Overview of the role

Ensure the efficient and effective arrival, turnaround and departure of aircraft.

Details of standard

Occupation 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

Entry requirements

Aviation ground handlers must be in possession of a valid driving licence.

Occupation duties

Duty KSBs

Duty 1 Ensure cargo and baggage is carefully and safely prepared for the arrival, turnaround and departure of aircraft when loading and building of load. Ensure no damage has occurred during transit from make-up to aircraft side and ensure accuracy and destination checks are made including checking luggage against the flight list. Report any damage to supervisor/operator. (ULD, cargo pallet, animals, high value items, outsized Items).

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K16 K17 K18

S1 S2 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S12 S17 S18 S19

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 2 Apply dangerous goods awareness protocols inclusive of general philosophy, limitations, labelling and marking, storage and loading procedures, pilot notification, provisions for passengers and crew and emergency response planning (ERP). Use load instruction reports (LIR) to load /unload cargo or baggage on to the aircraft /reclaim conveyor belt.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K12 K13 K17 K18

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S10 S11 S17 S18 S19 S20

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 3 Operate safely ULD stops and locks, lashing and netting, applying restraint options depending on load type and aircraft to ensure the safe arrival, turnaround and departure of aircraft.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K12 K14 K16 K17 K18

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S10 S12 S13 S14 S18 S19 S20

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 4 Safely secure load spreading materials and in the event of unacceptable loads, escalating to supervisor when needed.

K1 K2 K5 K6 K8 K11 K16 K17

S1 S3 S6 S7 S8 S10 S11 S13 S18 S19 S20

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 5 Safe use of aircraft handling equipment (drivable or towable steps, luggage tractors, ULD dollies and baggage trolley) to ensure the safe arrival, turnaround and departure of aircraft.

K1 K2 K3 K5 K6 K7 K8 K10 K12 K13 K16 K17 K18

S1 S2 S4 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S12 S13 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 6 Operate Chocks, power and cones to ensure aircraft is safely held in position.

K1 K2 K3 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K11 K13 K14 K15 K16 K17 K18

S1 S3 S4 S6 S7 S8 S9 S12 S13 S14 S15 S16 S17 S20

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 7 Report to any suspicious activity or safety concerns relating to persons/item and personal safety.

K1 K2 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K13

S1 S2 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S10 S11 S12 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 8 Challenge and report to supervisor / local security personnel any unsolicited persons around the aircraft.

K1 K2 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9

S1 S2 S4 S6 S7 S8 S17

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 9 Safe marshalling of vehicles to and or around the aircraft and on stand/airfield. (Wingman or Banksman) to ensure the safe arrival, turnaround and departure of aircraft.

K1 K2 K3 K5 K6 K7 K8 K10 K13 K16 K18

S1 S4 S6 S7 S8 S9 S13 S14 S15

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 10 Complete pre-use inspections of ground service equipment, vehicles and handling equipment including the area of operation around the aircraft and report faults to your supervisor.

K1 K2 K3 K6 K7 K13 K15 K16 K17 K18

S1 S2 S3 S4 S6 S7 S8 S12 S14 S15 S16 S20

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 11 Report incidents or accidents around the aircraft or on wider airfield, ensuring reporting protocol is adhered to.

K1 K2 K3 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K13 K15 K17 K18

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S10 S11 S12 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19 S20

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 12 Safely load aircraft in accordance with Loading Instruction report.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K11 K13 K14 K16 K17 K18

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S14 S18 S19 S20

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8

Duty 13 Liaise and coordinate with other teams operating in the aircraft or vicinity of the airfield in order to help maintain an efficient and safe service.

