{
  "url": "https://openlegislation.uk/eu-regulation-2012-923/annex/appendix-1",
  "json_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/eu-regulation-2012-923/annex/appendix-1.json",
  "legislation": "eur/2012/923",
  "legislation_title": "Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 923/2012 of 26 September 2012 laying down the common rules of the air and operational provisions regarding services and procedures in air navigation and amending Implementing Regulation (EU) No 1035/2011 and Regulations (EC) No 1265/2007, (EC) No 1794/2006, (EC) No 730/2006, (EC) No 1033/2006 and (EU) No 255/2010 (Text with EEA relevance)",
  "legislation_url": "https://openlegislation.uk/eu-regulation-2012-923",
  "path": "annex/appendix/1",
  "kind": "appendix",
  "number": "1",
  "heading": null,
  "text": "Signals\n1.\nDISTRESS AND URGENCY SIGNALS\n1.1.\nGeneral\n1.1.1.\nNotwithstanding the provisions in 1.2 and 1.3, an aircraft in distress shall use any means at its disposal to attract attention, make known its position and obtain help.\n1.1.2.\nThe telecommunication transmission procedures for the distress and urgency signals shall be in accordance with Section 14.\n1.2.\nDistress signals\n1.2.1.\nThe following signals, used either together or separately, mean that grave and imminent danger threatens, and immediate assistance is requested:\n(a) a signal made by radiotelegraphy or by any other signalling method consisting of the group SOS (.. .— — — . .. in the Morse Code);\n(b) a radiotelephony distress signal consisting of the spoken word MAYDAY;\n(c) a distress message sent via data link which transmits the intent of the word MAYDAY;\n(d) rockets or shells throwing red lights, fired one at a time at short intervals;\n(e) a parachute flare showing a red light;\n(f) setting of the transponder to Mode A Code 7700.\n1.3.\nUrgency signals\n1.3.1.\nThe following signals, used either together or separately, mean that an aircraft wishes to give notice of difficulties which compel it to land without requiring immediate assistance:\n(a) the repeated switching on and off of the landing lights; or\n(b) the repeated switching on and off of the navigation lights in such manner as to be distinct from flashing navigation lights.\n1.3.2.\nThe following signals, used either together or separately, mean that an aircraft has a very urgent message to transmit concerning the safety of a ship, aircraft or other vehicle, or of some person on board or within sight:\n(a) a signal made by radiotelegraphy or by any other signalling method consisting of the group XXX (—..— —..— —..— in the Morse Code);\n(b) a radiotelephony urgency signal consisting of the spoken words PAN, PAN;\n(c) an urgency message sent via data link which transmits the intent of the words PAN, PAN.\n2.\nVISUAL SIGNALS USED TO WARN AN UNAUTHORISED AIRCRAFT FLYING IN OR ABOUT TO ENTER A RESTRICTED, PROHIBITED OR DANGER AREA\n2.1.\nWhen visual signals are used to warn unauthorised aircraft flying in or about to enter a restricted, prohibited or danger area by day and by night, a series of projectiles discharged from the ground at intervals of 10 seconds, each showing, on bursting, red and green lights or stars shall indicate to an unauthorised aircraft that it is flying in or about to enter a restricted, prohibited or danger area, and that the aircraft is to take such remedial action as may be necessary.\n3.\nSIGNALS FOR AERODROME TRAFFIC\n3.1.\nLight and pyrotechnic signals\n3.1.1.\nInstructions\nTable AP 1-1\nClearances to land and to taxi will be given in due course.\nLight\nFrom Aerodrome Control to:\nAircraft in flight\nAircraft on the ground\nDirected towards aircraft concerned\n(see Figure A1-1).\nSteady green\nCleared to land\nCleared for take-off\nSteady red\nGive way to other aircraft and continue circling\nStop\nSeries of green flashes\nReturn for landing\nCleared to taxi\nSeries of red flashes\nAerodrome unsafe, do not land\nTaxi clear of landing area in use\nSeries of white flashes\nLand at this aerodrome and proceed to apron\nReturn to starting point on the aerodrome\nRed pyrotechnic\nNotwithstanding any previous instructions, do not land for the time being\n3.1.2.\nAcknowledgement by an aircraft\n(a)\nWhen in flight:\n(1) during the hours of daylight:\nby rocking the aircraft’s wings, except for the base and final legs of the approach;\n(2) during the hours of darkness:\nby flashing on and off twice the aircraft’s landing lights or, if not so equipped, by switching on and off twice its navigation lights.\n(b)\nWhen on the ground:\n(1) during the hours of daylight:\nby moving the aircraft’s ailerons or rudder;\n(2) during the hours of darkness:\nby flashing on and off twice the aircraft’s landing lights or, if not so equipped, by switching on and off twice its navigation lights.