Navy Aircraft Marshalling Chart Blue

Aircraft Marshalling is one-on-one visual communication and a part of aircraft ground handling. It may be as an alternative to, or additional to, radio communications between the aircraft and air traffic control. The usual equipment of a marshaller is a reflective safety vest, a helmet with acoustic earmuffs, and gloves or marshalling wands – handheld illuminated beacons.

Roles and Environment:

• Yellow Shirts (Directors): Responsible for positive control of the aircraft, moving them across specific zones on a carrier deck or ashore.
• No-Audio Rule: Jet noise makes talking or radio use impractical; visual signs are mandatory and instinctive.
• Standardization: Governed strictly by naval and international procedures (like NATO manuals) to prevent costly errors.

Core Hand Signals:

• Move Ahead: Arms bent slightly, palms facing up, moving lower arms up and back.
• Turn Left/Right: Right or left arm pointed down, other arm waving across the body to indicate direction.
• Normal Stop: Arms brought together overhead with wands or hands crossed.
• Cut Engine: Crossing arms and hands/wands across the neck or chest area.