug operators and flight crew.

Lesson 1 • Critical Dimensions and Clearance Zones

Covers wingspan, tail height, engine nacelle positions, and minimum clearance distances. Marshaller positioning must respect these zones at all times.

Lesson 2 • Aircraft Classification by Size

Introduces narrow-body, wide-body, regional, and cargo aircraft categories. Size classification determines marshalling distance and signal intensity.

Lesson 3 • Wingtip and Tail Clearance Monitoring

Teaches techniques for visually monitoring wingtip and tail clearances during aircraft movement. Marshaller must halt movement before any clearance violation occurs.

Lesson 1 • Line of Sight Principles

Explains how cockpit geometry affects pilot sightlines to the marshaller. Correct positioning ensures signals are seen clearly from the flight deck.

Lesson 2 • Stand and Gate Configurations

Covers nose-in, angled, and remote stand layouts and their effect on marshaller placement. Each configuration requires a specific positioning strategy.

Lesson 3 • Maintaining Visual Contact Throughout

Teaches continuous eye contact with the flight deck and awareness of aircraft movement. Loss of visual contact requires an immediate stop signal.

Lesson 1 • Initial Contact and Guidance Commencement

Teaches the moment of first signal contact with the flight crew and speed assessment. Correct initial guidance sets the tone for a controlled arrival.

Lesson 2 • Post-Stop Confirmation Procedures

Addresses chocks-in signal, parking brake confirmation, and handoff to ground crew. Proper post-stop procedures secure the aircraft and enable safe servicing.

Lesson 3 • Pre-Arrival Stand Preparation

Covers stand inspection, equipment clearance, and FOD checks before aircraft arrival. A prepared stand prevents damage and delays during the arrival sequence.

Lesson 1 • Engine Start Authorisation

Covers the sequence for authorising engine starts during pushback and confirming safe conditions. Engine start signals must be given only when intake and exhaust zones are clear.

Lesson 2 • Abnormal Departure Scenarios

Prepares learners for equipment failures, ATC holds, and rejected pushbacks. Decision-making under pressure is practised through scenario-based exercises.

Lesson 3 • Pushback Execution and Direction Control

Teaches directional signals to the tug operator and flight crew during pushback. Precise direction control prevents conflicts with adjacent aircraft and structures.

Lesson 4 • Disconnect and Taxi Release

Addresses tug disconnect procedures, brake set confirmation, and all-clear for taxi signal. The aircraft must not taxi until the marshaller gives explicit clearance.

Lesson 1 • Coordination with Emergency Services

Covers communication with airport fire service, medical teams, and operations centre during emergencies. Marshaller acts as on-scene coordinator until services arrive.

Lesson 2 • Emergency Signal Execution Under Pressure

Practises fire warning, emergency stop, and evacuation signals in time-critical scenarios. Muscle memory developed here is essential for real emergency response.

Lesson 3 • Ramp Emergency Types and Recognition

Identifies fire, fuel spill, medical, and structural emergencies on the ramp. Early recognition enables faster response and reduces harm.