\n3.2.\nVisual ground signals\n3.2.1.\nProhibition of landing\n3.2.1.1.\nA horizontal red square panel with yellow diagonals (Figure A1-2) when displayed in a signal area indicates that landings are prohibited and that the prohibition is liable to be prolonged.\n3.2.2.\nNeed for special precautions while approaching or landing\n3.2.2.1.\nA horizontal red square panel with one yellow diagonal (Figure A1-3) when displayed in a signal area indicates that owing to the bad state of the manoeuvring area, or for any other reason, special precautions must be observed in approaching to land or in landing.\n3.2.3.\nUse of runways and taxiways\n3.2.3.1.\nA horizontal white dumb-bell (Figure A1-4) when displayed in a signal area indicates that aircraft are required to land, take off and taxi on runways and taxiways only.\n3.2.3.2.\nThe same horizontal white dumb-bell as in 3.2.3.1 but with a black bar placed perpendicular to the shaft across each circular portion of the dumb-bell (Figure A1-5) when displayed in a signal area indicates that aircraft are required to land and take off on runways only, but other manoeuvres need not be confined to runways and taxiways.\n3.2.4.\nClosed runways or taxiways\n3.2.4.1.\nCrosses of a single contrasting colour, white on runways and yellow on taxiways (Figure A1-6), displayed horizontally on runways and taxiways or parts thereof indicate an area unfit for movement of aircraft.\n3.2.5.\nDirections for landing or take-off\n3.2.5.1.\nA horizontal white or orange landing T (Figure A1-7) indicates the direction to be used by aircraft for landing and take-off, which shall be in a direction parallel to the shaft of the T towards the cross arm. When used at night, the landing T shall be either illuminated or outlined in white lights.\n3.2.5.2.\nA set of two digits (Figure A1-8) displayed vertically at or near the aerodrome control tower indicates to aircraft on the manoeuvring area the direction for take-off, expressed in units of 10 degrees to the nearest 10 degrees of the magnetic compass.\n3.2.6.\nRight-hand traffic\n3.2.6.1.\nWhen displayed in a signal area, or horizontally at the end of the runway or strip in use, a right-hand arrow of conspicuous colour (Figure A1-9) indicates that turns are to be made to the right before landing and after take-off.\n3.2.7.\nAir traffic services reporting office\n3.2.7.1.\nThe letter C displayed vertically in black against a yellow background (Figure A1-10) indicates the location of the air traffic services reporting office.\n3.2.8.\nSailplane flights in operation\n3.2.8.1.\nA double white cross displayed horizontally (Figure A1-11) in the signal area indicates that the aerodrome is being used by sailplanes and that sailplane flights are being performed.\n4.\nMARSHALLING SIGNALS\n4.1.\nFrom a signalman/marshaller to an aircraft\n4.1.1.\nThe signals for use by the signalman/marshaller, with hands illuminated as necessary to facilitate observation by the pilot, and facing the aircraft in a position shall be:\n(a) for fixed-wing aircraft, on left side of aircraft, where best seen by the pilot; and\n(b) for helicopters, where the signalman/marshaller can best be seen by the pilot.\n4.1.2.\nPrior to using the following signals, the signalman/marshaller shall ascertain that the area within which an aircraft is to be guided is clear of objects which the aircraft, in complying with SERA.3301(a), might otherwise strike.\nThis signal provides an indication by a person positioned at the aircraft wing tip, to the pilot/marshaller/push-back operator, that the aircraft movement on/off a parking position would be unobstructed.\nThis signal is also used as a technical/servicing communication signal.\nFor use to hovering helicopters.\nThis signal is intended mainly for aircraft with the set of integral stairs at the front.\n1.\nWingwalker/guide\nRaise right hand above head level with wand pointing up; move left-hand wand pointing down toward body.\n2.\nIdentify gate\nRaise fully extended arms straight above head with wands pointing up.\n3.\nProceed to next signalman/marshaller or as directed by tower/ground control\nPoint both arms upward; move and extend arms outward to sides of body and point with wands to direction of next signalman/marshaller or taxi area.\n4.\nStraight ahead\nBend extended arms at elbows and move wands up and down from chest height to head.\n5(a)\nTurn left (from pilot’s point of view)\nWith right arm and wand extended at a 90-degree angle to body, make ‘come ahead’ signal with left hand. The rate of signal motion indicates to pilot the rate of aircraft turn.