Marshalling
The process of directing an aircraft on the apron using standardised hand signals or wands to guide it safely to or from its stand.
Full Definition
Marshalling is performed by trained ground personnel (marshallers or wing walkers) who use orange wands or bare hands to communicate taxiing directions to a flight crew on the ground. ICAO Annex 2 and airport procedures define the standard signal set used globally. Marshalling is required when an aircraft is manoeuvring in confined apron areas where the crew cannot see obstacles or the stand centreline. Editors should note the double 'l' in British English spelling ('marshalling') versus 'marshaling' in American English — confirm the target document's style. Wing-walking is a related but distinct safety role that should not be used interchangeably with marshalling.
Usage
Usage note: Spell as 'marshalling' (double l) in British English documents and 'marshaling' in American English. Confirm house style. Do not confuse with 'wing-walking,' which is a passive safety role, not active direction-giving.
In Context
- "The marshaller guided the aircraft to Stand 14 using standard ICAO wand signals." — Ground handling training manual
- "Marshalling is mandatory for all wide-body aircraft using the inner apron stands." — Apron operations procedure