ADR.OPS.B.024 Authorisation of vehicle drivers

DRIVING AUTHORISATION FOR THE MOVEMENT AREA AND OTHER OPERATIONAL AREAS Depending on its design, the ‘airside’ part of an aerodrome may also encompass operational areas, other than the movement area, in which vehicles may also be operating for various purposes. Example cases of such other operational areas, which are not part of the movement area, would be the service roads that may exist between the terminal buildings and aprons, perimeter roads used for various purposes, areas that are used for the parking of vehicles and ground support equipment, etc. The driving in such other operational areas is also subject to the provisions of ADR.OPS.B.024.

GENERAL Driving authorisations are meant to be issued only to persons whose functions and tasks require the driving of a vehicle on the movement area or other operational areas of the aerodrome. Driving authorisations cover all types of activities that involve driving in these areas, including but not limited to aerodrome operations and maintenance, groundhandling, security, aircraft maintenance, etc. The identity of the organisation with which a driver is associated (e.g. private entity, State entity) is not considered relevant. The number of persons authorised to drive on the manoeuvring area, and particularly on runways, needs to be limited to the minimum required in order to minimise the risk of runway incursions and should be reviewed periodically.

TRAINING OF DRIVERS ON THE USE OF VEHICLES

(a)A driver needs to receive specific training on the use of any vehicle or equipment, he or she will be using during his or her duties, e.g. special vehicle, tug, high loader, coach, etc. Upon completion of this training, the responsible organisation should provide the relevant records to the aerodrome operator.

(b)If the driver is to be assigned a new vehicle type following the issuance of the authorisation, the process of point (a) should be repeated prior to allowing the driver to operate the new vehicle.

TRAINING OF DRIVERS — GENERAL

(a)The training programme that drivers need to follow should depend on the areas where they need to be operating. The following two training programmes should be developed:

(1)General driving training programme This training should cover the needs of all drivers operating on the apron area and other operational areas of the aerodrome. The successful completion of this training grants a driver the right to operate unescorted a vehicle on aprons and other operational areas of the aerodrome, except on the manoeuvring area.

(2)Manoeuvring area training programme This training should cover the additional specific needs of the drivers who will be operating on the manoeuvring area. A driver is granted the right to operate unescorted on the manoeuvring area subject to the:

(i)provisions of ADR.OPS.B.024(a)(4) and AMC3 ADR.OPS.B.024(b);

(ii)successful completion of the general driving training programme; and

(iii)successful completion of the manoeuvring area training programme.

(b)Each of the above-mentioned training programmes (general driving training programme and manoeuvring area training programme) should consist of the following parts:

(1)Theoretical training The theoretical training should be of a defined and adequate duration, supported by suitable educational means and material. The theoretical training should be followed by an assessment of the trainees (see AMC1 ADR.OR.D.017(e)). Once the theoretical part has been successfully completed, the driver should undertake practical training.

(2)Practical training During the phase of the practical training, which needs to be of a defined and adequate duration, the trainees should be provided with adequate practical training and familiarisation with the aerodrome facilities and its procedures by the nominated instructors, in day and, if relevant, night conditions. Following the delivery of the practical training, the competence of the trainees should be assessed, in practical terms, by the nominated assessors (see AMC1 ADR.OR.D.017(e)). This assessment should aim at assessing the ability of the trainees to apply, in practice, the knowledge and skills they have acquired through the theoretical and practical training.

(3)Upon the successful completion of the practical training, and provided that the driver has received training on the use of a vehicle (see AMC1 ADR.OPS.B.024(a)(5)), a driving authorisation should be issued.

TRAINING OF DRIVERS — GENERAL The theoretical training is supported by material which provides up-to-date, adequate and suitable information regarding the aerodrome, in the form of presentations, maps, diagrams, videos, booklets, checklists, etc. as appropriate.

DRIVING TRAINING PROGRAMMES

(a)General driving training programme

(1)The theoretical part of the general driving training programme should, as a minimum, cover the following areas:

(i)Driving authorisation framework, including:

(A)issuance, validity, conditions of use;

(B)control and audit of its issue;

(C)driving violations and enforcement procedures;

(D)relationship with the national driver licensing system;

(E)national requirements related to general vehicle driving licences;

(F)national Competent Authority guidance for movement area driving; and

(G)roles of various organisations:

(a)the role of the aerodrome operator in setting and maintaining standards;

(b)the Competent Authority’s role and its responsibilities;

(c)the role of the national and/or local police, and their involvement with airside driving; and

(d)the role of any other enforcement authorities dealing with vehicles, driving, health, and safety

(ii)Personal responsibilities, including:

(A)requirements concerning fitness to drive (medical standards);

(B)use of personal protective equipment (e.g. high-visibility clothing and hearing protection);

(C)general driving standards;

(D)no-smoking; use of psychoactive substances and medicines, including requirements on alcohol consumption;

(E)implementation of ‘sterile-cab’ concept, by avoiding disturbing and distracting activities while driving;

(F)responsibilities with respect to FOD and fuel/oil spillage; and

(G)the responsibility to ensure that a vehicle is suitable for the task and is used correctly.

