Introduction

The airport airside, a bustling and highly dynamic environment, is the very heart of aviation operations where aircraft movements, ground handling, fueling, and maintenance activities converge. Airside Operations and Safety Procedures are paramount to preventing accidents, maintaining efficient aircraft flow, and ensuring the well-being of all personnel and assets within this critical zone. With powerful jet engines, intricate ground support equipment, and constant vehicular movement, the airside presents unique hazards that demand unwavering vigilance, strict adherence to standardized protocols, and precise coordination. Any deviation from established safety procedures can lead to severe operational disruptions, significant financial losses, or, most critically, catastrophic incidents involving aircraft and human lives. This essential training course focuses on equipping aviation professionals with the expertise to excel in Airside Operations and Safety Procedures.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower airport operations managers, airside supervisors, ground handling personnel, airline operational staff, maintenance teams, and security officers with the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to manage and execute safe and efficient airside operations. Participants will gain a deep understanding of airside regulations, learn about various airside hazards, master airside driving rules, and explore best practices for foreign object debris (FOD) prevention and emergency response. The course will delve into topics such as aircraft marshalling, apron management, wildlife hazard control, runway incursions prevention, and the integration of Safety Management Systems (SMS) into airside activities. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Airside Operations and Safety Procedures, participants will be prepared to mitigate risks, enhance operational performance, and contribute to the highest standards of safety and efficiency on the airport airside.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Airport Operations Managers and Supervisors
• Airside Operations Officers
• Ground Handling Personnel (Ramp, Baggage, Fuelling)
• Airline Operations Staff (Station Managers, Ramp Coordinators)
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Technicians
• Airport Safety Officers
• Airport Security Personnel
• Air Traffic Controllers (for airside coordination)
• New Entrants to Airport Operational Roles
• Emergency Services Personnel (ARFF, Medical)

Objectives

• Understand the critical importance of airside safety and operational efficiency.
• Learn about the physical characteristics and designated areas of the airside.
• Acquire proficiency in airside driving rules, regulations, and safe practices.
• Comprehend strategies for Foreign Object Debris (FOD) prevention and management.
• Explore techniques for safe aircraft marshalling, parking, and servicing.
• Understand the role of wildlife hazard management in airside safety.
• Gain knowledge of runway incursion prevention and response.
• Develop a framework for integrating Safety Management Systems (SMS) into airside operations.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Airside Environment

• Definition and layout of the airport airside: runways, taxiways, aprons, stands.
• Key stakeholders and their roles in airside operations (Airport Authority, Airlines, ATC, Ground Handlers).
• Overview of common airside hazards: jet blast, prop wash, noise, moving aircraft/vehicles.
• Importance of compliance with ICAO Annex 14 and national regulations.
• Understanding the impact of weather on airside operations.

Module 2: Airside Driving Rules and Regulations

• Requirements for obtaining and maintaining an Airside Driving Permit (ADP).
• Designated airside driving routes, speed limits, and signage.
• Rules of the road on the airside, including right-of-way procedures.
• Safe operating distances from aircraft and other ground vehicles.
• Procedures for reporting vehicle incidents or near misses.

Module 3: Aircraft Marshalling and Parking Procedures

• Standardized marshalling signals (ICAO) and their application.
• Safe positioning and visibility for marshallers.
• Procedures for aircraft arrival and departure guidance (pushback, engine start).
• Aircraft parking procedures: chocking, coning, and securing.
• Communication protocols between marshallers, pilots, and ground crew.

Module 4: Foreign Object Debris (FOD) Prevention and Control

• Definition of FOD and its potential impact on aircraft, equipment, and personnel.
• Common sources and types of FOD on the airside.
• Procedures for conducting FOD walks and inspections.
• Importance of maintaining a clean and debris-free airside environment.
• Proper FOD collection, disposal, and reporting.

Module 5: Apron Management and Aircraft Servicing Safety

• Efficient use of apron space and stand allocation.
• Safe procedures for aircraft fueling operations.
• Baggage and cargo loading/unloading safety.
• Catering and cleaning operations safety protocols.
• Use of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and associated safety rules.

Module 6: Wildlife Hazard Management on the Airside

• Understanding the risks posed by wildlife (birds, mammals) to aircraft.
• Common wildlife attractants on and around the airfield.
• Passive and active wildlife control methods: habitat modification, deterrents.
• Wildlife strike reporting procedures and data analysis.
• Coordination with wildlife management specialists.

Module 7: Runway Incursion Prevention and Response

• Definition and causes of runway incursions.
• Human factors contributing to incursions: communication errors, situational awareness.
• Technology for runway incursion prevention (e.g., ASDE-X, A-SMGCS).
• Procedures for reporting and responding to runway incursions.
• The importance of clear phraseology and "Readback-Hearback" in ATC communication.

Module 8: Airside Emergency Response and Safety Management Systems (SMS)

• Procedures for responding to airside emergencies (aircraft incidents, medical emergencies, spills).
• Evacuation procedures and roles in emergency response.
• Integration of airside operations into the airport's overall Safety Management System.
• Hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation specific to airside operations.
• Continuous safety monitoring, audits, and performance improvement for the airside.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training