Aircraft Handling Procedures: Part 1 – Pre-Arrival & Ground Support Essentials

The safe handling of aircraft during ground operations is vital to protect personnel, equipment, and the aircraft itself. This guide highlights key procedures, from pre-arrival preparations—clearing debris, positioning equipment, and ensuring safety ramp operations—to guiding aircraft with precise marshalling signals. Proper use of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), such as GPUs and PCA systems, is emphasized, along with critical protocols for aircraft chocking, fueling, and defueling. Measures for managing high winds and responding to fuel spills ensure readiness for adverse conditions. By following these procedures, ground operations maintain safety, efficiency, and compliance in all main operations.

Pre-Arrival Checklist for Aircraft Stand Preparation

Before the aircraft’s arrival, it is crucial to ensure that all safety measures and equipment are in place to facilitate a smooth and safe operation. A thorough FOD (Foreign Object Debris) check should be conducted on the entire stand, ensuring all debris is removed to prevent any hazards. The stand surface must be checked for ice, snow, or any other obstructions that could impede safe aircraft movement. Additionally, all Ground Support Equipment (GSE) should be positioned outside the Equipment Restraint Area (ERA) to avoid interfering with the aircraft’s path.

 

It is essential to confirm that the aircraft’s designated path and the ramp area are clear of objects or obstacles that could be struck by the aircraft or cause danger due to jet blast effects. The aircraft docking guidance system should be operational, or marshalling staff must be on standby to assist. Depending on the situation, additional ground personnel such as wing walkers may be required to ensure further safety.

Moreover, the following equipment should be serviceable and readily available on the stand prior to the aircraft’s arrival: chocks (according to the aircraft type), safety cones, ground power, preconditioned air, headset interphones (if applicable), and appropriate day or night wands depending on the operating conditions. These steps are vital to maintain safety and operational efficiency during aircraft handling.

Aircraft Arrival Procedure at a Stand or Open Ramp

During a standard arrival procedure at a stand without an automated guide-in system or at an open ramp, the marshaller plays a critical role in ensuring safe and precise aircraft positioning. As the aircraft approaches the stand area, the marshaller signals the aircraft to follow the guide-in line by positioning themselves at the top of the line and giving the “IDENTIFY STAND” signal.

 

While the aircraft taxis along the guide-in line, the marshaller uses marshalling wands to indicate the “Continue to Taxi Ahead” signal. It is important that the aircraft’s nose wheel follows the lead-in line all the way to the designated stop point. If necessary, the marshaller will use the “Turn Left” or “Turn Right” signals to adjust the aircraft’s track.

 

If there is any uncertainty or imminent danger during the aircraft’s movement, the marshaller should immediately signal the aircraft to stop. As the aircraft approaches the stop position, the “Slow Down” signal should be used if needed. Once the nose wheel reaches the stop point, the marshaller should slowly cross the wands to signal “Stop.”

 

Once the aircraft has come to a complete stop and the conditions for choking are met, the aircraft can be safely chocked. Finally, if required or available, ground power and pre-conditioned air should be connected to the aircraft to ensure it is properly serviced.

Marshalling Hand Signals for Aircraft

Aircraft marshalling should only be performed when authorized by the local airport authority and when the individual has received proper training. Marshalling hand signals must be given from a position forward of the aircraft while facing and remaining within view of the pilot to ensure clear communication.

 

In situations where visibility is compromised, illuminated torch lights or marshalling wands should be used to enhance the clarity of the hand signals. This is especially important in the following conditions:

 

• Insufficient apron lighting
• Poor visibility
• Nighttime operations
• When mandated by local airport authorities or regulations.
• Caution: To prevent confusion, avoid using guide man hand signals for equipment until all aircraft marshalling tasks are completed.

Note:

• It is not possible to use bats or illuminated torch lights for signals related to engaging or releasing parking brakes.

Aircraft Chocking Procedure

Proper choking is essential for ensuring the stability of the aircraft once it has arrived at its designated stand. Before starting the choking process, it is crucial to ensure that the required number of serviceable chocks are available, taking into account the specific aircraft type and prevailing weather conditions. Chocks should be kept clear of the maneuvering area during the aircraft’s arrival to avoid any interference with its movement. The choking process should not begin until the aircraft has come to a complete stop, ensuring safety for ground personnel.

