Aviation ground handler
Transport and logistics
Level 2 -
Ensure the efficient and effective arrival, turnaround and departure of aircraft.
Reference: OCC0908
Status:
SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
- 8233/02 Baggage handlers and ramp agents
Technical Education Products
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
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.
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
Typical job titles include:
Keywords:
Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)
Duties
Duty D1
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).
Duty D2
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.
Duty D3
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.
Duty D4
Safely secure load spreading materials and in the event of unacceptable loads, escalating to supervisor when needed.
Duty D5
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.
Duty D6
Operate Chocks, power and cones to ensure aircraft is safely held in position.
Duty D7
Report to any suspicious activity or safety concerns relating to persons/item and personal safety.
Duty D8
Challenge and report to supervisor / local security personnel any unsolicited persons around the aircraft.
Duty D9
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.
Duty D10
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.
Duty D11
Report incidents or accidents around the aircraft or on wider airfield, ensuring reporting protocol is adhered to.
Duty D12
Safely load aircraft in accordance with Loading Instruction report.
Duty D13
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.
Occupational Progression
This occupational progression map shows technical occupations that have transferable knowledge and skills.
In this map, the focused occupation is highlighted in yellow. The arrows indicate where transferable knowledge and skills exist between two occupations. This map shows some of the strongest progression links between the focused occupation and other occupations.
It is anticipated that individuals would be required to undertake further learning or training to progress to and from occupations. To find out more about an occupation featured in the progression map, including the learning options available, click the occupation.
Progression decisions have been reached by comparing the knowledge and skills statements between occupational standards, combined with individualised learner movement data.
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