Aircraft ground handling specialist
Qualification granting programmes
Qualification granting institutions
Description
Object of activities: baggage and cargo handling in departure and arrival areas; loading of baggage and cargo; performance and/or coordination of aircraft ground services (turnaround activities), performance of de-icing services.
Typical work tools: ground support equipment (GSE), computer, radio communication equipment, various work process manuals and handbooks of airlines, ground handling companies; dangerous goods transportation rules, etc.
Typical working conditions: work in shifts at the airport, special clothing must be worn during work.
Additional information: the procedure for the recruitment and certification of aircraft ground handling specialists is established in the National Civil Aviation Security Training Programme, approved by the Minister of Transport of the Republic of Lithuania in 2009 May 4 by order no. 3-193. The aircraft ground handling specialist in his activities is guided by the requirements of workers' safety and health, ergonomics, work hygiene, fire safety and other legal acts regulating the provision of ground handling services. It is mandatory to undergo a preventive health check-up and to have a valid document issued by a health care institution appointed by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Lithuania, certifying that the person's health meets the health requirements of an aircraft ground handling specialist. A person seeking to perform the functions of an aircraft ground handling specialist must meet the requirements of 2015 November 5 Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 laying down detailed measures for the implementation of common basic aviation security standards, as last amended in 2021 February 18 the Commission's Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/255, and the requirements for a detailed personal reputation check established in Article 41(1) Part 2 of the Aviation Law of the Republic of Lithuania. Also, it is necessary to speak English at the B2 level of an advanced user, to have a category B driver's license. Having acquired the qualification of an aircraft ground handling specialist, persons will be able to work in airports and perform the functions of an aircraft ground handling specialist.
Competences of qualification:
1. Communicate and collaborate with other employees in the aviation industry.
2. Recognize hazards and take measures to reduce risks.
3. Sort baggage and cargo in baggage storage and make-up areas, prepare baggage for loading into the aircraft.
4. Load baggage and cargo into the aircraft.
5. Coordinate the actions of the service personnel and distribute tasks related to turnaround activities.
6. Supervise the aircraft loading and unloading processes.
7. Solve non-standard situations that arise during the aircraft's ground handling.
8. Plan aircraft loading and prepare aircraft weight and balance documents.
9. Operate ground support equipment (GSE).
10. Operate aircraft push back and/or towing equipment and passenger boarding bridge (PBB).
11. Supervise and lead the work of the shift.
12. Apply emergency response plan.
13. Perform preventive protection of the aircraft against icing.
14. Operate aircraft de-icing equipment.