K1 K2 K3 K4 K5 K6 K7 K8 K9 K10 K13 K14 K17 K18

S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11 S12 S13 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19 S20

B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 B8


KSBs

Knowledge

K1: Relevant industry specific regulations, legislation, and procedures appropriate to the aviation sector. Back to Duty

K2: The importance of following process, legislation, monitoring compliance and the completion of legal documentation. Back to Duty

K3: The aviation systems and ground service equipment used and the operational procedures. Back to Duty

K4: Identify prohibited articles relevant to aviation operations and how to deal with them effectively. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

K6: Communication methods to transfer relevant information to people. Back to Duty

K7: The importance of communications and customer service to the organisation. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

K9: The procedure for dealing with unauthorised access in a restricted area. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

K14: Aircraft serving/turnaround management, aircraft services, pre/post use checks of holds and all hold locks. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

K16: The procedures and processes when preparing to move an airframe, including dealing with risks and hazards of operating aircraft and vehicles airside. Back to Duty

K17: The importance of executing correct Manual Handling Techniques. Back to Duty

K18: How to identify faults or errors and the remedial action to take. Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Comply with all aviation regulations, work within legislative guidelines and procedures. Back to Duty

S2: Complete and maintain documentation to meet current legislative aviation guidelines. Back to Duty

S3: Use aviation systems. Back to Duty

S4: Be polite, helpful and customer focused whilst maintaining customer service standards. Back to Duty

S5: Adhere to procedures for identification and safe handling of dangerous goods. Back to Duty

S6: Work as part of a team, identifying and responding to the needs of individuals, including colleagues, other organisations or customers. Back to Duty

S7: Communicate by transmitting and receiving information and recording it as required. Back to Duty

S8: Take appropriate action in the event of an incident, disruption or emergency, liaising with relevant people and recording actions and outcomes as required. Back to Duty

S9: Use the correct marshalling hand signals and techniques required to safely position and manoeuvre vehicles into and around the aircraft. Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

S11: Correctly interpret information on a LIR and ensure procedures are conducted according to the report Back to Duty

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. Back to Duty

S13: Undertake the services required to facilitate an aircraft arrival, departure or turnaround and prepare/configure aircraft holds for departure. Back to Duty

S14: Operate equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures and ensure it is stored in a safe secure manner after use. Back to Duty

S15: Follow all correct procedures in order to move back the aircraft accurately, safely and promptly. Back to Duty

S16: Follow all correct procedures to prepare for and when moving aircraft accurately, safely and promptly. Back to Duty

S17: Work collaboratively to reducing the risks and hazards from operating aircraft and vehicles airside. Back to Duty

S18: Clearly identify and safely deal with carrying baggage of varying weight and size over a continuous period. Back to Duty

S19: Correctly interpret information on a baggage tag and ensure aviation procedures for baggage are followed. Back to Duty

S20: Take remedial action upon identification of faults or errors in a timely manner. Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Has a proactive approach to work. Back to Duty

B2: Be a positive role model to others in attitude to work and how it is undertaken. Back to Duty

B3: Treat team, customers and other stakeholders with courtesy and respect. Back to Duty

B4: Remain focused when a problem arises so that effective and timely decisions can be made. Back to Duty

B5: Work responsibly to keep people safe and operations flowing smoothly, complying with working practices. Back to Duty

B6: Treat equipment and technology responsibly and effectively. Back to Duty

B7: Seeks to treat work areas and equipment with care at all times. Back to Duty

B8: Consistently driven to achieve the vision and objectives of the organisation. Back to Duty


Qualifications

English and Maths

Other mandatory qualifications

High Level Qualification

Category 8 Certificate in Dangerous Goods awareness

Level: 2


Additional details

Occupational Level:

2

Duration (months):

12

Review

Status: Approved for delivery (available for starts)
Level: 2
Reference: ST0908
Version: 1.0
Date updated: 26/11/2021
Approved for delivery: 13 September 2021
Route: Transport and logistics
Minimum duration to gateway: 12 months (this does not include EPA period)
Maximum funding: £3500
LARS Code: 658
EQA Provider: Ofqual
Employers involved in creating the standard: Menzies, Virgin, MOD, Crosby Training, Bristow Group, Gatwick, Heathrow, BA, American Aviation, Manchester Airport, Outsource Training, Highfield, Virgin, RACPD, TC Partnership, Swissport UK

Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date
1.0 Approved for delivery 13/09/2021 Not set

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