Jack Quantick-Thorne, an airfield operations officer at Heathrow Airport, has highlighted the extensive duties involved in his role, noting that marshalling aircraft with paddles constitutes only a small fraction of his work. He explained that most planes are guided to their stands using laser-guided electronic displays, though human marshalling remains a crucial backup.
Quantick-Thorne's responsibilities include overseeing the runway team's work to scrape off rubber from aircraft tyres and patch up the surface overnight. He also patrols the airfield, monitoring refuelling operations, checking aircraft chocks, and observing the road system for any infringements by drivers.
A key part of his job involves wildlife management, particularly deterring birds which pose a risk to jet planes. He uses speakers on his van to play various bird sounds, such as a falcon's call, to encourage other birds like pigeons to fly away, believing a predator is nearby.