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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Ground Crew

💰 $ - $

🎯 Role Definition

Ground Crew (Ramp Agent) are frontline aviation operations professionals responsible for safe, efficient, and compliant aircraft turnaround on the ramp and in the apron areas. This role includes aircraft marshalling, baggage and cargo handling, ground support equipment (GSE) operation, coordination with flight crews and station operations, and strict adherence to safety and regulatory procedures (FAA/EASA/IATA). Ground Crew ensure aircraft are loaded, serviced, and dispatched on-time while maintaining ramp security, customer service standards, and incident reporting.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Baggage Handler / Porter
  • Military aviation ground operations (e.g., Air Force ground technician)
  • Airport operations support / Ramp trainee programs

Advancement To:

  • Lead Ramp Agent / Senior Ground Crew
  • Ramp Supervisor / Shift Lead
  • Ground Operations Manager / Station Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Passenger Service Agent / Gate Agent
  • Cargo Agent / Freight Operations Specialist
  • Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Technician / Mechanic

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Marshal aircraft safely to and from parking stands using standard hand signals and electronic marshalling devices; coordinate taxi guidance with flight crew and ground control to ensure precise, incident-free positioning for passenger boarding and servicing.
  • Perform pushback and towing operations using tugs and towbarless tractors, following airline SOPs and manufacturer procedures to ensure safe movement of aircraft on the ramp and in congested apron areas.
  • Operate ground support equipment (GSE) — including belt loaders, container loaders, pallet dollies, ground power units (GPU), and air start units — performing pre-operation inspections and logging faults to maintain safe, reliable equipment performance.
  • Load and unload passenger baggage, sport equipment, and freight into aircraft holds and Unit Load Devices (ULDs) using correct techniques and load plans, ensuring cargo is stowed according to weight and balance requirements and airline policies.
  • Execute accurate weight-and-balance verification and reconcile load sheets with the flight crew and load control; report any weight discrepancies or special load configurations to operations for clearance.
  • Receive, verify, and process air waybills (AWBs), cargo manifests, and dangerous goods documentation; segregate and handle hazardous materials in compliance with IATA DGR and company procedures.
  • Inspect, secure, and tag baggage and cargo; identify and report prohibited items, damaged goods, and security irregularities; ensure compliance with TSA/CAA/Customs screening and chain-of-custody protocols.
  • Perform aircraft walk-arounds and ramp safety checks prior to departure and after arrival, recording defects, FOD (Foreign Object Debris) hazards, and safety risks, then escalate findings per defect reporting procedures.
  • Coordinate with fueling crews, de-icing teams, catering, cabin cleaning, and maintenance to synchronise turnaround tasks so flight departure targets are met without compromising safety or regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct de-icing and anti-icing support activities (where certified) by preparing aircraft surfaces, monitoring fluids, and following approved procedures and hydration documentation to ensure flight safety in winter conditions.
  • Apply wheel chocks, safety cones, grounding leads, and engine covers as required; ensure aircraft remains in a stable and secured state while on stand, and verify all safety equipment is properly stowed before pushback.
  • Manage ULD breakdown, build-up, and pallet movements; ensure correct tagging, rework, and ULD condition reporting to minimise cargo handling delays and maintain throughput.
  • Perform manual handling of bulky or heavy items with safe-lifting techniques and mechanical assists; ensure items are loaded in ways that prevent movement in-flight and damage to aircraft interiors or cargo compartments.
  • Operate handheld scanners and mobile computers to process bag tags, confirm routing, capture timestamps, and maintain accurate records for baggage tracking and claims prevention.
  • Maintain and enforce ramp safety zones and access control by monitoring personnel entry, escorting non-authorised staff, and ensuring vehicles and contractors adhere to apron rules and speed limits.
  • Respond to irregular operations (IROPS), delayed flights, and emergency evacuations by assisting with ramp re-planning, extra baggage handling, and on-the-ground passenger assistance while maintaining safety priorities.
  • Perform basic troubleshooting of GSE and report mechanical issues to maintenance teams; support routine minor service tasks (fluid checks, battery connections) per company policy to reduce operational downtime.
  • Participate in safety briefings, toolbox talks, and recurrent training (including DGR, first aid, fire safety, and PPE usage) and apply learnings to daily operations to reduce incidents and enhance team performance.
  • Complete all required documentation, shift logs, defect forms, and incident reports accurately and on time; provide debriefs to supervisors and input into continuous improvement initiatives to streamline ramp operations.
  • Liaise with airline station operations, customer service, and security to coordinate special handling requests, unaccompanied minors, medical escorts, oversized sports equipment, and VIP requirements to ensure passenger and cargo satisfaction.
  • Enforce and promote FOD prevention programs by performing ramp sweeps, collecting debris, and reporting runway/apron hazards promptly to protect aircraft and personnel.
  • Support seasonal operations such as snow clearance, ice control, and heat-related equipment care, adjusting procedures to maintain operational continuity in extreme weather.
  • Maintain high standards of personal protective equipment (PPE) usage, uniform appearance, and identification display in line with airline and airport regulations to preserve professional image and compliance.
  • Train and mentor new ramp staff by demonstrating safe work practices, operational procedures, and company culture, contributing to faster onboarding and improved team competency.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with special projects such as implementing new GSE, process improvement pilots, and metabolic tracking of turnaround times to improve on-time performance metrics.
  • Support customer-facing activities during irregular operations: escort passengers, assist with wheelchairs and special assistance requirements, and coordinate with gate agents to minimize passenger inconvenience.
  • Conduct stock counts for ramp supplies (tie-downs, chocks, ear protection) and submit replenishment requests to ensure equipment availability.
  • Participate in cross-functional audits and safety inspections, providing feedback and corrective action suggestions to continuously improve ramp safety and compliance.
  • Help maintain the cleanliness and organization of the ramp equipment yard and storage areas to reduce delays and improve equipment readiness.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Aircraft marshalling and standardized hand signal communication for precise aircraft positioning.
  • Operation and pre-use inspection of ground support equipment (GSE): tugs, belt loaders, container/pallet loaders, GPUs, and air-conditioning units.
  • Baggage handling, ULD (Unit Load Device) build-up/breakdown, and secure cargo loading techniques.
  • Weight & balance fundamentals, load sheet reconciliation, and coordination with load control teams.
  • Radio and headset communication etiquette and phraseology with flight crew and ground control.
  • Dangerous Goods (DGR) recognition, segregation, handling, and documentation in accordance with IATA/ICAO regulations.
  • De-icing support procedures and understanding of anti-icing/de-icing fluids, where certified.
  • Ramp safety, FOD prevention, and apron access control procedures aligned to FAA/EASA/TSA requirements.
  • Use of handheld scanners, barcode readers, airport operating systems, and basic knowledge of baggage reconciliation and tracking technology.
  • Basic mechanical troubleshooting and reporting of GSE faults, with understanding of preventive maintenance practices.
  • Knowledge of airport security practices, ID/credential checks, and customs/immigration handling for ramped cargo.
  • Cold chain awareness for temperature-sensitive cargo and pharmaceutical handling procedures.