 

The first action around the aircraft is for a designated member of the ground staff to immediately place chocks forward and aft (if applicable) of the nose gear. This step must be completed before any other ground activity can take place. When approaching the main gear, ground personnel should wait until the aircraft’s engines have been switched off and are in the process of spooling down, and the anti-collision lights have been turned off, ensuring the aircraft is completely secured.

 

Once it is safe to proceed, chocks should be placed forward and aft of the main gear, following the applicable chock placement diagram. The chocks should lightly touch the tires to prevent unnecessary pressure while ensuring the aircraft remains stable. Afterward, it is important to notify the flight deck crew that the chocks have been successfully inserted. Ground staff should walk toward the main gear in a path parallel to the fuselage for safety, and any temporarily placed nose gear chocks should be removed, if applicable. Finally, the ‘Chocks Inserted’ hand signal should be given to the flight deck crew to confirm that the aircraft is properly secured.

Ground Support Equipment for Arriving Aircraft

When handling an arriving aircraft, proper positioning of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) is crucial to ensure efficient operations. For the Ground Power Unit (GPU), it is allowed to pre-position the unit inside the Equipment Restraint Area (ERA), provided there is an assigned parking position for the GPU.

 

The GPU should be positioned on the appropriate side of the aircraft’s nose, parallel to the aircraft’s center line, with the towbar facing away from the aircraft and at least 3 meters away from the aircraft. To secure the GPU in place, the parking brake should be set and the unit should be chocked to prevent any movement during aircraft servicing.

Basic Operating Requirements for Ground Support Equipment (GSE)

Operating Ground Support Equipment (GSE) safely and efficiently requires adherence to key protocols. At the start of each shift, a thorough inspection must be conducted on all GSE involved in aircraft handling. This inspection includes checking parking brakes, rubber protective bumpers, safety systems, and proximity sensors to ensure proper functionality. Before using any vehicle or equipment, a walk-around inspection is mandatory to identify potential issues. When parking or positioning GSE, the parking brakes must be applied, and the gear selector set to the “PARK” or “NEUTRAL” position.

 

During equipment positioning, sufficient clearance must be maintained to account for the aircraft’s vertical movement throughout ground handling operations. This prevents accidental contact between the equipment and the aircraft. Additional safety measures include strictly adhering to the “no seat–no ride” principle, prohibiting the transport of personnel on GSE without approved seating. Operators must avoid using hand-held portable electronic devices while driving or handling equipment to minimize distractions.

 

Once GSE is positioned on the aircraft, all safety rails on conveyor belts, loaders, and elevated devices must be raised unless restricted by aircraft type. Vehicles must never be left unattended with their engines running, and stabilizers must be deployed on equipment designed with them before operation. GSE with lifting devices must not be driven with these devices in the raised position, except for final positioning near the aircraft. Additionally, no GSE such as tractors, pallet transporters, baggage carts, or cargo dollies should be positioned under the aircraft fuselage at any time.

 

For any GSE or passenger boarding bridges to move toward the aircraft, strict criteria must be met: the aircraft must have come to a complete stop, engines must be shut down and spooling down, anti-collision lights must be off, wheel chocks must be in place, and communication with the Ground or Flight Crew must be established with appropriate clearance provided. These requirements do not apply to Ground Power Units (GPU), which may be positioned differently under specific operational conditions.

Cooling/Heating Units and Pre-Conditioned Air (PCA) Procedure

Pre-conditioned air (PCA) is an essential part of fuel conservation programs for many airlines, and it is required at airports that offer on-stand PCA services. For the specific aircraft type, refer to the operating airline’s manual to identify the location of the PCA access panel on the aircraft. It is important to ensure that the PCA hose is not blocked to maintain proper airflow.

To connect PCA:

• Open the access panel on the aircraft.
• Connect the ground pre-conditioned air unit to the aircraft.
• Start the ground pre-conditioned air unit.
• On the unit, adjust the cooling or heating settings (air temperature and flow rate), or set the selector to the appropriate position.

To disconnect PCA:

• Shut down the ground pre-conditioned air unit.
• Disconnect the unit from the aircraft.
• Close the access panel.
• Retract the PCA hose and ensure it is fully stowed and secured in its designated position.