(iii)Vehicle standards, including:

(A)condition and maintenance standards at the aerodrome and/or national level;

(B)the requirement to display obstruction lights and company insignia;

(C)the requirement for, and content of, daily vehicle inspections;

(D)vehicle fault reporting and rectification;

(E)requirements for the issue and display of vehicle authorisations;

(F)serviceability of all essential communication systems with air traffic services and base operations; and

(G)maintaining the vehicle’s cabin free of loose and distracting articles/items, as per the ‘sterile-cab’ concept.

(iv)Aerodrome rules and procedures, including:

(A)rules of the air, and air traffic services procedures applicable to aerodromes as they relate to vehicles, particularly rights of way;

(B)aerodrome regulations, procedures and instructions pertaining to vehicle operations;

(C)definition of movement areas, manoeuvring areas and aprons;

(D)methods used to disseminate general information and instructions to drivers;

(E)methods used to disseminate information regarding works in progress; and

(F)reporting of occurrences the driver is involved in or witnesses.

(v)General aerodrome layout, including:

(A)the general geography of the aerodrome;

(B)aviation terminology used such as runway, taxiway, apron, roads, crossings, runway-holding points;

(C)all aerodrome signs, markings and lighting for vehicles and aircraft, including their meaning;

(D)specific reference to signs, markings and lighting used to guard runways and critical areas; and

(E)specific reference to any controlled/uncontrolled taxiway crossing procedures.

(vi)Hazards of general movement area driving, including:

(A)speed limits, prohibited areas, and no parking requirements;

(B)the danger zones around aircraft;

(C)engine suction/ingestion and blast, propellers, and helicopters;

(D)aircraft refuelling;

(E)FOD and spillages;

(F)vehicle reversing;

(G)staff and passengers walking across aprons;

(H)air bridges and other services such as fixed electrical ground power;

(I)the general aircraft turnaround process;

(J)aircraft emergency stop and fuel cut-off procedures;

(K)hazardous cargo;

(L)vehicle-towing requirements and procedures;

(M)driving at night; and

(N)driving in adverse weather conditions, particularly low visibility.

(vii)Human performance, including:

(A)basic concepts of human factors;

(B)basic aviation psychology, including:

(a)attention and vigilance;

(b)perception;

(c)memory;

(d)human error;

(e)decision-making;

(f)avoiding and managing errors;

(g)human behaviour; and

(h)human overload and underload.

(viii)Emergency procedures, including:

(A)actions and responsibilities in a crisis situation (any accident or serious incident occurring on the aerodrome);

(B)action in the event of a vehicle accident;

(C)specific action in the event of a vehicle striking an aircraft;

(D)action in the event of fire;

(E)action in the event of an aircraft accident/incident; and

(F)action in the event of personal injury.

(ix)Communications, including:

(A)radio procedures and phraseologies to be used (other than with air traffic services);

(B)light signals used by air traffic services;

(C)procedures to be used by vehicle drivers if lost or uncertain of their position;

(D)local emergency telephone numbers;

(E)how to contact the local aerodrome unit;

(F)portable radio, including:

(a)correct use of radios;

(b)effective range and battery life;

(c)screening/shielding effects on the aerodrome;

(d)use of correct call signs, as applicable; and

(e)safety while using radios, including procedures and instructions regarding the use of portable radios and hand-held microphones while driving a vehicle.

(2)The practical part of the general driving training programme should, as a minimum, include the following visual familiarisation of the aerodrome:

(i)airside service roads, taxiway crossings, and any restrictions during low-visibility conditions;

(ii)aprons and stands;

(iii)surface paint markings for vehicles and aircraft;

(iv)surface paint markings that delineate the boundary between aprons and taxiways;

(v)signs, markings and lighting used on the taxiway that indicate the runways ahead;

(vi)parking areas and restrictions;

(vii)speed limits and regulations; and

(viii)hazards during aircraft turnarounds and aircraft movements

(b)Manoeuvring area training programme

(1)The theoretical part of the manoeuvring area training programme should, as a minimum, cover the following areas:

(i)Air traffic services, including:

(A)the aerodrome’s air traffic services function and area of responsibility;

(B)the ground movement control function and area of responsibility;

(C)normal and emergency procedures used by air traffic services relating to aircraft;

(D)normal handover/transfer points for vehicles;

(E)air traffic services call signs, vehicle call signs; and

(F)demarcation of responsibilities between air traffic services and apron management unit, if applicable.

