Rules of the Air — Page 133, Lesson 212

We're starting a fresh topic here: the marshalling signals used by ground personnel to guide an aircraft, and the technical servicing signals used between ground crew and the flight deck. These are standardized hand signals that you, as a pilot, must recognize instantly, because they're the only means of communication when radio isn't available or practical on the ground. Let me walk you through the first set, which covers aircraft movement. We have "Turns while backing" for the tail moving to starboard — that's to the right. The marshaller points the left arm down with the wand, and brings the right arm from an overhead vertical position down to a horizontal forward position, repeating that right-arm movement. So the signal is asymmetric: one arm points down, the other sweeps from above to horizontal, and that sweep is repeated. Then we have "Turns while backing" for the tail to port — to the left. This is the mirror image. The marshaller points the right arm down with the wand, and brings the left arm from overhead vertical to horizontal forward, repeating the left-arm movement. So the key is: the arm that sweeps forward tells you which way the tail is turning. Next is "Affirmative/all clear." The marshaller raises the right arm to head level with the wand pointing up, or displays a hand with a thumbs up, while the left arm remains at the side by the knee. And there's an important note here: this same signal is also used as a technical or servicing communication signal. So you'll see it in two contexts. Then we have "Fire." The marshaller moves the right-hand wand in a fanning motion from shoulder to knee, while simultaneously pointing with the left-hand wand to the area of the fire. So one hand fans, the other points — the pointing hand tells you where the fire is. Now, moving to the next set, we have "Hold position/stand by." The marshaller fully extends both arms and wands downwards at a 45-degree angle to the sides, and holds that position until the aircraft is clear for the next manoeuvre. So this is a static hold — you don't move until that signal changes. Then "Dispatch aircraft." The marshaller performs a standard salute with the right hand and/or wand to dispatch the aircraft, and maintains eye contact with the flight crew until the aircraft has begun to taxi. So the salute is the release, and the eye contact ensures the crew acknowledges before the aircraft moves. Now we move into the technical and servicing communication signals. These are distinct from the movement signals — they're about aircraft systems, not taxiing. First, "Do not touch controls." The marshaller extends the right arm fully above the head and closes the fist, or holds the wand in a horizontal position, while the left arm remains at the side by the knee. So a closed fist overhead means hands off the controls. Then "Connect ground power." The marshaller holds both arms fully extended above the head, opens the left hand horizontally, and moves the fingertips of the right hand into and touches the open palm of the left hand, forming a "T" shape. At night, illuminated wands can also be used to form that "T" above the head. So the "T" is the symbol for connecting external power. Next, "Disconnect power." This is the reverse. The marshaller holds both arms fully extended above the head with the fingertips of the right hand touching the open horizontal palm of the left hand, again forming a "T," and then moves the right hand away from the left. And there's a critical caution here: do not disconnect power until authorized by the flight crew. At night, illuminated wands can also form the "T" above the head. So the separation of the hands is the disconnect signal. Then "Negative." The marshaller holds the right arm straight out at 90 degrees from the shoulder and points the wand down to the ground, or displays a hand with a thumbs down, while the left hand remains at the side by the knee. So thumbs down, or wand pointing down, means no. Next, "Establish communication via interphone." The marshaller extends both arms at 90 degrees from the body and moves the hands to cup both ears. So cupping the ears means plug into the interphone. Finally, "Open/close stairs." With the right arm at the side and the left arm raised above the head at a 45-degree angle, the marshaller moves the right arm in a sweeping motion towards the top of the left shoulder. And there's a note: this signal is intended mainly for aircraft with the set of integral stairs at the front. So it's specific to aircraft that have stairs built into the front. Now, let me show you these signals visually, because the geometry matters — the angles and the positions of the arms are precise, and you need to recognize them at a glance from the cockpit. So to summarize what we've covered: the movement signals — turns while backing to starboard and port, affirmative, fire, hold position, and dispatch — and the technical servicing signals — do not touch controls, connect and disconnect ground power, negative, establish interphone communication, and open or close stairs. Each has a precise arm position and movement, and you need to know them cold because a misread signal on the ramp can lead to a collision or damage to the aircraft.