Airside Driver’s Licence (ADL) Course
AACS delivers structured, regulator-aligned Airside Driver’s Licence (ADL) training programmes designed to ensure safe vehicle operations within the manoeuvring area and airside environment.
Our course equips drivers with the knowledge, practical skills, and safety awareness required to operate vehicles safely in proximity to aircraft, taxiways, aprons, and runways — in full compliance with aerodrome regulations and ICAO standards.
Course Overview
Operating a vehicle airside is a safety-critical responsibility. AACS provides comprehensive theoretical and practical training that prepares personnel to safely navigate complex airside environments.
The course is suitable for:
- Ground handling personnel
- Airport operations staff
- Maintenance and engineering teams
- Airline staff
- Contractors requiring airside access
- Emergency services personnel
Course Content
Airside Safety Fundamentals
- Airside hazards and risk awareness
- Aircraft movement areas and right-of-way rules
- Apron safety procedures
- Runway safety and incursion prevention
Aerodrome Layout & Markings
- Runway, taxiway, and apron markings
- Airside signage and lighting systems
- Manoeuvring area boundaries
- Obstacle limitation considerations
Radio Telephony (RT) Procedures
- Basic aviation phraseology
- Communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC)
- Readback requirements
- Lost communication procedures
Vehicle Operating Standards
- Speed limits and driving restrictions
- Vehicle inspection requirements
- Escort procedures
- Adverse weather operations
Emergency Procedures
- Aircraft emergency protocols
- Accident and incident reporting
- Foreign Object Debris (FOD) management
- Wildlife hazard awareness
Practical Assessment
The programme includes:
- Supervised airside driving exercises
- Radio communication practice
- Scenario-based risk assessment
- Written knowledge assessment
- Final driving competency evaluation
Successful candidates receive certification aligned with airport regulatory requirements for Airside Driver authorisation.
Compliance & Standards
AACS ADL training programmes are aligned with:
- ICAO Annex 14 requirements
- National Civil Aviation Authority regulations
- Airport-specific operating procedures
- Safety Management System (SMS) frameworks
Training content can be customised to reflect the specific layout, procedures, and risk profile of individual airports.
Delivery Options
We offer flexible training delivery models:
- On-site classroom and airside practical training
- Blended learning (online theory + practical assessment)
- Initial licence training
- Recurrent and refresher training
- Airport-specific customised programmes
Why Choose AACS
✔ Safety-led and regulator-aligned
✔ Delivered by experienced aviation professionals
✔ Practical, operationally focused training
✔ Integrated with airport SMS and risk frameworks
✔ Customisable to local airport procedures
AACS ensures that all airside drivers understand not just the rules, but the operational context and safety culture required to operate confidently and responsibly within a controlled aerodrome environment.
