Transport and logistics
Aviation ground operative - Aircraft Handling
Working in a specialist role supporting the safe arrival, turnaround and departure of aircraft at airports, military bases, heliports and other airfields.
Summary
An aviation ground operative could work in a number of environments, such as a commercial airport, military base / aerodrome, heliport or other airfield. With five key specialist functions, all working in conjunction with each other, aviation ground operators form the teams above and below wing to ensure the efficient and effective arrival, turnaround and departure of aircraft. At the heart of the role safety, security and compliance with aviation regulations focus each operator’s day to day duties. Effective communication and team work ensure that passenger services, air traffic control (ATC) and those moving, loading, unloading and servicing a range of aircraft achieve the objectives of their organisation in this diverse field. The core knowledge, skills and behaviours must be completed by ALL ground operatives, along with ONE of the five specialist functions.
Typical job titles include
- airport handler | Aviation ground handler | aviation operations specialist | fire fighter
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
K1:
Health and safety regulations and legislation relevant to the role; an aviation environment and organisational procedures and how they impact on self, others and in relation to aviation operational duties
K2:
The systems, procedures and requirements to ensure security of self and others in own area of responsibility
K3:
Aviation and regulatory legislation, procedures and regulations relating to an aviation environment, within own area of responsibility
K4:
How to communicate effectively and transfer relevant information to people and how to select the most appropriate method of communication
K5:
Own role within the team and how it contributes to achieving objectives. Know how to identify and respond to individuals’ needs and abilities in different situations and communicate with others and colleagues from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures
K6:
Identify key aviation systems used in own role and how to operate and adhere to them in line with the organisation’s procedures
K7:
Emergency procedures in own area of responsibility, common incidents and disruption that may occur in an aviation environment and the appropriate action to take in the event of an incident
K8:
Relevant dangerous goods and how to deal with them effectively in own area of responsibility
K9:
Marshalling: The procedures for marshalling and controlling the movement of aircraft and vehicles, including requirements and importance of distance, speed, and safe positioning of an aircraft and vehicles
K10:
Loading instruction report: The purpose of a Load Instruction Report (LIR), the key information contained therein and why it is important and relevant to every aircraft movement
K11:
Load and unload: A team member’s responsibility for the safe, correct and timely on-load/off-load operation, and use of Unit Load Devices (ULD) and restraints to ensure the safety and security of loads
K12:
Specialist equipment, including unit load device serviceability: The requirements for, and operation of, specialist equipment and vehicles used on and around the aircraft , including the need for serviceable Unit Load Devices (ULDs), to prevent damage to the aircraft, baggage and cargo and own responsibility as part of the team
K13:
Servicing: Own role in aircraft servicing/turnaround management, aircraft services, pre/post use checks of holds and all hold locks
Technical Educational Products
- ST0037: Aviation ground operative - Aircraft Handling (Level 2) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0037A
- Status:
Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £27,642 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 8233 Air transport operatives
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 8233/99 Air transport operatives n.e.c.
- 8233/02 Baggage handlers and ramp agents
S1:
Work in line with organisational and legal requirements relating to health and safety, and be aware of, report and prevent hazards in an aviation environment
S2:
Contribute to security of self and others in own area of responsibility e.g. in airside / landside areas
S3:
Comply with all relevant legislation, procedures and regulations in an aviation environment within own area of responsibility
S4:
Communicate effectively transmitting and receiving information and recording it as required
S5:
Work effectively as part of a team and with others identifying and responding to the needs of individuals, including colleagues, other organisations or customers
S6:
Use aviation systems effectively relevant to own role to achieve the required outcome
S7:
Take appropriate action in the event of an incident, disruption or emergency, liaising with relevant people and recording actions and outcomes as required
S8:
Follow procedures for identification and safe handling of dangerous goods in own area of responsibility
S9:
Marshalling: Effectively use the correct marshalling hand signals and techniques required to safely position and manoeuver vehicles into and around the aircraft
S10:
Loading instruction report: Correctly interpret information on a LIR and ensure procedures within their own role are conducted according to the report
S11:
Load and unload: Complete loading and unloading of aircraft safely within the allocated time in accordance with the LIR and organisational procedures, including, restraint/unrestraint of a ULD and baggage nets following supervisor’s instruction
S12:
Specialist equipment, including unit load device serviceability: Identify the correct specialist equipment that is required for specific purposes on, at and around the aircraft to achieve the desired outcome, including serviceability check of ULDs and report on both serviceability and defects in accordance with organisational procedures
S13:
Servicing: Identify the services required to facilitate an aircraft arrival, departure or turnaround and prepare/configure aircraft holds for departure
Technical Educational Products
- ST0037: Aviation ground operative - Aircraft Handling (Level 2) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0037A
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £27,642 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 8233 Air transport operatives
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 8233/99 Air transport operatives n.e.c.
- 8233/02 Baggage handlers and ramp agents
B1:
Be punctual and reliable
B2:
Be a positive role model to others in attitude to work and how it is undertaken
B3:
Treat team, customers and other stakeholders with courtesy and respect
B4:
Remain focussed when a problem arises so that effective and timely decisions can be made
B5:
Work responsibility to keep people safe and operations flowing smoothly, complying with working practises
B6:
Use equipment and technology responsibly and effectively
B7:
Treat others, work areas and equipment with respect at all times
B8:
Demonstrate personal drive to achieve the vision and objectives of the organisation
B9:
Handle all tasks in a calm and organised manner
Technical Educational Products
- ST0037: Aviation ground operative - Aircraft Handling (Level 2) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0037A
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £27,642 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 8233 Air transport operatives
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 8233/99 Air transport operatives n.e.c.
- 8233/02 Baggage handlers and ramp agents
