Aircraft Headset

Communication Procedure
Objectives

At the end of the training session the person will be able to;

1. Perform headset communication during aircraft departure safely

2. Understand the terminology and Phraseology used during headset

communication
 INDEX
Sl. Chapter Page no.

1 Personal safety 4
2 Aircraft pushback 6
3 Pushback Abnormalities 14
a. Tow bar shear pin failure 15
b. Tow bar breakage/ Separation from aircraft 16
4. Engine start 18
5. Engine Start abnormalities 19
a. Tail pipe fire 19
b. Under cowl fire 21
c. Ingestion of Foreign Object 24
d. Engine start with defective APU 25
6. Aircraft departure without pushback 27
7. Phraseology 30
8. Standard Speech Abbreviations 31
9. Phonetic alphabet 33
Introduction to Headset Communication

1. PERSONAL SAFETY

 Introduction

Communication between the ground and flight deck is essential for many
operations such as push-back, fuelling and a variety of maintenance and
servicing operations. This communication is normally conducted through
the flight or service interphone system using a headset with 30-60 feet
lead. Headset man must exercise extreme caution and be constantly
aware of his position relative to the aircraft, its movement and position
himself accordingly. Headset man must also ensure that the interphone
cord remains clear of moving aircraft and ground equipment.
Introduction to Headset Communication

 Ensure that the interphone cord does not drag in the path of the wheels

 Carry the loose cord in hand in a series of loops to reduce the possibility of
entanglement.

 Persons using the flight or service interphone system will:-

 Maintain adequate clearance between themselves and hazardous airplane

components during all airplane ground operations.

 During aircraft pushback remain on the port side of the aircraft to resort to
visual communication to the Captain in the event of headset communication
failure.

 Ensure that the communication is short and precise.

Introduction to Headset Communication

2. AIRCRAFT PUSHBACK

Prior to departure the headset man will make a final walk around to
ensure that all doors and servicing panels are closed and secured. Also
to ensure that no visible damage is apparent after the completion of
loading process.

 The following will be confirmed before the pushback commences.

1. All aircraft , engine covers and landing gear pins removed.

2. Steering bypass pin installed.

3. Chocks in position
Introduction to Headset Communication

 The headset man must be fully aware that any distraction by non essential
personnel is not to be entertained during the pushback operation

 Once the aircraft is almost ready for departure , the headset man will remain
on headset waiting for Captain’s call.

 CAUTION: Chocks must be removed prior to push back when all

equipment are clear off the aircraft. Communication with the pushback
operator will be with standard hand signals.
Introduction to Headset Communication

 Crew: Ground (from) Cockpit, Cleared for push

 Mech: Cockpit (from) Ground, Release brakes

 At this time the captain may ask clearance to pressurise hydraulic system.
Before giving clearance make sure that the travel path of the control
surfaces and the landing gear doors are clear of equipment/ personnel and
the steering bypass pin is installed.
Introduction to Headset Communication

 Crew: Brakes released. Ready to push

 Signal to the pushback operator that the aircraft brakes are released and to
commence pushback by touching nose and pointing to the direction that the
aircraft nose is required to face.
 Crew: Clear to start ?
 Mech: Clear to start
 Crew: Starting Engine (s)___
Introduction to Headset Communication

 After the aircraft has been pushed to the correct position and the pushback
operator has applied the brakes, he will signal to the head set mechanic for
the aircraft brakes to be applied using standard hand signals.
 Mech: Set brakes.
 Crew: Brakes set.
Introduction to Headset Communication

 Warning: Tow bar must be disconnected from tractor before

disconnecting from aircraft.
 Once all the equipments are clear from the aircraft, remove steering bypass
pin.
 Crew: Clear to disconnect (hand signals on left/right).
 Mech: Disconnecting (hand signals on left/right).
Introduction to Headset Communication

 Disconnect headset close and secure panel. The Mechanic will walk to the
indicated side and give a thumb up signal by holding steering bypass pin
that can be clearly seen by the crew until taxi out has been established
safely.
 Note:
 Captain – If captain wants Headset Mechanic to return to the aircraft , flash
the Turn-off (or Taxi) Lights and continue flashing the lights until
acknowledged by ground crew waving the head set.
Introduction to Headset Communication

 Headset Mechanic – If the Headset Mechanic requires returning to the

aircraft to communicate to the cockpit, wave the headset /marshalling torch
in the air to attract the attention of the flight crew. This signals intention to
return to the aircraft. When the flight deck crew have acknowledged
Headset Mechanic’s signal by flashing turn-off / taxi lights continuously, the
Headset Mechanic will approach the aircraft with caution and carryout the
appropriate communication.
Introduction to Headset Communication

