Transport and logistics
Aviation ground specialist - Aircraft Handling
Working in a specialist role supervising the safe arrival, turnaround and departure of aircraft at airports, military bases, heliports and other airfields.
Summary
An aviation operations specialist could work in a number of aviation environments, such as a commercial airport, military base / aerodrome, heliport or other airfield. Specialist roles, all focussed around the arrival, turnaround and departure of aircraft and maintaining an aviation operation, will include knowledge, skills and behaviours to complete complex aviation tasks and may include supervision of others to enable compliance with regulations through a safe, secure and effective aviation operation. These functions may include loading and unloading of aircraft, air traffic control (ATC), movement of aircraft and vehicles airside and the management of passengers both airside and landside. The functions all work as part of a combined team, within which communication with wider colleagues and other stakeholders is essential and the aviation operations specialist plays a key part of a coherent operation. The core knowledge, skills and behaviours must be completed by ALL ground specialists, 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 legislation in aviation and in relation to own role and organisation and how to monitor it
K2:
Requirements for maintaining aviation security in own area of authority and action to take in the event of a breach of security
K3:
Aviation and other applicable legislation, procedures and regulations relating to an aviation environment, and monitoring procedures within own area of responsibility
K4:
Methods of communication to ensure effective and timely transfer of information to different audiences using relevant language and format
K5:
Roles within the team and how these work together to achieve the organisation’s objectives, and how to embrace equality and inclusivity in the workplace
K6:
The aviation systems used within own role and how to operate them, identify faults or errors and what remedial action to take
K7:
Implement and monitor emergency procedures in own area of responsibility, the range of potential incidents and disruption that may occur and the appropriate action to take
K8:
Dangerous goods relevant to a range of aviation operations and how to deal with them effectively in own area of responsibility
K9:
Key timelines for aviation operations performance and consequences of not meeting them
K10:
Marshalling: The detailed requirements and procedures for the correct movement, placement and marshalling of aircraft and the importance of detailed controls for mover vehicles
K11:
Loading instruction report and balancing: The importance of the correct preparation and interpretation of and conformance to loading instruction reports (LIR) for both inbound and outbound aircraft, within aircraft weight and balance characteristics, structural limitations and compartment maximums
K12:
Load and unload: The loading and unloading procedures for all types of aircraft in the area of operation, including hold doors, floor locks, nets, and inter plane systems and how to apply the principles of restraint and manage the assets and team to deliver an efficient service
K13:
Specialist equipment: The requirements and responsibilities of self and team members in checking specialised equipment, including Unit Load Devices (ULDs), prior to use, ensuring safe operation and correct storage after use
K14:
Servicing: As a specialist, all aspects of aircraft servicing/turnaround management, pre/post use checks of holds and all hold locks
Technical Educational Products
- ST0038: Aviation ground specialist - Aircraft Handling (Level 3) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0038A
- Status:
Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £44,094 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 5234 Aircraft maintenance and related trades
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 5234/00 Aircraft maintenance and related trades
- 8233/02 Baggage handlers and ramp agents
- 8233/99 Air transport operatives n.e.c.
S1:
Monitor area of responsibility to ensure compliance with aviation legislation and organisational procedures, addressing and / or reporting hazards
S2:
Ensure aviation security is maintained in own area of operations e.g. challenging people in restricted areas, recording and reporting of security incidents
S3:
Monitor compliance with legislation, procedures and regulations in an aviation environment within own area of responsibility
S4:
Communicate effectively within the working environment, adapting methods and language to meet the situation
S5:
Maximise team performance and meet the objectives of the team whilst embracing equality and inclusivity
S6:
Use aviation systems effectively in own role. Take remedial action upon identification of faults or errors in a timely manner if they occur
S7:
Monitor area of responsibility and take appropriate action to reduce the impact of emergencies, incidents or disruption
S8:
Deal effectively with dangerous goods in own area of responsibility
S9:
Operate each stage of the aviation operations performance to ensure timely aircraft movements
S10:
Marshalling Safely manoeuver and position vehicles, monitoring team to ensure correct marshalling hand signals and techniques are used
S11:
Loading instruction report and balancing Produce and complete a LIR/Load Sheet compliant with aircraft type and within manufacturer’s limitations, delegate and brief teams to complete the tasks defined by the LIR and monitor their compliance and performance in accordance with the LIR
S12:
Load and unload Plan and prepare the airside environment with sufficient Air Cargo Handling Equipment (ACHE).
S13:
Load and unload Lead, supervise and mentor the team during the on/off load of the aircraft, by providing briefings, delegating tasks, checking loads are safely restrained and that the process complies with the LIR
S14:
Specialist equipment Monitor and supervise team members carrying out daily inspections prior to using the specialist equipment, including ULDs, ensuring its safe operation and that it is left in a safe, secure, allocated area after use
S15:
Servicing Demonstrate/mentor and supervise the preparation and configuration the aircraft holds for departure
Technical Educational Products
- ST0038: Aviation ground specialist - Aircraft Handling (Level 3) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0038A
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £44,094 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 5234 Aircraft maintenance and related trades
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 5234/00 Aircraft maintenance and related trades
- 8233/02 Baggage handlers and ramp agents
- 8233/99 Air transport operatives n.e.c.
B1:
Embrace and promote the values of the organisation
B2:
Treat team, customers and other stakeholders with courtesy and respect
B3:
Take ownership and responsibility of role and working area, including team members where responsible
B4:
Display loyalty, integrity and accountability to the organisation
B5:
Commit to continuous development of self and team, including improvements to systems and processes
B6:
Be vigilant and proactive in promoting a safe, secure and compliant working culture
Technical Educational Products
- ST0038: Aviation ground specialist - Aircraft Handling (Level 3) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0038A
- Status:
- Approved occupation
- Average (median) salary:
- £44,094 per year
- SOC 2020 code:
- 5234 Aircraft maintenance and related trades
- SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 5234/00 Aircraft maintenance and related trades
- 8233/02 Baggage handlers and ramp agents
- 8233/99 Air transport operatives n.e.c.
