Aircraft marshalling

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Marshaller stopping an aircraft

Turkish Air Force Transall C-160D behind the Follow-me car at RIAT, England.

Aircraft marshalling is visual signalling between ground personnel and pilots on an airport, aircraft carrier or helipad.

Marshalling is one-on-one visual communication and a part of aircraft ground handling. It may be as an alternative to, or additional to, radio communications between the aircraft and air traffic control, The usual attire of a marshaller is a reflecting safety vest, a helmet with acoustic earmuffs, and illuminated beacons or gloves.

On airports, the marshaller signals the pilot to keep turning, slow down, stop, and shut down engines, leading the aircraft to its parking stand or to the runway. Sometimes, the marshaller indicates directions to the pilot by driving a "Follow-Me" car (usually a yellow minivan with a checkerboard pattern) prior to disembarking and resuming signalling. This, however, is not an industry standard.

On aircraft carriers or helipads, marshallers give take-off and landing clearances to aircraft and helicopters, where the very limited space and time between take-offs and landings makes radio communications a difficult alternative.

[edit] Aircraft marshalling signals

All clear	Flagman directs pilot (stop)	Insert chocks	Pull chocks
Start engines	Cut engines	Proceed straight ahead	Turn left
Turn right	Slow down	Stop (emergency stop)