3. PUSH BACK ABNORMALITIES

 As the tug pushes back the aircraft, the mechanic will monitor and advise
the pilot of any abnormalities and maintain communication with the
pushback operator either verbal or visual to maintain control of any
abnormal situation.
Introduction to Headset Communication

a. Tow bar shear pin failure

 Instructs the pushback operator to halt the push back and bring the
aircraft to a halt slowly. Inform the flight crew.:
 MECH.: Cockpit (from) Ground, set Park Brakes. Tow Bar shear pin
failure.
 CREW: Roger, park brakes are set.
 MECH.: Standby for replacement tow bar
 Crew: Standing by
 Once the tow bar has been replaced continue with the pushback as per
standard pushback procedure
Introduction to Headset Communication

b. Tow bar breakage/ separation from the aircraft

 MECH.: Cockpit (from)Ground , tow bar failure. set brakes
 WARNING: Inform the pushback operator to move clear of the moving
aircraft as quick as possible and the headset man needs to move clear to
safe distance.
Introduction to Headset Communication

 CREW: Brakes are set

 MECH.: Standby for replacement tow bar
 CAUTION: Should any damage be apparent, then a licensed engineer should assess
the damage before the aircraft is released.
 CAUTION: The headset may become detached or unplugged when a tow bar fails,
do not try to approach a moving aircraft. Move clear and using hands signals indicate
for the crew to apply brakes. Only when the aircraft has come to a complete stop,
reconnect the headset to the aircraft.
Introduction to Headset Communication
4. ENGINE START
 Before, during or after push back the flight crew advises the mechanic of
when and where they will start the engines. Standard phrases will be used
during engine start
 CREW: Clear to start ?
 MECH.: Clear to start (as specified) or stand by if area is not clear.
 When the clearance is given to start engines by the mechanic, he will
monitor engine rotation and any abnormalities.
 CREW: Starting engine (as specified)
 After successful engine starts
 Crew: Clear to disconnect (Hand signals on left/right.)
 Mech: Disconnecting (hand signals on left/right).
Introduction to Headset Communication

5. ENGINE START ABNORMALITIES

 All abnormalities require instant response and clear reports to the flight
deck crew as to the nature of the abnormality.
a. Tailpipe fire
 This type of fire will normally extinguish as the engine rotation increases
up to stabilized rpm. The normal cause is residual fuel in the engine. The
crew should only be advised and updated as to the status.
Communication will be as follows:-
 MECH.: Cockpit (from)Ground, you have a tailpipe fire on Engine (as
Specified)
 CREW: Roger keep me informed.
Introduction to Headset Communication

 Once the fire has gone out

 MECH.: Cockpit (from)Ground
 CREW: Go Ahead
 MECH.: Engine (as specified) Tail pipe Fire extinguished.
 CREW: Copied
 At this point the Ground Engineer will assess the situation and action
accordingly and confirm status to flight crew.
Introduction to Headset Communication
b. Engine Cowl Fire
 CREW: Clear to start ?
 MECH.: Clear to start
 CREW: Starting engine (as specified)
 MECH.: Cockpit (from) Ground . Engine (as specified) on fire, shut
down engine (as specified), I repeat engine (as specified) on fire, shut
down number engine (as specified).
 The flight crew will immediately call the tower for fire services. The
ground crew will monitor the engine. If the fire extinguishes, advice the
flight crew as follows;
Introduction to Headset Communication

 MECH.: Cockpit (from) Ground

 CREW: Go Ahead
 MECH.: Engine (as specified) Fire extinguished.
 CREW: Copied
 At this point the Ground Engineer will assess the situation and action
accordingly and confirm status to flight crew.
 If the fire continues after engine shutdown and or if the flight deck engine
fire warming remains then the normal Flight deck fire drill will be observed.
Introduction to Headset Communication

 The mechanic will advise the flight crew as follows:

 MECH.: Cockpit (from)Ground
 CREW: Go ahead
 MECH.: Engine (as specified) still on fire
 CREW: Copied
 The Ground Engineer at this point would tackle the fire with the portable fire
extinguisher positioned at the stand. The mechanic must not leave the
headset but liaise with the flight crew. The ground crew will ensure the area
is clear for the arrival of the fire services. The ground crew should be aware
that a passenger evacuation may be initiated by the flight crew.
Introduction to Headset Communication

c. Ingestion of foreign objects

 If the ground crew spot a potential foreign object, Waste bin liner or
personnel in the vicinity of the engine then immediately inform the flight
crew as follows.
 MECH.: Cockpit (from) Ground, shut down engine (as specified); I
repeat shut down engine (as specified), possible ingestion in engine
(as specified)
 CREW: Engine (as specified) possible ingestion, shutting down
engine (as specified)
 At this point the Ground Engineer will assess the situation and clear the
area of foreign objects or action accordingly if the engine has ingested a
foreign object.
Introduction to Headset Communication
d. Engine start with defective APU
 Assuming the APU is unserviceable, G.P.U. ( Ground Power Unit) and the
A.S.U. (Air Start Unit) already connected
 MECH.: Cockpit (from)Ground
 CREW: Go ahead
 MECH.: The ASU & GPU are connected, standing by for engine start
 CREW: Ready to start engines, please provide pneumatic pressure
 The mechanic will advice the equipment handler accordingly.
 MECH.: Cockpit (from)Ground , pneumatics is now supplied
 CREW: Pressure confirmed, starting engine (as specified)
 MECH.: Clear to start engine (as specified)
Introduction to Headset Communication

