Serving all types of Full Freighter Aircraft
Marshalling:
As the aircraft approaches the stand, the vehicle relinquishes aircraft guidance to either electronic Stand Entry Guidance Systems or ground personnel to direct the aircraft to its final parked position. In many cases, wing walkers will work in conjunction with the marshaller or guidance system by controlling ramp traffic and to helping to mitigate any wing tip clearance hazard. On departure, a marshaller will assist in engine start, confirming that the area around the engine is clear of hazards and watching for indications of an engine fire. Should a fire occur, the marshaller will advise the crew by interphone or by using Emergency Hand Signals. Wing walkers will also be provided when the aircraft is to be pushed off stand
Chocking and Connection/Disconnection of Ground Services:
Once the aircraft is on-stand, wheel chocks will be inserted and external services such as passenger bridge(s) or boarding stairs, ground electrical service and ground air conditioning units will be positioned or connected as required. As the departure time approaches, these items will be disconnected and removed as directed by the flight crew
Air Cargo Handling:
Air Cargo on the inbound aircraft will be off-loaded using whatever specialised equipment necessary (such as Highloaders, Maindeckloaders, belts, and forktrucks) the Air Cargo will be loaded on the aircraft. Care must be taken to ensure that Loading of Aircraft with Cargo is accomplished in accordance with the load planner’s loading instructions and that Dangerous Goods are correctly handled
Aircraft Towing.
Movement of an aircraft to or from a maintenance facility, a remote parking stand or from one gate to another will be accomplished on an “as required” basis
Refuelling:
Aircraft will be refuelled to the requirements of the outbound flight as specified by the Pilot in Command or, in his absence, by the dispatcher. Specific protocols are in place if refueling is to be accomplished with passengers remaining on board
Catering:
Catering for the outbound flight boarded upon request by the airline. Galley and bar stock will be replenished
Provision of Documents:
Prior to departure, the flight crew will be provided with the appropriate documentation inclusive of a fuel uplift receipt, the completed Aircraft Load and Trim form or, if the crew completes their own Load and Trim, the certified Loading Instruction Form (LIF), Air Cargo manifests and the appropriate notifications for any dangerous goods.
High Pressure Air:
In some circumstances, such as in the case of an unserviceable Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), a high pressure air cart may be required to start at least one of the aircraft engines.
Pushback.
Where required, ground equipment will be utilized to move the aircraft off stand at departure
De-icing.
When required, either or both Aircraft Ground De/Anti-Icing and Engine Core and Fan De/Anti-icing will be carried out. Engine core de-icing is most often accomplished at the parking position whereas aircraft de-icing may be done either in situ or at a remote facility.