Washington, DC, March 17, 2026 – The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) today announced the launch of its Basic Apron Safety and Security – Ramp Access Only (RAO) Certification, a new offering within the NATA Safety 1st Training Center for personnel who require access to airport ramps but do not perform aircraft ground handling or operate aircraft ground support equipment (GSE).
The RAO certification provides the same trusted foundation in apron safety and security that the industry has come to expect from NATA Safety 1st, while tailoring the credential to personnel whose responsibilities require safe airside access rather than hands-on operational ramp duties.
“The ramp environment includes a wide range of personnel whose responsibilities require airside access, even when they are not performing operational ramp functions,” said Steve Berry, Vice President of Education and Safety at NATA. “The Ramp Access Only certification reflects that reality by expanding access to meaningful safety training and helping organizations better align credentials with the roles their employees perform.”
The certification is intended for aviation businesses and personnel who work on or around the ramp without engaging in aircraft handling activities. This includes vehicle transportation providers, mobile AOG (aircraft-on-ground) maintenance teams, aircraft detailing companies, catering providers and similar service organizations, as well as employees at FBOs and other aviation businesses whose duties require airside access but do not include operational ramp functions.
Participants complete a structured curriculum covering foundational knowledge of general and business aviation, aircraft awareness and terminology, airport and apron safety practices, security awareness, workplace hazard recognition, and the core safety principles needed to operate responsibly in active ramp environments.
The Ramp Access Only certification does not include on-the-job training or practical task evaluations and does not qualify personnel to perform aircraft ground handling or operate GSE. Individuals responsible for operational ramp duties must complete the full Basic Apron Safety and Security Certification, which includes on-the-job training and practical performance components.
“As aviation businesses continue to rely on a broader network of professionals working in and around the ramp environment, it is important that safety training evolves accordingly,” said Curt Castagna, President and CEO of NATA. “Expanding the Safety 1st Training Center with the Ramp Access Only certification gives companies a practical way to extend meaningful, industry-recognized training to personnel whose roles require ramp access, while reinforcing a stronger culture of safety across the airside environment.”
The addition of RAO certification further expands the flexibility of the NATA Safety 1st Training Center, enabling aviation businesses and ancillary service providers to better align training with employee responsibilities while demonstrating a clear commitment to safe, responsible ramp operations.
The Ramp Access Only certification is now available through the Safety 1st Training Center. NATA will showcase the new certification and its broader portfolio of Safety 1st training programs at Booth #275 during the upcoming Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference (SDC) in Cleveland, where attendees can learn more about training options designed to support safety, professionalism, and operational readiness across the aviation business community.