NATA Extends Ramp Safety Training Beyond Line Service
Airport ramps can be dangerous places for industry workers, and while FBO line staff receive extensive training to be vigilant for hazards, other individuals who require apron access generally do not. To remedy this, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has introduced a new offering in its Safety 1st Training Center for those who have ramp access but do not perform ground handling duties.
The Basic Apron Safety and Security-Ramp Access Only (RAO) certification brings the same experience developed in NATA’s industry-standard Safety 1st program to workers such as vehicle transportation providers, mobile AOG maintenance teams, aircraft detailers, catering providers, and other service occupations, as well as FBO employees outside of the ground handling department, whose roles require them to spend time in the active ramp.
Curricula include foundational knowledge of general and business aviation, aircraft awareness and terminology, airport safety practices, security awareness, hazard recognition, and other core safety principles.
“The ramp environment includes a wide range of personnel whose responsibilities require airside access, even when they are not performing operational ramp functions,” explained Steve Berry, the association’s v-p for education and safety. “The Ramp Access Only certification reflects that reality by expanding access to meaningful safety training and helping organizations better align credentials with the roles their employees perform.”
NATA cautioned that the RAO program does not include on-the-job training or individual task evaluations, and will not qualify personnel to perform aircraft ground handling or operate ground service equipment. Those who perform operational ramp duties would still be required to complete the full Safety 1st Basic Apron Safety and Security Certification for those components.
“As aviation businesses continue to rely on a broader network of professionals working in and around the ramp environment, it is important that training evolves accordingly,” added NATA president and CEO Curt Castagna.
