Free Safe Operating Procedure (Aircraft Marshalling) Template

Purpose of the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Aircraft Marshalling) Template

Effectively managing aircraft ground movements is critical for preventing accidents, protecting personnel, and avoiding costly damage to equipment. This Free Safe Operating Procedure (Aircraft Marshalling) Template provides a structured framework for documenting the required steps to guide aircraft safely on the apron, in parking bays, and around the hangar.

A well-defined SOP is a fundamental component of any effective aviation safety program, forming part of a broader commitment to developing a WHS management system that actively identifies and controls risks.

This template is designed to help your organisation establish clear, consistent, and safe work methods for aircraft marshallers. It covers key areas including pre-operational checks, communication protocols (including standard hand signals), required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and emergency procedures.

By formalising these steps, you create a reliable reference for training and a clear benchmark for operational conduct, much like our Safe Operating Procedure for telehandlers helps standardise the use of specific ground support equipment.

How to use the Free Safe Operating Procedure (Aircraft Marshalling) Template

This document is provided in an easy-to-edit DOCX format, allowing you to tailor it to the unique requirements of your aerodrome or facility. To use it, download the file and systematically work through each section, replacing the placeholder text with information specific to your site, aircraft types, ground support equipment, and personnel roles.

This includes specifying the responsibilities of the PCBU, marshallers, pilots, and other ground crew.

Customising the Safe Operating Procedure

You must adapt the procedures to reflect the specific hazards and control measures relevant to your operations. This includes detailing the exact ICAO or site-specific hand signals to be used, defining clear zones for personnel and vehicles, and outlining step-by-step instructions for various marshalling scenarios (e.g., arrival, departure, pushback, and towing).

Important Note: This document is a template and not a complete Safe Operating Procedure. It is intended to be a starting point.

We have created this resource to be customised for your organisation's specific needs, and it should not be used 'as is'. You must review and adapt it to ensure it reflects your unique operational risks and legal obligations.

When to use it

A formal SOP for aircraft marshalling should be implemented and actively used in several key situations. It is essential for the initial training and competency assessment of all new aircraft marshallers.

It also serves as a vital tool for conducting regular refresher training to prevent skill fade and reinforce safety standards. This procedure should be referenced during the planning of any non-routine aircraft movements and reviewed as part of any incident investigation. Regular reviews are also a core part of due diligence, which can be verified through internal or external WHS compliance auditing services.

The SOP should be readily accessible in the workplace for quick reference by supervisors and ground crew. It is a living document that should be consulted and updated whenever there is a change in airport layout, equipment, or operational procedures, ensuring it always reflects current best practice. This approach to procedural safety is applicable across various high-risk tasks, similar to the protocols outlined in our body truck SOP template.

Who should use it

This template is designed for use by individuals responsible for workplace safety and operational management within the aviation industry. This includes, but is not limited to, WHS Managers, Aviation Safety Officers, Aerodrome Managers, and Ground Operations Supervisors.

Line managers and team leaders who oversee aircraft ground handling crews will find it invaluable for standardising procedures and delivering effective training. Even simple tasks benefit from clear procedures, as shown in our step ladder use SOP.

Consultation is a key part of developing effective SOPs. It is crucial to involve the aircraft marshallers and pilots who will be using the procedure in its development and review.

Their firsthand experience is essential for creating a practical and effective document that genuinely enhances safety. Explore our complete free WHS resources library for more tools to support your safety management system.