Steps
Flightline Marshalling is an Emergency Services qualification. So, the first step to becoming a qualified flightline marshaller is to pass your CAPT116 tests and get your CAPF101 card. Once you get your 101 card, you need to pick up a FLM SQTR from the the link at the top of this article. Speak to your unit's Emergency Services Officer for help with this form.
Note the list of tasks on the SQTR. These are the prerequisites for training, as well as the skills that you must learn and the tasks that you must complete to earn the qualification. How will you learn each skill? You must study under a fully-qualified, senior member CAP Flightline Marshaller with SET qualification. They will discuss and demonstrate each task on that list.
NCWG has been using the Flighline Reference Text available from the link at the top of this article. You should read this and memorize the hand signals. Know this material before participating in an ES mission, even a training mission.
Before taking part in a training mission, you must have some required equipment. The only uniforms that are authorized or use by flightline marshallers are the Woodland Camouflage Battle Dress Uniform and the Navy Blue Battle Dress Uniform. Either uniform requires an orage reflective vest. In addition, you should carry a canteen or a bottle of water that fits in your BDU pockets. You must have hearing protection, either ear plugs or a headset. You must also have a set of batons. There are instructions for creating these batons in the Flightline Reference Text from above. Lastly, you may not wear any cover without a proper strap to secure the cover to you.
Finally, you must take part in at least two missions as a marshaller. You should try to participate in a SAREX event hosted by the NC Wing. These are the best events to learn from, since there will be many of aircraft, plenty of action, and lots of experience people around to help you train.
It's important to know this material well, even before you begin hands-on training. The first time you marshall an aircraft, you will immediately be put into a potentially-dangerous situation. If you don't know the signals and the procedures involved, then you will be in trouble! Not only you will be in danger, but the people around you will be in danger. The only way to make your training as safe as possible is to know the material well!
Documents
by 1st Lt Kertis Henderson
