Transport and logistics
Aviation ground handler
Ensure the efficient and effective arrival, turnaround and departure of aircraft.
Summary
This occupation is found in the Aviation sector, across a range of different types of organisations and employers including all those working in roles supporting the safe arrival, turnaround and departure of aircraft at airports, military bases, heliports and other airfields.
This occupation requires Aviation ground handlers to be physically fit and active, working mainly outdoors in all weathers and commonly requires shift working. The broad purpose of the occupation is to ensure the efficient and effective arrival, turnaround and departure of aircraft. Aviation ground handlers work in a number of environments, such as a commercial airport, military base/aerodrome, Royal Navy aircraft carrier, heliport or other airfield. Aviation ground handlers work in highly organised teams below wing.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with Members of their immediate team and other airfield stakeholders critical to aircraft arrival, turnaround and departure. Typically, Aviation ground handlers work is coordinated by an aviation specialist/operations manager. At the heart of this role Aviation ground handlers day to day duties provide all necessary help and support when guiding aircraft and transport, loading and unloading luggage and cargo, checking luggage against flight lists and taking it to the aircraft / reclaim conveyor belt and other duties as assigned while maintaining health and safety and overall good working practices that comply with aviation regulations. Effective communication and teamwork ensure that all aspects of preparing cargo, moving, loading, unloading and servicing a range of aircraft forms a critical role that helps achieve the objectives of their organisation in this diverse field.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the safe, secure and timely delivery of tasks associated with their work area (including safely operating equipment and machinery) to ensure the aircraft is ready for arrival, turnaround and departure, as instructed and guided by the aviation specialist or aviation operations manager.
It is the responsibility of the employer (military & civilian) to ensure that all Aviation Ground Handler apprentices achieve a Category 8 Certificate in Dangerous Goods awareness before completing their apprenticeship, then 24-month refresher training must be provided thereafter, as per IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Aviation ground handlers must be in possession of a valid driving licence.
Typical job titles include
- Baggage and handling agent | Ground handler | Ground handling agent | Ramp agent
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
K1:
Relevant industry specific regulations, legislation, and procedures appropriate to the aviation sector.
K2:
The importance of following process, legislation, monitoring compliance and the completion of legal documentation.
K3:
The aviation systems and ground service equipment used and the operational procedures.
K4:
Identify prohibited articles relevant to aviation operations and how to deal with them effectively.
K5:
Methods 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:
Communication methods to transfer relevant information to people.
K7:
The importance of communications and customer service to the organisation.
K8:
Emergency procedures (including fire, breaches of security, acts of aggression), common incidents and disruption that may occur in an aviation environment and the appropriate action to take in the event of an incident.
K9:
The procedure for dealing with unauthorised access in a restricted area.
K10:
The procedures for marshalling, and controlling the movement of vehicles in close proximity of aircraft, including requirements and importance of distance, speed and safe positioning of vehicles near aircraft.
K11:
The purpose of a Load Instruction Report (LIR), the key information contained therein and why it is important and relevant to every aircraft movement.
K12:
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.
K13:
The requirements for, and operation of, specialist equipment and vehicles used on and around the aircraft, to prevent damage to the aircraft, baggage and cargo.
K14:
Aircraft serving/turnaround management, aircraft services, pre/post use checks of holds and all hold locks.
K15:
The procedures for checking specialised aircraft movement equipment prior to use, how to operate specialist equipment safely and the procedure for storage after use.
K16:
The procedures and processes when preparing to move an airframe, including dealing with risks and hazards of operating aircraft and vehicles airside.
K17:
The importance of executing correct Manual Handling Techniques.
K18:
How to identify faults or errors and the remedial action to take.
Technical Educational Products
- ST0908: Aviation ground handler (Level 2) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0908
- 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.
S1:
Comply with all aviation regulations, work within legislative guidelines and procedures.
S2:
Complete and maintain documentation to meet current legislative aviation guidelines.
S3:
Use aviation systems.
S4:
Be polite, helpful and customer focused whilst maintaining customer service standards.
S5:
Adhere to procedures for identification and safe handling of dangerous goods.
S6:
Work as part of a team, identifying and responding to the needs of individuals, including colleagues, other organisations or customers.
S7:
Communicate by transmitting and receiving information and recording it as required.
S8:
Take appropriate action in the event of an incident, disruption or emergency, liaising with relevant people and recording actions and outcomes as required.
S9:
Use the correct marshalling hand signals and techniques required to safely position and manoeuvre vehicles into and around the aircraft.
S10:
Complete loading and unloading of aircraft safely within the allocated time in accordance with the LIR and organisational procedures, where applicable including restraint/unrestraint of a ULD and baggage nets following supervisor’s instruction.
S11:
Correctly interpret information on a LIR and ensure procedures are conducted according to the report
S12:
Use the correct specialist equipment that is required for specific purposes on, at and around the aircraft to achieve the desired outcome, report on both serviceability and defects in accordance with organisational procedures.
S13:
Undertake the services required to facilitate an aircraft arrival, departure or turnaround and prepare/configure aircraft holds for departure.
S14:
Operate equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures and ensure it is stored in a safe secure manner after use.
S15:
Follow all correct procedures in order to move back the aircraft accurately, safely and promptly.
S16:
Follow all correct procedures to prepare for and when moving aircraft accurately, safely and promptly.
S17:
Work collaboratively to reducing the risks and hazards from operating aircraft and vehicles airside.
S18:
Clearly identify and safely deal with carrying baggage of varying weight and size over a continuous period.
S19:
Correctly interpret information on a baggage tag and ensure aviation procedures for baggage are followed.
S20:
Take remedial action upon identification of faults or errors in a timely manner.
Technical Educational Products
- ST0908: Aviation ground handler (Level 2) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0908
- 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.
B1:
Has a proactive approach to work.
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 focused when a problem arises so that effective and timely decisions can be made.
B5:
Work responsibly to keep people safe and operations flowing smoothly, complying with working practices.
B6:
Treat equipment and technology responsibly and effectively.
B7:
Seeks to treat work areas and equipment with care at all times.
B8:
Consistently driven to achieve the vision and objectives of the organisation.
Technical Educational Products
- ST0908: Aviation ground handler (Level 2) Approved for delivery
- Reference:
- OCC0908
- 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.