\n5(b)\nTurn right (from pilot’s point of view)\nWith left arm and wand extended at a 90-degree angle to body, make ‘come ahead’ signal with right hand. The rate of signal motion indicates to pilot the rate of aircraft turn.\n6(a)\nNormal stop\nFully extend arms and wands at a 90-degree angle to sides and slowly move to above head until wands cross.\n6(b)\nEmergency stop\nAbruptly extend arms and wands to top of head, crossing wands.\n7(a)\nSet brakes\nRaise hand just above shoulder height with open palm. Ensuring eye contact with flight crew, close hand into a fist. Do not move until receipt of ‘thumbs up’ acknowledgement from flight crew.\n7(b)\nRelease brakes\nRaise hand just above shoulder height with hand closed in a fist. Ensuring eye contact with flight crew, open palm. Do not move until receipt of ‘thumbs up’ acknowledgement from flight crew.\n8(a)\nChocks inserted\nWith arms and wands fully extended above head, move wands inward in a ‘jabbing’ motion until wands touch. Ensure acknowledgement is received from flight crew.\n8(b)\nChocks removed\nWith arms and wands fully extended above head, move wands outward in a ‘jabbing’ motion. Do not remove chocks until authorised by flight crew.\n9.\nStart engine(s)\nRaise right arm to head level with wand pointing up and start a circular motion with hand; at the same time, with left arm raised above head level, point to engine to be started.\n10.\nCut engines\nExtend arm with wand forward of body at shoulder level; move hand and wand to top of left shoulder and draw wand to top of right shoulder in a slicing motion across throat.\n11.\nSlow down\nMove extended arms downwards in a ‘patting’ gesture, moving wands up and down from waist to knees.\n12.\nSlow down engine(s) on indicated side\nWith arms down and wands toward ground, wave either right or left wand up and down indicating engine(s) on left or right side respectively should be slowed down.\n13.\nMove back\nWith arms in front of body at waist height, rotate arms in a forward motion. To stop rearward movement, use signal 6(a) or 6(b).\n14(a)\nTurns while backing (for tail to starboard)\nPoint left arm with wand down and bring right arm from overhead vertical position to horizontal forward position, repeating right-arm movement.\n14(b)\nTurns while backing (for tail to port)\nPoint right arm with wand down and bring left arm from overhead vertical position to horizontal forward position, repeating left-arm movement.\n15.\nAffirmative/all clear\nRaise right arm to head level with wand pointing up or display hand with ‘thumbs up’; left arm remains at side by knee.\n16.\nHover\nFully extend arms and wands at a 90-degree angle to sides.\n17.\nMove upwards\nFully extend arms and wands at a 90-degree angle to sides and, with palms turned up, move hands upwards. Speed of movement indicates rate of ascent.\n18.\nMove downwards\nFully extend arms and wands at a 90-degree angle to sides and, with palms turned down, move hands downwards. Speed of movement indicates rate of descent.\n19(a)\nMove horizontally left (from pilot’s point of view)\nExtend arm horizontally at a 90-degree angle to right side of body. Move other arm in same direction in a sweeping motion.\n19(b)\nMove horizontally right (from pilot’s point of view)\nExtend arm horizontally at a 90-degree angle to left side of body. Move other arm in same direction in a sweeping motion.\n20.\nLand\nCross arms with wands downwards and in front of body.\n21.\nHold position/stand by\nFully extend arms and wands downwards at a 45-degree angle to sides. Hold position until aircraft is clear for next manoeuvre.\n22.\nDispatch aircraft\nPerform a standard salute with right hand and/or wand to dispatch the aircraft. Maintain eye contact with flight crew until aircraft has begun to taxi.\n23.\nDo not touch controls (technical/servicing communication signal)\nExtend right arm fully above head and close fist or hold wand in horizontal position; left arm remains at side by knee.\n24.\nConnect ground power (technical/servicing communication signal)\nHold arms fully extended above head; open left hand horizontally and move finger tips of right hand into and touch open palm of left hand (forming a ‘T’). At night, illuminated wands can also be used to form the ‘T’ above head.\n25.\nDisconnect power (technical/servicing communication signal)\nHold arms fully extended above head with finger tips of right hand touching open horizontal palm of left hand (forming a ‘T’); then move right hand away from the left. Do not disconnect power until authorised by flight crew. At night, illuminated wands can also be used to form the ‘T’ above head.\n26.\nNegative (technical/servicing communication signal)\nHold right arm straight out at 90 degrees from shoulder and point wand down to ground or display hand with ‘thumbs down’; left hand remains at side by knee.