may2024 - 22

Ground Service Providers
Mastering the Art of
Marshalling and Towing
Ground handlers are responsible for the safe movement of aircraft on the ramp.
BY REBECCA KANABLE
P
arking aircraft with wingspans
of 30 to 100 feet is no
small task. On the ramp, there
are many obstacles to avoid, including
other aircraft, ground support
equipment (GSE) and even people.
It is imperative that aircraft are
guided safely to their apron parking
spot with the help of ground handling
personnel, who are trained in
marshalling and towing.
" Ground handling personnel are
responsible for ensuring the safe
movement of aircraft and equipment,
protecting customers and
employees alike, " says Casey Ross,
safety, standards and training manager
at Avflight. " The safe movement
of aircraft on a ramp starts
with training. "
Training for new employees and
recurrent training at Avflight are
both computer-based and on-the-job.
" New hires are provided a mentor
to aid them at all times on the ramp
until on-the-job training is complete.
No Avflight employee performs any
function independently until qualified
by a trainer, " says Ross.
Marshallers Guide the Way
The primary responsibility of a marshaller
is to determine a safe path of
travel for the aircraft on ground.
" Generally, you'll see one person
marshalling an aircraft, " says Ross.
Initial parking instructions can
be provided to the flight crew in
advance by a phone call or email
from the FBO, even before aircraft
departure (and arrival at the FBO),
he explains.
Prior to arrival, additional instructions
can be communicated via
radio or ACARS (Aircraft Communication
Addressing and Reporting
System), if the aircraft has the necessary
hardware.
Then, after arrival, instructions
can be provided via radio and
hand signals.
" Instructions and plans can
change quickly in busy environments.
When verbal and radio communication
between line technicians
is hindered due to a noisy environment,
visual communication with
signals becomes the primary means
of communication, " says Ross.
Often marshallers use handheld
radios to communicate to other personnel
that an aircraft is moving or
about to move so that they keep clear
of the area.
Different types and sizes of aircraft
have individual needs when
marshalling. For example, Ross says
larger aircraft, or aircraft with additional
blind spots, utilize wing walkers
to provide a safe path of travel.
To accommodate additional aircraft
during peak times, he says
staffing is increased, and in unexpected
high-traffic situations, a pilot
may be asked to wait until the ramp
is safe to enter.
22 || Ground Support Worldwide || May 2024
From limited space and tight
maneuvering to high-traffic operations,
he says the majority of the
challenges associated with marshalling
are addressed with preplanning
exercises.
" Planning is the No. 1 best practice
an FBO can adopt to improve
safety, efficiency and customer
service. If we can identify and
anticipate customer needs far in
advance, we set ourselves up for
success. We gather as much information
as possible as far in advance
as possible for every flight to create
unique arrival plans for each operation, "
says Ross.
Challenge mitigation strategies
might include placing highly visible
cones or markings near hazards,
communicating in advance with the
flight crew, and using wing walkers,
he says. Wing walkers are responsible
for communicating to both the
marshaller and the flight crew any
hazards that would prevent the safe
taxiing of aircraft, says Ross.
He adds that both marshallers
and wing walkers have the authority
to stop an operation if it cannot
be completed in a safe manner.
If there is too much risk involved,
Ross explains operations will
be halted, and another plan will
be utilized.
" In extreme adverse weather, the
operation will stop until it is safe to
continue, " he adds.
may2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of may2024
