Today, NATA introduced the Basic Apron Safety and Security – Ramp Access Only (RAO) Certification, a new offering within the NATA Safety 1st Training Center designed for personnel who require ramp access but do not perform aircraft ground handling or operate ground support equipment. The certification provides foundational apron safety training for aviation businesses operating ramp-side—such as vehicle transportation providers, mobile AOG (aircraft-on-ground) maintenance teams, aircraft detailing companies, and catering providers—as well as administrative personnel whose roles require airside access without performing operational ramp duties.
Participants complete a curriculum covering general aviation awareness, aircraft terminology, airport and apron safety practices, security awareness, and workplace hazard recognition. The RAO certification does not include on-the-job training or practical evaluations and does not authorize aircraft servicing or GSE operations.
Attendees of the upcoming Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC) in Cleveland can learn more about the new certification and other Safety 1st programs by visiting NATA at Booth #275.