The individuals you see on the airport tarmac holding bright orange or yellow "sticks" (officially known as marshaling wands) are called Aircraft Marshalers. Their primary role is to provide visual guidance to pilots when the aircraft is maneuvering on the ground, particularly when parking at a gate or moving through tight areas where the pilot’s visibility of the wingtips is limited. Because jet engines are incredibly loud and radio communication can be busy, these marshalers use a standardized language of "hand signals" to tell the pilot when to turn, slow down, or stop. The wands are often illuminated or reflective so they can be seen clearly at night or in poor weather. This is a high-stakes job that requires precision; if a marshaler gives an incorrect signal, it could lead to a "wing strike" or a collision with ground equipment. In 2026, while many major airports use automated "Visual Docking Guidance Systems" (VDGS) with laser sensors to park planes, human marshalers are still essential for non-standard gates, emergency situations, or as a safety backup to ensure the massive aircraft is positioned exactly over the fuel and baggage lines.