Aircraft Marshalls - Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation

XII. Pacing Wingspans
Some people have an uncanny ability to look at a parking space and say “that
aircraft will fit in that parking space with 2 meters distance to spare”. Consider
yourself lucky if you can do it consistently.
For the rest of us mere mortals, we have devised a system that works just as well.
We rely on a system of “pacing” to determine how large a space really is. Here is
how it works:
• First, find out how long your pace is. On your pavement, take 10 slightly
exaggerated steps, then measure that distance and divide it by 10. Your pace
may be 0.76 metres, 0.86 metres, 0.90metres, etc. Keep doing this until you
can consistently take the same size step every time.
• Next, convert an aircraft’s wingspan into metres, and then divide that number
by the number of metres in your pace. For example, a TBM’s span is 16.95
metres. 16.95 divided by my pace, 0.95 metres = 17.84 or 18 paces. In this
example, you must have 18 paces plus the safety distance.
NOTE: Once you have your paces down put those on an index card in your note
pad.
AC Wingspan
mts.
Marshallers Stride Guide
Wingspan in
paces
- 47 -
Fuselage
Length
mts.
Fuselage Length
in paces
Remember:
• You must develop a consistent pace.
• Plan ahead.
• You cannot wait until the aircraft is before you to start your pacing.
• Allow reasonable wingtip clearance.
• If something is not right, stop the aircraft and ask for help. It is much better to
apologize to the pilot for your slip than it is to pay out big dollars to fix his
crumpled wingtip.
• Always think safety first!
On being a “wing walker”
• Only one marshaller at a time should be acting as a wing walker. If two or
more marshallers are in position, they should decide in advance who will have
the honour. Those not helping should move back or squat down, so that there
will be no confusion as to who is the wing walker.