\n27.\nEstablish communication via interphone (technical/servicing communication signal)\nExtend both arms at 90 degrees from body and move hands to cup both ears.\n28.\nOpen/close stairs (technical/servicing communication signal)\nWith right arm at side and left arm raised above head at a 45-degree angle, move right arm in a sweeping motion towards top of left shoulder.\n4.2.\nFrom the pilot of an aircraft to a signalman/marshaller\n4.2.1.\nThese signals shall be used by a pilot in the cockpit with hands plainly visible to the signalman/marshaller, and illuminated as necessary to facilitate observation by the signalman/marshaller.\n(a)\nBrakes engaged: raise arm and hand, with fingers extended, horizontally in front of face, then clench fist.\n(b)\nBrakes released: raise arm, with fist clenched, horizontally in front of face, then extend fingers.\n(c)\nInsert chocks: arms extended, palms outwards, move hands inwards to cross in front of face.\n(d)\nRemove chocks: hands crossed in front of face, palms outwards, move arms outwards.\n(e)\nReady to start engine(s): Raise the appropriate number of fingers on one hand indicating the number of the engine to be started.\n4.3.\nTechnical/servicing communication signals\n4.3.1.\nManual signals shall only be used when verbal communication is not possible with respect to technical/servicing communication signals.\n4.3.2.\nSignalmen/marshallers shall ensure that an acknowledgement is received from the flight crew with respect to technical/servicing communication signals.\n5.\nSTANDARD EMERGENCY HAND SIGNALS\n5.1.\nThe following hand signals are established as the minimum required for emergency communication between the ARFF incident commander/ARFF firefighters and the cockpit and/or cabin crews of the incident aircraft. ARFF emergency hand signals should be given from the left front side of the aircraft for the cockpit crew.\n1.\nRecommend evacuation\nEvacuation recommended based on aircraft rescue and fire-fighting and Incident Commander’s assessment of external situation.\nArm extended from body, and held horizontal with hand upraised at eye level. Execute beckoning arm motion angled backward. Non-beckoning arm held against body.\nNight — same with wands.\n2.\nRecommend stop\nRecommend evacuation in progress be halted. Stop aircraft movement or other activity in progress.\nArms in front of head — Crossed at wrists\nNight — same with wands.\n3.\nEmergency contained\nNo outside evidence of dangerous conditions or ‘all-clear.’\nArms extended outward and down at a 45 degree angle. Arms moved inward below waistline simultaneously until wrists crossed, then extended outward to starting position.\nNight — same with wands.\n4.\nFire\nMove right-hand in a ‘fanning’ motion from shoulder to knee, while at the same time pointing with left hand to area of fire.\nNight — same with wands.",
  "extent": "E+W+S+N.I.",
  "status": null,
  "version": "current",
  "annotations": [
    {
      "type": "F",
      "label": "F1",
      "text": "Substituted by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2016/1185 of 20 July 2016 amending Implementing Regulation (EU) No 923/2012 as regards the update and completion of the common rules of the air and operational provisions regarding services and procedures in air navigation (SERA Part C) and repealing Regulation (EC) No 730/2006 (Text with EEA relevance)."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f1",
      "text": "Clearances to land and to taxi will be given in due course."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f2",
      "text": "This signal provides an indication by a person positioned at the aircraft wing tip, to the pilot/marshaller/push-back operator, that the aircraft movement on/off a parking position would be unobstructed."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f3",
      "text": "This signal is also used as a technical/servicing communication signal."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f4",
      "text": "For use to hovering helicopters."
    },
    {
      "type": "footnote",
      "label": "f5",
      "text": "This signal is intended mainly for aircraft with the set of integral stairs at the front."
    }
  ],
  "outstanding_effects": [],
  "provenance": {
    "source": "legislation.gov.uk",
    "source_url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2012/923/annex/appendix/1",
    "retrieved_at": "2026-11-01T14:49:10.260453+00:00"
  },
  "licence": "Open Government Licence v3.0",
  "licence_url": "https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/",
  "attribution": "Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives."
}