Safety During Fueling and Defueling

Fueling and defueling operations require strict adherence to safety protocols to ensure the well-being of personnel and equipment. The Fueling Safety Zone (FSZ) is a defined area extending at least 3 meters in every direction from the center point of all fuel vent exits, refueling plugs, aircraft refueling ports, fuel hydrants, fuel hoses, and fueling vehicles. This distance may be increased as required by local airport or civil aviation regulations. Within the FSZ, personnel must refrain from smoking, using portable electronic devices, or operating unauthorized equipment. Only company-issued and approved communication and lighting devices are permitted. Personnel should enter the FSZ only when necessary for job responsibilities and must assume fueling is ongoing whenever a fuel vehicle is present with hoses connected. GSE and vehicles must not obstruct fueling vehicles’ escape routes, and motorized equipment should not be used or parked within the FSZ. All ground equipment must remain at least 1 meter away from fuel hoses to prevent potential hazards.

 

In the event of a fuel spillage, immediate action is required to minimize risks. The emergency shut-off valve must be activated if installed, and the fueling supervisor or Pilot in Command should be informed. The local fire service must be contacted, and authorities should determine whether to halt all activities around the aircraft. The spill area must be secured within a 15-meter radius, and all activities should be restricted as much as possible to reduce ignition risks.

 

When fueling or defueling with passengers onboard, special precautions must be observed to maintain safety. Designated escape exits, such as bridges, cabin doors, or stair trucks, must remain clear and operational. Areas beneath these escape exits should be free of equipment or vehicles that could obstruct the deployment of escape slides. Passenger stairs and bridges must be free of FOD to ensure unrestricted escape routes. Compliance with airline-specific policies, local airport guidelines, and regulatory requirements is critical, with these measures serving as the minimum standard for safety during fueling operations.

High Winds Activity Guidelines

When sustained winds or gusts exceeding 25 knots (48 km/h or 30 mph) are predicted, the following actions must be undertaken to ensure safety and operational efficiency:

 

Secure all bag and freight carts, dollies, ladders, maintenance stands, and tow bars by placing them near or against a building. This measure applies to winds starting from 48 km/h (30 mph) and above. Ensure parking brakes are engaged on all ground equipment, and secure empty ULDs (Unit Load Devices), making sure that doors and curtains are closed, especially when wind speeds exceed 72 km/h (45 mph). Remove all FOD (Foreign Object Debris) and ULDs from the stands, while also ensuring FOD containers are emptied and brought inside if they are not secure.

 

At wind speeds above 72 km/h, suspend the use of pre-conditioned air hoses, store them securely, and remove marker cones from the vicinity. For aircraft stability, chock the landing gear appropriately for high-wind conditions. Cabin service or catering highlifts, as well as passenger stairs without stabilizers, should not be elevated when wind speeds reach 48 km/h or more. Similarly, highlifts and passenger stairs with stabilizers must not be elevated at wind speeds of 72 km/h or higher. Additionally, close all cargo holds and passenger doors, referring to airline Ground Operations Manuals for specific instructions.

 

Ensure all aircraft access panels are closed, and booms on deicers are not elevated when high winds are forecasted. Ground support equipment (GSE) must be removed from the aircraft area and secured in positions outside the Equipment Restraint Area (ERA), clear of the aircraft.

 

Secure boarding bridges by positioning them to minimize surface exposure to wind forces. For extreme conditions above 111 km/h (70 mph), retract and lower the boarding bridge, ensuring its length is oriented away from the wind direction for maximum stability. These precautions are essential for maintaining operational safety and minimizing equipment and aircraft damage during high wind events.

 

Ground handling is more than just tasks—it’s about safety, precision, and efficiency. At Just Aviation, we ensure every step, from pre-arrival preparations to post-service checks, follows best practices. Our Flight Support Services focus on proper equipment use, effective fueling, and proactive safety in all conditions. By blending expertise with operational excellence, Just Aviation minimizes risks and maximizes efficiency, setting industry benchmarks with safety and professionalism at the core of every flight. For more insights into Departure Coordination and Safety Standards, feel free to explore our Aircraft Handling Part-2 blog.