Marshaller hand signals
Marshaller: person on the apron guiding aircraft with hand-held wands.
- Signals standardized to ICAO Annex 2 section 5 (TC AIM AIR 1.8).
- Used when required for aircraft entering, departing or manoeuvring within the movement area.
- Hands/wands illuminated as necessary (AIM 1.8 note 1).
Position:
| Aircraft | Marshaller stands |
|---|---|
| Fixed-wing | Left side |
| Helicopter | No fixed side |
- Either: wherever pilot sees best.
Engine numbering:
- Pilot's seat: left to right (No. 1 = left outer).
- Marshaller facing aircraft: reads right to left.
Signals named from the pilot's view: "turn left"/"turn right" swap which arm the marshaller extends.
| Signal | What the pilot sees |
|---|---|
| Straight ahead | Bent arms, wands pumped up-down chest to head |
| Turn left | Right arm out 90°, left hand "come ahead" |
| Turn right | Left arm out 90°, right hand "come ahead" |
| Normal stop | Arms/wands slowly sweep up until they cross overhead |
| Emergency stop | Arms/wands abruptly cross overhead |
| Set brakes | Open palm raised at shoulder, then closed to a fist |
| Release brakes | Fist raised at shoulder, then opened to a palm |
| Chocks inserted | Wands above head, jabbed inward until they touch |
| Chocks removed | Wands above head, jabbed outward |
| Start engine(s) | Right arm circles at head level, left arm points to the engine |
| Cut engines | Wand at shoulder, sliced across the throat |
| Slow down | Arms pat downward, wands waist to knees |
| Move back | Arms rotate forward at waist height |
| Affirmative / all clear | Wand up at head level, or thumbs up |
| Fire | Right wand fans shoulder to knee, left wand points at the fire |
| Hold position / stand by | Arms/wands extended down at 45° |
Trap: directional signals (left/right, engine numbering) are from the pilot's view, not the marshaller's; normal and emergency stop both end crossed overhead, only the speed differs.
References
- TC AIM AIR 1.8