Aerodrome Certification
Master aerodrome certification for safe and efficient operations
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4 day course
£1,050 GBP excl. VAT
Classroom
London Gatwick
09:00-17:00 UK time
Course Overview
A comprehensive 4-day course based on ICAO Annex 14 and adopting the principles of ICAO Doc 9981 (PANS Aerodromes). The course will introduce participants to the certification system and processes, together with pre-certification documentation, including the initial as well as on-going regulatory oversight activities and the steps to take when regulatory intervention is deemed necessary. Important aspects such as regulatory oversight of aerodrome changes (including work in progress (WIP)) and the protection of the obstacle limitation surfaces during such change.
Participants will be offered a series of checklists to assist with their future regulatory duties, covering aspects of certification. The course will also utilise aerodrome case studies to build on participants’ knowledge and help them plan and undertake the necessary regulatory responsibilities.
- Delivered by experienced UK CAA inspectors
- Gain a greater understanding of aerodrome certification processes
- Learn how to manage safety assurance and non-compliance
Choose Your Course Date
| Start Date | End Date | Venue | Price (Excl. VAT) | Availability | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17/03/2026 | 19/03/2026 | London Gatwick | £1,050.00 | More than 5 places | Book |
What is Aerodrome Certification?
Aerodrome certification refers to the process by which an aerodrome (commonly known as an airport) is evaluated, approved, and certified by the relevant aviation authority or regulatory body. The certification ensures that the aerodrome meets specific standards and regulatory requirements to ensure the safety and efficiency of aircraft operations, as well as the protection of passengers, crew, and the surrounding environment.
The course is primarily designed for National Aviation Authorities, for both managers and inspectors. It will also lend itself very well to aerodrome operators, so they understand what is involved in the certification process as well as understanding the importance of managing safety assurance and non-compliances.
This training course will include the following topics:
- Legal Framework for Certification
- Building a Certification System in the National Aviation Authority
- Initial Certification
- Assessing the Certification Application
- Aerodrome Manual
- NAA oversight system
- Assessment of aerodrome complexity and risk
- Planning oversight
- Conducting an Audit
- Audit Reporting and Follow-up
- Enforcement
- Managing Changes
- Safety assurance and how to manage non-compliances
By the end of this course delegates will have gained a better understanding of:
- A National Authority’s (NAA) aerodrome certification system and processes
- Assessing the certification application including Aerodrome Manual
- The NAA oversight system including planning and assessment of aerodrome complexity and risk
- Planning and conducting audits with reporting and follow up
- NAA enforcement process
- Change management at aerodromes
- How NAA manages non-compliances and assessment of safety assurance
- Runway incursions and excursions
Delegates should have a working knowledge of aerodrome technical terms to enable participation in interactive discussions.
It would be beneficial for delegates to have an awareness and appreciation of the following publications prior to the course:
- ICAO Annex 14 Volume 1 – Aerodrome Design and Operations
- ICAO Document 9774 – Manual for the Certification of Aerodromes
- ICAO Document 9981 – PANS Aerodromes
- CAP 168 – Licensing of Aerodromes
- ICAO Document 9859 – Safety Management Manual
- EASA Aerodrome Rules (Authority and Operator requirements)
Meet your Instructors
Graeme Ritchie
Aerodrome Certification
Aerodrome Operations
Graeme is an Aerodrome Inspector at the UK CAA, where he is responsible for the oversight of UK licensed aerodromes, covering aerodrome operations requirements. Following 14 years in industry in various airside operations management roles, he joined the UK CAA in 1999 as an Aerodrome Inspector. He moved into a policy role in 2007 developing requirements for UK aerodromes, becoming increasingly involved with the development of European requirements. Throughout this period, he was the UK representative on the ICAO Aerodrome Design Working Group. Additionally, he was one of the UK team on the rulemaking groups responsible for drafting EASA rules for aerodromes. He was head of the aerodrome function in the UK CAA between 2014 and late November 2016; his role was to lead and direct the team that provides the safety oversight of EASA certified and UK licensed aerodromes and heliports in the UK. He led the project to implement the EASA aerodromes rules in the UK and also led the aerodromes team through the introduction of the UK CAA Performance-Based Regulation (PBR) programme.
David MacMillan
Aerodrome Certification
Aerodrome Operations
David has nearly 50 years’ experience in the aviation industry. He has been with the UK CAA since 2010 as an aerodrome inspector auditing aerodromes, both in the UK and overseas. Prior to joining the UK CAA, David had been working in various airside operations roles, including senior management level at the UK four busiest airports. He also has seven years of experience working in the Air Traffic Control in control centres and aerodromes. David held Air Traffic Controller’s licence and Private Pilot’s licence. David is bringing extensive experience, on the operation of aerodromes and Air Traffic Control combined with the role of aerodrome inspector for the UK CAA, enhancing each training for practical aspect and enabling a better understanding of the topics.
Additional Information
Course delivery methods
This course can only be attended in-person at one of our training venues. At present, this course is not delivered virtually online.
- Face-to-Face Classroom Course: Embrace the traditional learning method by attending our physical training venue. Benefit from direct interaction with our instructors and fellow participants, creating an immersive and hands-on learning experience. To book a classroom course, please check the booking table at the top of this page and select your preferred training venue location.
If you can’t see an upcoming course date, we likely haven’t released the next set of dates. Please get in touch to find out when we’ll announce the new dates, and we’ll be sure to keep you informed once they are available or even add you to our waiting list.
Photo Gallery
Course photos coming soon.
Further reading
EASA Regulations relating to Aerodromes
UK Aerodromes that fall within the scope of EASA will be subject to regulations set by EU/EASA. Open to public use and which serve commercial air transport and where operations using instrument approach or departure procedures are provided.
ICAO Annex Booklet
(See page 25-26 for Annex 14 – Aerodromes).
In-company delivery
We can also tailor this training course to suit your organisation’s training requirements. These bespoke training packages can be delivered at your organisation’s location – almost anywhere, worldwide. Please Contact us for more information and to discuss your requirements.
VAT information
Please ensure you have your company VAT number available when booking. For additional information regarding VAT please click here.
FAQs
To help make your decision about booking training with CAAi, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions.
If your question isn’t answered, please get in touch and speak to a member of our training team.
Questions and Answers
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