(ii)Personal responsibilities, including:

(A)fitness to drive with particular emphasis on eyesight and colour perception;

(B)correct use of personal protective equipment;

(C)responsibilities with respect to FOD; and

(D)responsibilities with respect to escorting other vehicles on the manoeuvring area.

(iii)Vehicle standards, including:

(A)responsibility for ensuring the vehicle used is fit for the purpose and task and appropriately marked and lighted;

(B)requirements for daily inspection prior to operating on the manoeuvring area;

(C)particular attention to the display of obstruction and general lights; and

(D)serviceability of all essential communication systems with air traffic services and base operations.

(iv)Aerodrome layout, including:

(A)particular emphasis on signs, markings and lighting used on the manoeuvring area;

(B)special emphasis on signs, markings and lighting used to protect the runway;

(C)description of equipment essential to air navigation such as instrument landing systems (ILS);

(D)description of sensitive, critical or other protected zones areas related to ILS or other navigation aid antennae and the related markings and signs;

(E)description of ILS protected areas, and their relation to runway-holding points;

(F)description of runway instrument/visual strip, cleared and graded area; and

(G)description of lighting used on the manoeuvring area with particular emphasis on those related to low-visibility operations.

(v)Hazards of manoeuvring area driving, including:

(A)engine suction/ingestion and blast, vortex, propellers, and helicopter operations;

(B)requirements and procedures for driving at night;

(C)requirements and procedures for operations in low visibility and other adverse weather conditions;

(D)right of way of vehicles, aircraft, towed aircraft, and rescue and firefighting vehicles in an emergency.

(vi)Emergency procedures, including:

(A)actions to be taken in the event of a vehicle accident/incident on the manoeuvring area;

(B)actions to be taken in the event of an aircraft accident/incident on the manoeuvring area;

(C)actions to be taken if FOD or other debris is found on runways and taxiways; and

(D)local emergency telephone numbers.

(vii)Communication procedures, including:

(A)air traffic services frequencies used and areas of applicability;

(B)language to be used when communicating with the air traffic services;

(C)procedure to be used by vehicle drivers if lost or uncertain of their position on the manoeuvring area;

(D)procedure for a vehicle breakdown on runways and taxiways and notifying the air traffic services unit of such events; and

(E)radio communication failure:

(a)procedure in the event of a radio communication or transponder or equivalent equipment failure while a vehicle is on the manoeuvring area; and

(b)procedures for light signals and other communication means that can be used by the air traffic services unit to pass instructions to a vehicle driver on the manoeuvring area.

(viii)Aircraft familiarisation, including:

(A)knowledge of aircraft types and ability to identify all types normally operating at the aerodrome;

(B)knowledge of aircraft call signs; and

(C)knowledge of aircraft terminology relating to engines, fuselage, control surfaces, undercarriage, lights, vents, etc.

(2)The practical part of the manoeuvring area training programme should, as a minimum, include the following visual familiarisation of the aerodrome:

(i)all runways (including access and exit routes), holding areas, taxiways and aprons;

(ii)all signs, surface markings and lighting associated with runways, holding positions, CAT I, II, and III operations;

(iii)all signs, surface markings and lighting associated with taxiways;

(iv)specific markings that demarcate the boundary between aprons and manoeuvring areas;

(v)navigation aids such as ILS, sensitive, critical, or other protected areas, antennae, RVR equipment, and other meteorological equipment;

(vi)hazards of operating around aircraft landing, taking off or taxiing; and

(vii)any used naming convention for particular areas or routes.

RADIOTELEPHONY

(a)Any driver who will be operating on the manoeuvring area should undertake and complete a radiotelephony training, demonstrating both theoretical knowledge and practical competency in voice communication procedures.

(b)Theoretical training The theoretical training should emphasise on the following areas:

(1)Categories of messages Message categories and priorities; an understanding of distress, alerting, control and information messages.

(2)Use of phonetic alphabet Correct pronunciation and transmission of letters, words and numbers.

(3)Use of standard phraseology

(i)emphasis on the need for drivers to use standard phraseology; and

(ii)the need for caution with certain phrases such as ‘cleared’ and ‘go ahead’.

(4)Use of call signs for aircraft, air traffic services, and vehicles

(i)understanding of terminology and acronyms used by air traffic services and pilots;

(ii)knowledge of the airline call signs used at the aerodrome; and

(iii)knowledge of the vehicle call signs used at the aerodrome.

(5)Read-back procedures The need for vehicle drivers to use standard read back, in the same manner as pilots, for instructions such as ‘enter/cross the runway’, and if conditional clearances are used.

