Airside Vehicle Operator’s Permit

An Airside Vehicle Operator’s Permit (AVOP) certifies airport employees to operate vehicles and equipment airside. This includes, aprons, taxiways or runways, depending on the AVOP type.

AVOP types

DR - Restricted Use

• Issued to drivers who remain on private aprons or other clearly identified restricted areas to perform their job functions.
• Provides a driver a general awareness of airside operations, and situational awareness of where they are not permitted to drive.

DA - Apron Permit

• Issued to drivers whose job functions support aircraft turnaround operations.

D - Full Airside Access

• Issued to drivers who must access all areas of the airfield to perform their job functions.
• Driver is permitted to drive on runways and taxiways, and all areas designated under the DR and the DA permit.

APPLYING FOR AN AVOP

Pre-requisites

• A valid driver’s licence. (Minimum requirement: Class G2 in Ontario, probationary in Quebec, or equivalent)
• A Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC)
• A Radio Operator’s Certificate - Aeronautical (ROC-A) (if applicable)

Application process

1. Complete 15 hours of on-the-job training

• All areas on the 'Training requirements' document MUST be noted on the 'Training statement' form.
• Forms must be typed and signed by the trainer(s) attesting the training took place and the form is fully completed. (DA and D ONLY)

2. Complete Application form

• Forms must be typed and signed by Requesting Authority.
• Requesting Authority MUST fill in justification for an AVOP.
• The bottom line of the application form remains blank.

3. Book AVOP written exam       

• Click on the exam booking website link to book your exam.

What to bring to the written exam?

• Completed forms
  • Training statement 
  • Training log(s)
  • Application 
• RAIC
• Driver’s licence
• ROC-A (if applicable)

RESOURCES

• Training requirements
• Application form
• Training log
• Training statement
• Training documents:
  • Manuals: Volume 1 and Volume 2
  • Bulletins
    • Opening of Taxiway R / Ouverture de la voie de circulation R
    • Protocol for Escorting Additional Vehicles & Equipment Through Any Airside Access Gates / Protocole aux fins d’escorte de véhicules et d’équipements supplémentaires aux points d'accès côté piste (Poster)
    • New GSE Storage Area / Nouvelle aire d'entreposage du « GSE » 
    • New South Gating Layout / Nouvelle configuration des portes côté sud (Poster)
    • Airside Seatbelt Use Enforcement / Port de la ceinture de sécurité obligatoire côté piste
    • Airside priority right-of-way / Priorité de passage côté piste
  • Directives
    • High-Visibility Protective Outerwear Required While Operating Airside and In Any High Traffic Areas / Vêtements de protection d’extérieur de haute visibilité nécessaires pour les opérations côté piste et dans toutes les zones à forte circulation (Poster) 
    • New pushback procedure / Nouvelle procédure de repoussage 
    • Use of electronic devices while driving airside / Utilisation d'appareils électroniques pendant la conduite côté piste