Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Driving assessment failures for ADP jeopardise airside safety

Aerospace

Driving assessment failures for ADP jeopardise airside safety

Airports are putting operations and people at risk by failing to assess practical driving ability before issuing apron Airside Driving Permit (ADP), warns RTITB Airside


Courtesy RTITB Airside.

“Often an ADP for apron roads is issued simply on the basis that the applicant has completed a theory training course and test,” said Laura Nelson, Managing Director for training consultancy RTITB Airside. “But without a practical driving assessment, how can employers be sure that drivers have the road craft and driving skills required to work safely in an airport?”

Advertisement
ODU RT

“Even after having completed an ADP theory course and test, the most experienced driver may still find it challenging to drive a vehicle on airside roads and aprons,” she continues.

For instance, the airside operating environment is vastly different to an ‘everyday’ driving scenario. Any number of activities might be taking place at one time, and often within the confines of relatively small working areas such as aircraft stands or baggage halls. Airside drivers typically need to be aware of pedestrian airport workers, airline passengers, baggage handlers and their vehicles, cars, buses, HGVs, a variety of other ground handling equipment, aircraft, and more. 

Drivers also need a detailed understanding of road markings and signage and airport bylaws, such as speed limits, parking regulations, aircraft stand rules. Plus, should have the ability to cope with the almost constant distraction of pressure, noise, visual inputs and communications equipment.

“Conducting a practical airside driving assessment before issuing an ADP clearly shows whether an individual actually has the ability to drive in this challenging and stressful environment before they are given permission to do so,” Laura says. “You cannot just rely on driving license entitlements and a theory test to give you this information.”

Practical assessments also play an important role in ensuring consistent driving standards before a permit is issued, especially in operations employing migrant workers. Driving standards, airport bylaws and operating procedures vary internationally, so acceptable driving standards in one country, may not adequately prepare a driver for a job in another.

“Practical assessment allows employers to check that drivers can meet the required minimum standard, no matter where their driving license was issued,” says Laura, explaining that it is also an ideal opportunity to check a driver’s understanding of signage and road markings, even if these are not in their native language.

Advertisement
Siemens rectangle

“Typically, a practical assessment of driving ability in the airside environment is not a requirement as part of the ADP application process,” she continues. “However, we believe that it is critically important for ensuring airfield safety and should be best practice for any responsible business with airside operations.”

RTITB Airside works with major airports, ground handlers and airlines training in-house trainers and collaboratively developing engaging training materials, programmes and courseware.  This includes developing solutions for ADP ‘training with practical assessment, all focused on improving efficiency, turnaround times and safety.

A part of the IATA Strategic Partnerships Programme – a platform for aviation solution providers to build as well as strengthen relationships with key industry stakeholders, RTITB Airsid delivers tailored solutions that improve safety and efficiency in airport equipment and vehicle operations, providing consultancy, customised training materials, train-the-trainer courses and supports standardisation across ground handling and airside operations.

RTITB Airside was established with a clear mission to save lives, reduce damage and speed up turnarounds and has worked with a range of airports, airlines and ground handling service providers including Stansted Airport, Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and Changi Airport.

A part of the IATA Strategic Partnerships Programme – a platform for aviation solution providers to build as well as strengthen relationships with key industry stakeholders.
 

Advertisement
Cranfield University
Babcock secures contract with Australian Border Force

Aerospace Security

Babcock secures contract with Australian Border Force

18 September 2025

Babcock will continue a 30-year partnership with Australian Border Force as part of a new $250 million contract to protect the nation’s border in the strategically important Torres Strait.

AerFin takes delivery of second B777-300ER

Aerospace

AerFin takes delivery of second B777-300ER

18 September 2025

AerFin, the aviation asset specialist with headquarters in Newport, Wales, has taken delivery of a second B777-300ER previously operated by Japan Airlines, marking the company’s third acquisition of the aircraft type.

Brandauer enters new chapter following MBO

Aerospace Defence

Brandauer enters new chapter following MBO

18 September 2025

Historic Birmingham manufacturer Brandauer has been purchased by its management team with the vision of creating a world leading precision engineering specialist.

Intelliconnect strengthens management team

Aerospace Defence

Intelliconnect strengthens management team

17 September 2025

RF and Cryogenic interconnect solutions specialist Intelliconnect (Europe), has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Yiannis Metallinos as Managing Director and Gary Langridge as Engineering Manager.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Getac launches UX10 and UX10-IP rugged tablets

Aerospace Defence Security

Getac launches UX10 and UX10-IP rugged tablets

17 September 2025

Getac has announced the launch of its next generation UX10 and UX10-IP fully rugged tablets.

Smith Myers to supply ARTEMIS Systems to Airbus Helicopters

Aerospace Defence

Smith Myers to supply ARTEMIS Systems to Airbus Helicopters

16 September 2025

Smith Myers has secured a major contract with Airbus Helicopters, under the framework of which ARTEMIS Mobile Phone Detection and Location Systems (MPDLS) will be factory-fitted and offered as a retrofit option across Airbus Helicopters' fleet of aircraft.

Advertisement
Siemens rectangle