C E R T A L E R T

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ADVISORY  * CAUTIONARY  *  NON-DIRECTIVE

AIRPORT SAFETY AND OPERATIONS DIVISION  AAS-300
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DATE:	08/26/2002						            NO. 02-05

TO:		AIRPORT CERTIFICATION SAFETY INSPECTORS

TOPIC: 	DRIVER TRAINING SIMULATORS.

Recently the FAA issued Advisory Circular 150/5210-20, Ground Vehicle Operations on Airports, encouraging airport operators to set up driver training programs on their airports.  The training programs could be very simple, such as requiring drivers authorized to drive on the airside to read the airport rules and regulations that pertain to driving on ramps and aprons.  These programs could also be more elaborate, with formal training sessions, examinations, and a requirement for demonstrating driver proficiency.  In actuality, most programs will be somewhere in between.  

The purposes of these programs are to help avoid runway incursions and to protect the drivers of vehicles and their passengers, as well as the flying public.  The training programs can benefit airline and tenant employees, as well as the airport owner’s/operator’s employees.   

Because of the seriousness of appropriate driver training, several companies have developed driver-training simulators.  These come in 2 types – mobile and stationary.  Both have advantages and disadvantages.  A mobile simulator that was demonstrated to the FAA can be used not only for driver training, but also for training aircraft rescue and fire fighters in the proper handling of their vehicles and for airport maintenance personnel to train on snow removal equipment.  The simulator can be modified to simulate ARFF equipment, snow removal equipment, as well as a variety of other types of vehicles.  All in all, it was quite realistic and challenging.  

We would encourage airport owners and operators to consider the use of such a simulator to help train personnel and, in so doing, to help vehicle operators recognize and avoid conditions that lead to runway incursions.  

___________OSB __________________                                08/26/2002      
   Benedict  D. Castellano, Manager                                                Date
Airport Safety and Operations Division

DISTRIBUTION:  CERTALERT Distribution List