How to Become an Aircraft Marshaller?

Whenever you board a flight, you must have seen an individual in a bright green vest signalling the pilot. That person is an aircraft marshaller. And aircraft marshallers play a pivotal role in ensuring that the aircraft takes off and lands safely and efficiently. The expertise of an aircraft marshaller also lies in guiding the aircraft to their designated gates, so passengers can easily deboard via air bridges and ramps. Aircraft marshalling is anything but mundane. Let's call it an artful science. And if this interests you, you have probably wondered the same question, ‘how to become a plane marshaller?’

So what does it take to become an aircraft marshaller and what makes this job truly exceptional? Aircraft marshalling is not talked about enough, considering that these individuals are the unsung heroes of the skies. Let's look into how to become aircraft marshaller.

Steps to Becoming an Aircraft Marshaller

There are specific universal requirements for becoming an aircraft marshaller, regardless of the country you are in. You will need a high school diploma, outstanding physical fitness since the job requires long hours working outdoors, and a sound knowledge of aviation rules. Most airlines also provide on-the-job training for these roles. However, the specifics can vary from one country to another. Let’s look at how to become an aircraft marshaller in different countries.

1. United States

If you have prior military training in aircraft marshalling, you can apply to your desired job with that experience. If you don’t have any and are thinking about how to become a plane marshaller, you can go for the specialized training courses offered by the IATA. You can also gain experience by working in an entry-level position as a ground crew member. Since the gate and runway are secure areas of an airport, you need to pass a background check and gain clearance. Physical endurance and good communication skills in English are also prerequisites that airlines will look for.

2. United Kingdom

If you are wondering how to become an aircraft marshaller in the UK, you must pass an initial Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) and ensure that you pass your periodic reinvestigations. You also have to undergo specialized aircraft marshalling training. IATA and TSA Group offer online courses for candidates. You can also look for courses at Pennant International Group and City of Bristol College. Besides this, you must also be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance, qualify in the use of multiple firearms, carry a handgun, and possess a valid driver's license at the time of appointment.

3. India

If you are wondering how to become aircraft marshaller in India, you must have a current, DGCA-approved aircraft marshalling certificate to work as an aircraft marshaller in India. To meet this criterion, you can enroll in the online courses provided by IATA and the AVIAssist Foundation. There are now airport jobs where you may get experience and earn the certification required to operate as an aircraft marshaller. In addition, airlines also look for applicants that are well-versed in aviation safety standards, have excellent communication skills, and are physically fit.

4. Australia

How to become an aircraft marshaller in Australia? You will need to take a specific training course, which entails earning a Certificate III in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service) with a "Marshal Aircraft" unit of competency. This will enable you to demonstrate your mastery of hand signals, safety protocols, and aircraft kinds. To be eligible for the position, candidates must also have good vision, be able to work outside in various weather situations, and have a basic understanding of English communication.

5. Germany

If you're wondering how to become aircraft marshaller in Germany, there are two methods you might consider.  First, applicants should apply to major airports for available ground crew positions. Airports like Frankfurt, Munich, and Berlin Brandenburg frequently offer internal training or collaborate with approved providers. Additionally, you can approach private aviation companies and ground handling firms that offer marshaller positions and provide the necessary training. The second route is certifications, such as IATA (International Air Transport Association) or ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization). Regardless of your choice, you must keep yourself updated with any guidelines or standards set by the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt (LBA), Germany's aviation regulatory authority, for ground operations and safety.

Aircraft Marshalling Course Content

If you have gone through the different requirements on how to become an aircraft marshaller, you might also be interested to know what a typical course in aircraft marshalling comprises.

Most courses provide aircraft marshallers with the necessary knowledge and skills to control aircraft movements. When looking for courses, ensure that the course trains on international (ICAO) standards as well as the IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM) and IATA Ground Handling Manual (IGOM).

Now, let's jump to the overarching themes of these courses:

• Marshalling hand signals: Knowledge of standard hand signals to direct aircraft movement, including taxiing, turning, stopping, and aligning.
• Aircraft knowledge: An understanding of various aircraft types is necessary for an aircraft marshaller to know their maneuverability.
• Pushback operations: Pushback is moving an aircraft away from a parking position using a specialized ground vehicle. Aircraft marshallers are charged with guiding aircraft during pushback maneuvers and communicating with the pushback tractor operator.
• Regulatory compliance: A deep Understanding of all the relevant aviation regulations and standards related to aircraft marshalling.
• Effective communication: Proper use of equipment and knowledge of the required terminologies to communicate with the pilot.
• Risk assessment: Since airports are high-risk areas, it is important to quickly assess and identify hazards and associated risks, as well as notify the authorities.
• Practical training: On-the-ground practice with marshalling signals and scenarios on an airport apron, including weather conditions.

Aircraft Marshaller: Key Skills

Because of their immensely important role, an airline will look for certain soft skills when recruiting aircraft marshallers. So, while you make a checklist of everything you require on how to become a plane marshaller, don't forget the implicit skills.

• Communication skills: Hand signals and wands are an aircraft marshaller's most important asset. You must be able to communicate effectively with pilots and direct them.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment: Runways are busy areas, especially the bigger ones, where aircraft keep landing and taking off. The ability to adapt to the demands of the job can be an asset.
• Spatial awareness: Besides knowing airport regulations, you must also understand airport layouts and traffic patterns.
• Physical fitness: While we have iterated this above, the ability to work long hours outside is essential to being an aircraft marshaller.
• Teamwork: An aircraft marshaller's job cannot be done in isolation. You have to communicate with the pilots, your team, and the other airport officials to ensure that the aircraft is successfully landed or taken off.

All of the above soft skills go a long way in ensuring that you get your desired job.

Salary of an Aircraft Marshaller

When you are thinking about how to become aircraft marshaller, you probably have considered how much an aircraft marshaller makes. The salary of an aircraft marshaller varies depending on factors like location, experience, the size of the airport or airline, and one's qualifications.

Researching the typical pay of an aircraft marshaller in your region is essential to gain a deeper understanding. Remember that salaries may change due to economic conditions, industry demand, and labor market factors.

Work Environment in Aircraft Marshalling

When thinking about how to become a plane marshaller, you should also look at what a typical day looks like in such a job. Airport environments are fast-paced and demanding, requiring long hours outdoors, sometimes in bad weather conditions. You might also be exposed to noises, fumes, and other safety hazards usually associated with aviation operations. In such cases, following the rules to the T is essential. The job also demands that you communicate regularly and effectively with aircraft pilots, ATC, ground crew, and other airport personnel. A teamwork spirit comes in handy.

Of course, as technological advancements make more sweeping changes, one must adapt to them and learn to use new technology effectively. All these factors and much more make up an aircraft marshaller’s job description.

Conclusion

The aviation industry, like many others, is constantly evolving. New technologies are making a splash in how aircraft are made, how they are flown, and in ground operations. Aircraft marshaller requirements are constantly changing, but it is also the one that will see more roles opening up in 2025 and beyond. If you are wondering about how to become an aircraft marshaller, now is the right time to opt for aircraft marshalling jobs and make a career.