What is the purpose of a road guard on the AOA?

A road guard on the AOA, or Airport Operations Area, serves a critical safety function by ensuring safe movement for aircraft being pushed back from the gate. This role is vital in preventing accidents and ensuring that the area remains clear of any obstacles or unauthorized personnel during the aircraft's pushback procedure. The presence of a road guard helps to communicate with ground crews and pilots, ensuring that the movement is carried out smoothly and safely.

While assisting in passenger loading and unloading, directing traffic away from the runways, and enforcing parking regulations are important roles within airport operations, they do not pertain to the specific function of a road guard focused on aircraft movement. The primary responsibility of a road guard is to maintain a safe environment for aircraft operations, making the pushback process as secure as possible.