Soft Skills

  • Clear radio and face-to-face communication skills to coordinate safely with pilots, dispatchers, and team members.
  • Strong situational awareness and attention to detail to identify ramp hazards and loading errors before they become safety incidents.
  • Physical stamina, manual dexterity, and ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions while lifting and moving heavy items.
  • Teamwork and collaboration — ability to work in fast-paced, interdependent shift environments and support colleagues during peak operations.
  • Problem-solving and quick decision-making under time pressure while prioritizing safety and compliance.
  • Customer service orientation for passenger-facing tasks and coordination with gate agents to support smooth boarding and baggage handling.
  • Time management and punctuality to meet tight turnaround targets and shift schedules including night, weekend, and holiday operations.
  • Adaptability and resilience to manage irregular operations, flight disruptions, and changing priorities.
  • Commitment to continuous learning and following recurrent training, procedures, and checklists.
  • Professionalism, conflict resolution, and the ability to maintain composure in high-stress situations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (or airport-authorised trainee certification).

Preferred Education:

  • Vocational certificate in aviation operations, logistics, or ground handling; relevant military technical certification accepted.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Aviation operations and ground handling
  • Logistics, supply chain, or freight operations
  • Mechanical or vehicle operations technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0–3 years (entry-level ramp agent roles accept little to no prior experience with on-the-job training); 1–5 years for positions requiring GSE operation or DGR handling.

Preferred:

  • 1–2 years of airport ground operations, baggage handling, or GSE operation; previous experience with airline SOPs, IATA DGR, and weight-and-balance processes is highly desirable.
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