When marshalling an aircraft, what position should you hold your wands?

When marshalling an aircraft, holding the wands out to the side is essential for effectively signaling left or right turns to the aircraft. This position creates a clear and visible indication for the pilot, allowing them to understand the desired direction without ambiguity. The visual cues offered by the wands in this orientation ensure that the pilot can safely execute the turn, as the positioning of the wands correlates directly with the intended path of the aircraft.

In this specific context, the importance of clarity and visibility is paramount. When the wands are held out to the side, they also enhance the ramp marshal's visibility to the pilot, ensuring that signals are seen from a greater distance. This strategic positioning helps to avoid miscommunication that could lead to safety hazards.

Other positions, like pointing the wands straight ahead, would not effectively convey turning directions, and raising them above the head, while potentially offering visibility, does not provide specific instructions for turns. Similarly, holding the wands close to the body would limit their visibility and effectiveness in communicating maneuvering instructions.