 Upon completion of engine start, the crew will advice to disconnect all ground
equipment. Mechanic should hand signal the equipment operator to disconnect and
remove all GSE. Once equipment are clear
 MECH.: All Ground Equipment clear and stand by for push back
 The push back procedure to be followed.
Introduction to Headset Communication

6. AIRCRAFT DEPARTURE WITHOUT PUSHBACK

 Prior to departure the headset mechanic will make a final walk around to
check for a “clean aircraft” in respect of holds, doors, panels etc., being
secured. Also inspect for possible damage caused during transit loading
and servicing. He will also ensure that:
 All aircraft, engine covers and Landing gear lock pins are removed.
 Steering Bypass pin is not installed.
 Nose Wheel chocks in position.
 Aircraft brakes applied.
Introduction to Headset Communication
 Communication between flight deck and ground crew should be
established.
 MECH.: Cockpit (from)Ground
 CREW: Go ahead
 MECH.: All ground checks are complete and standing by
 CREW: Roger
 NOTE: Should the flight deck crew start departure procedures before
aircraft is ready the mechanic response must be:-
 MECH.: Standby for departure clearance
 CREW: Clear to start ?
 MECH.: Clear to start
Introduction to Headset Communication
 CREW: Starting engine (as specified)
 Repeat above procedure for other engine starts.
 Crew: Clear to disconnect (Hand signals on LH or RH side.)
 Mech: (Remove chocks from nose wheels) Disconnecting (hand signals
on left/right).
 The mechanic will walk to the indicated side and give a thumb up signal
that can be clearly seen by the crew until taxi out has been established
safely.
 NOTE: Should the chock be stuck, slow movement of the steering by the
crew will release it. One should not try and use ones body as leverage for
the chock.
Introduction to Headset Communication

7. PHRASEOLOGY
 According to International regulations and rules (ICAO), radio
communication must be done in a certain fashion using phraseology with
correct terminology in order to avoid misunderstanding and
misinterpretations when used in multilingual environments.
 Following paragraph will handle necessary phraseology used at an
airport.
Introduction to Headset Communication

8. STANDARD SPEECH ABBREVIATIONS

 Phrase Meaning

 Affirm Yes (permission granted)

 Approved Permission for proposed action granted

 Negative No (Permission not granted or not correct)

 Correct That is correct

 Go ahead Proceed with your message (it does not mean

proceed)

 Report Pass me the following information

 Roger I have received and understood all your last

transmission
Introduction to Headset Communication

 Say again Repeat all, or the following part of your last transmission

 Standby Wait – I will call you

 Speak slower: Reduce your rate of speech

 Wilco Your last message received, understood & will be complied with

0 : Ze-Ro 1 : Wan 2 : Too 3 : Tree 4 : Fow-Er

5 : Fife 6 : Six 7 : Sev-En 8 : Ait 9 : Nin-Er

Thousand : Tou-Sand, Hundred : Hun-Dred, Decimal : Day-See-Mal

Examples: 10 : Wun Zero 100 : Wun Zero Zero (Wun Hundred)

853 : Ait Fife Tree 3000 : Tree Tou-Sand

Introduction to Headset Communication

9. PHONETIC ALPHABET

 The ICAO phonetic alphabet is given below. The syllabuses requiring

emphasis are underlined.

A Alpha Al-Fah B Bravo Bra-Vo

C Charlie Char-Lee D Delta Dell-Tah

E Echo Ech-Oh F Foxtrot Foks-Trot

G Golf Golf H Hotel Hoh-Tell

I India In-Di-Ah J Juliet Jew-Lee-Ett

K Kilo Key-Loh L Lima Lee-Mah

Introduction to Headset Communication

M Mike Maik N November No-Vem-Ber

O Oscar Oss-Car P Papa Pah-Pah

Q Quebec Keh-Beck R Romeo Row-Meh-Oh

S Sierra See-Airrah T Tango Tang-Goh

U Uniform You-Nee-Form V Victor Vik-Tah

W Whiskey Wiss-Key X Xray Ecks-Ray

Y Yankee Yang-Key Z Zulu Zoo-Looh