Do the marshall folks on the wings ever "DO" anything?

[3WE]

A classic 3BS question that is hard to put into words. Yeah, I get their purpose and procedures first, but would you tell us how often the contribute something meaningful to a parking or push-back process?

They don't seem to be in position to deal with planes taxiing down the alley, nor really even ground equipment traffic, the immediate area behind the red and white lines always seems totally clear, and I've never seen exceedingly close clearances between anything.

AND, they often seem somewhat disengaged from the activity...my job is to hold one wand horizontal, one vertical and walk under the wingtip- while the tug driver (or the pilots) are the ones truly assessing the environment for possible ground collisions.

Do you have a personal experience where the wing walker did something other than walk alongside? (please share the story)

Do you monthly...annually...a couple times in your career hear stories of the wing walker having to signal an obstruction/save the day/anything other than check the box on the checklist that a warm body walked with the wing tip with his wands in the official position?

Thanks.

[flyboy2548m]

Actually, most of them are pretty attentive, but, as in everything else, there is always that percentage of dipshits. But yes, they've definitely prevented unpleasant stuff from happening before.

[Not_Karl]

yes

Fixed .

[3WE]

I did some research on www.internet.com and found that they are required when there's less than 30 ft of clearance...I think...