Overview
EN ISO 11532:2020 (ISO 11532:2018) specifies common graphical symbols for aircraft ground equipment (ground support equipment, GSE). The standard compiles symbols used to identify controls, indicators and decals on powered and unpowered GSE to enable fast, accurate recognition by operators and to reduce language barriers. It was prepared by ISO/TC 20/SC 9, adopted by CEN, and is intended for use on new equipment and, where feasible, retrofitted to existing equipment.
Key topics
- Scope: common graphical symbols for all types of aircraft ground support equipment to facilitate operator identification and standardize terms.
- Symbol families covered (Clause 5 examples):
- Equipment lighting (beacon, working lights, parking/fog lights)
- Hydraulics (system, fluid, pressure, filters)
- Pneumatics (air couplings connected/disconnected)
- Electrical equipment (dangerous voltage, generator, battery, fuses, earth/ground)
- Engine / transmission / power take‑off, brakes, drive/drive operation, lifting / working positions, emergency operation, maintenance, and miscellaneous
- Presentation: based on ISO/TC 145 recommendations for graphical symbols; many symbols referenced from ISO 7000 and IEC 60417.
- Notable updates: second edition (2018) adds symbols for aircraft docking protection and electrically powered equipment protection (e.g., snail/turtle/hare docking speed indicators referenced to ISO 3287 and ISO 6966‑2).
Requirements & design principles
- Symbols shall be used as given in Clause 5, with limited deviation only to match the operator’s line of sight.
- High contrast and clear legibility are required (preferably light symbols on dark background).
- Symbols and tell‑tales must be recognizable from the operator’s usual position without causing hazard or undue stress.
- Intended to standardize terms and alleviate language problems across airlines, airports, manufacturers and service organizations.
Practical applications & users
Who benefits:
- Airlines, ground handling agencies, airport authorities
- GSE manufacturers and suppliers
- Maintenance teams and safety officers
- Training departments for operator instruction and safety briefings
Typical uses:
- Marking controls, switches and indicators on tractors, tugs, loaders, belt loaders, GPU, air conditioning units, lifts and stairs trucks.
- Developing training materials, inspection checklists and retrofit labeling to meet international interoperability and safety expectations.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 11532:2020, ISO 11532:2018, aircraft ground equipment graphical symbols, GSE symbols, ground support equipment standard, ISO 7000, IEC 60417.