Ground Hand Signals

AIM ¶ 4-3-26 — Ground Hand Signals

Learn the standard ground hand signals from AIM 4-3-26 every pilot should recognize, including taxi, start, stop, chocks, and night operations.

In Plain English

AIM 4-3-26 catalogs the standard hand signals used between ground personnel (signalmen/marshallers) and pilots during ramp and taxi operations. Knowing these signals is essential anytime you're maneuvering on a crowded ramp, being towed, or being marshalled into parking — situations where radio communication isn't practical and visual cues control the aircraft's movement.

The AIM provides illustrated figures (4-3-11 through 4-3-24) showing each signal:

Signalman Directs Towing and Signalman's Position
All Clear (O.K.)
Start Engine and Cut Engines
Pull Chocks and Insert Chocks
Proceed Straight Ahead, Left Turn, Right Turn
Slow Down and Stop
Flagman Directs Pilot
Night Operation (typically using lighted wands)

These signals are a recommended visual standard, not regulatory, but they're universally used at FBOs and airports. As pilot in command, you remain responsible for the safe movement of the aircraft — follow signals only when you can clearly see the signalman and confirm the path is safe.

AIM Source Text

FAA AIM ¶ 4-3-26

4-3-26. 4-3-26. Hand Signals FIG 4-3-11 Signalman Directs Towing FIG 4-3-12 Signalman's Position FIG 4-3-13 All Clear (O.K.) FIG 4-3-14 Start Engine FIG 4-3-15 Pull Chocks FIG 4-3-16 Proceed Straight Ahead FIG 4-3-17 Left Turn FIG 4-3-18 Right Turn FIG 4-3-19 Slow Down FIG 4-3-20 Flagman Directs Pilot FIG 4-3-21 Insert Chocks FIG 4-3-22 Cut Engines FIG 4-3-23 Night Operation FIG 4-3-24 Stop

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What hand signals does the AIM standardize for ground operations?

Per AIM 4-3-26, the AIM illustrates standard signals including signalman directing towing, all clear (O.K.), start engine, pull chocks, proceed straight ahead, left and right turns, slow down, flagman directs pilot, insert chocks, cut engines, night operation, and stop (Figures 4-3-11 through 4-3-24).

Q2How would a signalman tell you to start an engine versus shut it down?

Per AIM 4-3-26, distinct hand signals are used for 'Start Engine' (FIG 4-3-14) and 'Cut Engines' (FIG 4-3-22), and pilots should be familiar with both before operating from ramps where marshallers are used.

Q3Are these hand signals regulatory, and what's expected of the pilot?

Per AIM 4-3-26, the signals are informational/standardized guidance, not a FAR mandate. Pilots are expected to recognize and respond to them, but the pilot in command remains responsible for safe aircraft movement and should only act on signals when the signalman is clearly visible.

Related Paragraphs in AIM Chapter 4

¶ 4-3-1

Airport Operations Safety

¶ 4-3-10

Intersection Takeoffs

¶ 4-3-11

LAHSO Pilot Responsibilities

¶ 4-3-12

Low Approach Procedures

¶ 4-3-13

ATC Light Gun Signals

¶ 4-3-14