Airport Operations

Course Summary

An airport operator should ensure that all operational personnel are trained and competent to operate in those safety-critical areas. There are many activities that are performed on the airside area of an airport and an understanding of these is essential for a safe and efficient conduct of aircraft and vehicle movements.

Every activity must be assessed for its safety implications, including the design and operation of the airside areas; the protection of the runway during aircraft movements; the correct procedures and phraseology to be used by drivers; and the investigation of any incidents. Wider airport operational issues to be considered are how to manage abnormal situations; and how to share the data available, adopt procedures and techniques to increase capacity.

Incident Investigation

A comprehensive understanding of the concepts and issues that provide a framework for an airside incident investigation. It employs case studies to demonstrate human factors and engineering failures within safety management systems. Data collection and trend analysis techniques are used as well as an understanding of the key elements required to scope and develop an effective investigation system.

Runway Safety

A detailed explanation of why runway safety is one of the most significant risks in aerodrome operations. This will provide assistance to operational and managerial staff operating on the manoeuvring area from the latest guidance from the European Action Plans for both Runway Incursion and Runway Excursions.

Radio (RTF) Procedures for Airside Drivers

A practical demonstration of the correct radio telephony (RTF) procedures and phraseology to be used by vehicle drivers operating on an airside environment, which will enhance runway safety on the aerodrome.

Crisis Management and Emergency Planning

An investigation into the importance of planning for emergency situations and of properly managing activities while in crisis situations. It introduces the international requirements of an emergency plan; discusses how to manage the press and media in crucial situations; how to support victims; and how to rebuild liability after an incident.  Current topics such as aircraft hijacking and terrorism are discussed.  Case studies provide key insights into the current world climate.

Understanding Aerodrome Design and Annex 14

A comprehensive review of Aerodrome design according to the Standards and Recommended Practices contained in ICAO Annex 14, which endeavours to improve an aerodrome’s safety management system or prepare for new aerodrome development. This will include the Aerodrome Physical Characteristics, Dimensions and Codes; pavement types: ACN and PCN; Runway Friction and Maintenance; Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS); Runway Declared Distances; and management of non-compliances.

Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM)

An understanding of the concept of Collaborative Decision Making which aims to increase capacity management by reducing delays, improving the predictability of events and optimising resources. CDM is primarily about the timely sharing of data of those stakeholders involved in airport and airline operations.

Airside Capacity Enhancement (ACE)

An explanation of the process for determining airside capacity issues and realising the actions, procedures and techniques that can be adopted to increase capacity at an airport. Proven examples will be presented as case studies.

Airport Operations - Basic

An introduction to airside operations which provides an overview of every aspect of airside operations using both theoretical and practical teaching. Topics covered include aircraft and airport operations, adverse weather, bird hazard management, air traffic services, airside driving, marshalling and health and safety. This is designed for beginners to the airside environment of those who would like a broader understanding of airside operations.

Airport Operations - Advanced

For experienced operators in the airside environment this will provide an insight into airside operations both at an airport level and extending to the many external factors driving operational performance. Topics covered are airfield operations and safety management, aircraft recovery, airport law, business continuity, an insight into the future of Air Traffic Management and ATM systems, and SESAR.

Air Traffic Control for Airport Operators

An introduction to how Air Traffic Control works and integrates into the airport environment. This is aimed at those airport operation staff who would like to gain a further insight into air traffic control procedures and working methods. Practical examples are provided from a wide variety of airport operations.

Aerodrome Auditing and Compliance

A review of the Airport Operator and procedures in respect of the necessary ICAO standards or EASA regulations for certification. This evidence-based exercise will provide a gap analysis leading to a detailed report of the findings together with recommendati