Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Airport Licensing and Regulatory Frameworks 

• Overview of airport licensing and certification concepts.
• Legal basis for aerodrome regulation (national laws, ICAO Annex 14).
• Types of airport licenses/certificates and their scope.
• The application process for initial licensing.
• Roles and responsibilities of the airport operator and the regulatory authority.
• Case Study: Analyze the licensing requirements for a new international airport project.

Module 2: Aerodrome Design and Operations Compliance 

• ICAO Annex 14, Volume I (Aerodrome Design and Operations) key provisions.
• Physical characteristics of aerodromes: runways, taxiways, aprons.
• Visual aids for navigation: markings, lights, signs.
• Aerodrome operational services: airside safety, wildlife control, FOD management.
• Ensuring compliance with design and operational standards.
• Hands-on Exercise: Identify non-compliant design or operational features from provided airport layout diagrams and photos.

Module 3: Aerodrome Manual and Documentation Requirements

• Purpose and structure of an Aerodrome Manual.
• Key sections: operational procedures, safety management system, emergency plan.
• Documentation control and record keeping for compliance.
• Procedures for amending and updating the Aerodrome Manual.
• Preparing supporting documentation for licensing and audits.
• Hands-on Exercise: Review a sample table of contents for an Aerodrome Manual and identify missing or inadequate sections based on regulatory requirements.

Module 4: Regulatory Audit Preparation and Execution

• Principles of regulatory auditing specific to airports.
• Preparing the airport for a regulatory audit (documentation, staff awareness).
• The audit process: opening meeting, evidence collection, interviews, observations.
• Common audit findings in airport operations.
• Responding to audit findings and developing corrective action plans.
• Simulation: Conduct a mock regulatory audit of a specific airport department (e.g., airside operations, fire services).

Module 5: Airport Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Ongoing Compliance

• Introduction to airport SMS requirements (ICAO Annex 19 application).
• SMS components: safety policy, risk management, safety assurance, safety promotion.
• Integrating SMS into daily airport operations.
• Continuous monitoring, internal audits, and safety performance indicators.
• Strategies for maintaining ongoing regulatory compliance and continuous improvement.
• Final Exercise: Develop a presentation outlining a safety improvement plan for an airport based on hypothetical audit findings.