(6)Test procedures including readability scale Understanding and use of the readability scale from 1 to 5.

(7)Transmitting techniques and use of radiotelephony

(i)understanding the reasons for listening out prior to transmitting;

(ii)use of standard phraseology and ICAO air-ground radiotelephony communication procedures;

(iii)words and sounds to be avoided;

(iv)correct positioning of microphones to avoid voice distortion;

(v)avoidance of ‘clipped’ transmissions;

(vi)awareness of regional accents and variations of speech; and

(vii)speed of delivery of RTF phraseology.

(c)Practical training In this phase, the training should cover the use of fixed and portable radio communication devices, and the practical use of the theoretical knowledge acquired in the previous phase of the training, through the implementation of the aerodrome’s communication procedures. The practical training on radiotelephony may be provided in the course of an overall practical training, which involves the training on the use of vehicles or specialised vehicle/equipment associated with the driver’s task, or training on the operating procedures of the aerodrome, etc.

RECURRENT, REFRESHER AND CONTINUATION TRAINING ADR.OR.D.017 point (f) regulates the provision of training following the completion of the initial training, as part of the aerodrome operator’s training programme. For the process that needs to be followed to ensure the continued competence of the personnel, see ADR.OR.D.017(f) and AMC1 ADR.OR.D.017(f).

DRIVING AUTHRORISATION FORMAT There are various solutions for issuing a driving authorisation. A combination of the driving authorisation with the badge issued to personnel or the issuance of a separate card are some of the possible solutions. In any case, it is important that the rights of the holder are clearly contained in the authorisation.

TEMPORARILY PERMITTING THE DRIVING OF VEHICLES When permitting temporarily the driving of a vehicle, the period for which the permit is valid and the areas in which the driver will be allowed to operate under escort should be specified. The escort of a vehicle whose driver has been issued a temporary driving permit should only be performed by the aerodrome operator directly or through a contracted organisation.

TEMPORARILY PERMITTING THE DRIVING OF VEHICLES ADR.OPS.B.024 in general addresses the case of authorisation of drivers whose nature of work and activities involves regular presence and driving within the aerodrome environment. However, there are cases where it may be necessary to temporarily allow the driving of a vehicle on the movement area or other operational areas of the aerodrome for other reasons (e.g. a contractor’s vehicle that needs to enter the movement area for maintenance activities taking place at the aerodrome, etc.). In cases where the driving on the movement area or other operational areas is necessary but for a limited period of time, the aerodrome operator may permit such driving without requiring the driver to undergo the process for the issuance of an authorisation for the driving of this vehicle. It is expected, however, that before being permitted to operate in such areas, such drivers will be adequately briefed about their obligations while operating within the aerodrome perimeter, and that the aerodrome operator has developed procedures to be implemented during this type of operations. In any case, the issuance of such a permit for such a driver does not waive the obligation of the aerodrome operator to ensure: the condition of the vehicle that this driver may be temporarily driving into the aerodrome area, in accordance with ADR.OPS.B.026 (e)(2)(i); that this vehicle will in any case be escorted. For the characteristics of the vehicle that will be escorting that vehicle, see ADR.OPS.B.026 (e)(2)(ii); and that the operation of this vehicle on the manoeuvring area is subject to the provisions of ADR.OPS.B.026 (e)(2)(iii).

PROCEDURES FOR ISSUANCE OF DRIVING AUTHORISATIONS AND TEMPORARILY PERMITTING DRIVING OF VEHICLES, AND RELEVANT MONITORING ACTIVITIES

(a)The aerodrome operator should clearly identify responsibilities for:

(1)issuing driving authorisations and temporary driving permits;

(2)ensuring that the prerequisites for maintaining a driving authorisation valid continue to be met;

(3)monitoring the compliance of the drivers with the driving rules applicable at the aerodrome, and taking appropriate action as the case may be. Such actions should include the possibility of suspension of revocation of the driving authorisation or of temporary driving permit.

(b)Issuing such authorisations, temporarily permitting the driving of vehicles and ensuring that the prerequisites for maintaining a driving authorisation valid should be a controlled activity.

(c)Irrespective of the organisational set-up chosen, it should be ensured that information regarding drivers who:

(1)do not continue to meet the requirements for maintaining the validity of the relevant driving authorisation; or

(2)violate the driving requirements, is forwarded to the aerodrome unit(s) responsible for the issuance/revocation of the driving authorisations, in a timely manner, to take appropriate action depending on the case.

(d)The established procedures should clearly indicate how cases of violations of the applicable driving requirements at the aerodrome are dealt with. They should especially take into account the seriousness of each violation and also address cases of repeated violations of the applicable driving requirements. The cases where a driver should be required to undergo additional training should also be addressed in the procedures.