Aviation movement specialist

This occupation is found in the Aviation sector, across a range of different types of organisations and employers such as airlines, fixed based operators (FBOs), airports and service providers. This role is found in both general, commercial and military aviation. Aviation Movement Specialists therefore work in a wide range of environments that involve all kinds of landing platforms/runways and aircraft types. This ranges from heliports and small airfields all the way through to multi-runway global airport hubs. Demand for Aviation Movement services will much depend on the scale of operations; for instance when working at a major commercial airport such services are often needed constantly and around the clock. In the military, demand might be less predictable but sometimes intense.

All Aviation Movement Specialists are typically responsible for the safe handling of very expensive aircraft and other vital equipment and the importance of this occupation is highly regarded across the aviation sector.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to move aircraft into position.

An aviation movement specialist provides the necessary under wing ground service support to aircraft as required. They will ensure the safe and efficient movement and recovery of fixed and rotary wing aircraft and the safety of other team members involved in aircraft arrival and departures. Aviation Movement Specialists take responsibility for the safety of team members and themselves using highly specialised equipment to move aircraft within an aviation environment in accordance with standard operating procedures. This could mean, for instance, using a tractor to tow a jet airplane into position, so it may take off.

Aviation movements specialists operate airside, on and around the landing platform/runway. They will be expected to work outdoors in all weathers, work on various shifts (days, evening, nights, weekends, and holidays) be able to work in a manual environment and repeatedly lift loads in a shift and work as part of the wider team that ensures timely and safe aircraft turnaround and must hold a full UK driving licence.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with an aviation operations manager, whom they typically will report to and who usually has oversight of the entire planned operation. They will also interact with the ground handling team members, who work to prepare and receive aircraft. The aviation movement specialist will need to brief and monitor the ground handling team members to ensure they all work compliantly.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for towing aircraft and pushing aircraft backwards, under minimal supervision, in both planned and emergency circumstances. This might be achieved when sat in control of a tractor, or when operating equipment by remote control. When doing this, they coordinate the team of ground handlers that support the operation, typically via head-sets or through hand signals.

They are also responsible for safe, secure and timely delivery of tasks associated to their work area to ensure people are supported and to adopt an appropriately balanced decision-making process to achieve business objectives (as guided by the aviation operations manager).

Typically, An aviation movement specialist prepares vehicles prior to use airside, safely operates a vehicle airside, ensures vehicle operations comply with aviation standard operating procedures, legislative aviation requirements and implements the correct procedures in the event of incidents or emergencies.

Aviation movement specialists will supervise and monitor team members to carry out daily inspections prior to using specialist equipment ensuring its safe operation and that it is left in a safe, secure, allocated area after use. They will ensure that the preparation of the airside environment for marshalling of aircraft and or vehicles is correct and in accordance with organisation’s standard operating procedures. They will also monitor the marshalling of aircraft and or vehicles.

Aviation movement specialists ensure the rules and regulations for aircraft, vehicles and team members operating airside are adhered to and documented in accordance with airport safety requirements, identify and report risks and ensure compliance in line with organisational procedures. Other responsibilities include maintaining good working practices that comply with aviation regulations and health and safety. Effective communication and team work ensure that all aspects of an aircraft movement specialist’s role play a critical part in achieving the objectives of their organisation. Aviation movement specialists will identify and escalate issues and risks to the appropriate person, whom depending on the problem may or may not be the aviation operations manager.