Advanced Airside Airport Operations

Ensuring safe, compliant, and efficient airside operations is one of the most demanding challenges facing modern aerodromes. This enhanced four-day training course provides participants with the regulatory knowledge, operational insight, and practical experience required to manage complex airside activities under both normal and contingency conditions. It offers a comprehensive understanding of how aerodrome operators can maintain operational performance while meeting stringent ICAO and EASA safety requirements.

Building upon key international regulatory frameworks, including ICAO Annexes, the EASA Basic Regulation, and Commission Regulation (EU) No. 139/2014, the course provides practical guidance on their implementation within the aerodrome environment. Participants will explore the responsibilities of aerodrome operators, the interaction between Air Traffic Control (ATC), Apron Management Services (AMS), Ground Handling organisations, and Airport Operations Centres (APOC), as well as the role of Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) in supporting airport capacity and operational resilience.

Particular emphasis is placed on operational coordination, aeronautical data management, apron safety, aircraft refuelling activities, low visibility operations, airport capacity management, and contingency planning. Through interactive case studies and operational scenarios, participants will learn how regulatory requirements translate into day-to-day decision making and safety-critical operational processes.

A distinctive feature of the course is the inclusion of a flight simulator familiarisation session, providing participants with the opportunity to experience airport operations from the pilot's perspective. This practical session highlights how aeronautical information, including AIP publications, NOTAMs, airport infrastructure, surface markings, lighting systems, and low visibility procedures, directly affects flight preparation, decision making, and aircraft operations. Participants will gain a deeper appreciation of the importance of accurate aeronautical data and operational coordination in maintaining safety and efficiency across the entire airport system.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to evaluate operational risks, ensure regulatory compliance, support airport capacity optimisation, and implement effective contingency measures to maintain safe and resilient airport operations.

This course is designed for professionals working in aerodrome operations, safety management, compliance monitoring, apron management services, air traffic services, airport operations centres, ground handling organisations, and competent authorities. It is particularly suited to experienced personnel seeking to deepen their technical expertise and strengthen their capability to manage advanced operational scenarios within the airside environment.