Aircraft Departure Qualification (ADQ) Training Course
Enhance your personnel’s airside ramp skills with our specialised Aircraft Departure Qualification (ADQ) training.
Conformant with the latest requirements of IATA AHM 1110 RMP12,13 & 15.
Overview
This Aircraft Departure Qualification (ADQ) training course certifies personnel in critical aircraft departure procedures, supporting safe, efficient and compliant ground handling operations.
The programme begins with a classroom based theoretical safety module, followed by on ramp simulated and live practical training tailored to the specific equipment in use. Participants receive hands on instruction in communication protocols, safety procedures and operational practices. The course concludes with live demonstrations, supervised operations and a final competency assessment.
Fully aligned with IATA IGOM and airline specific SOPs, this training meets the requirements of IATA AHM 1110 (RMP12, RMP13 and RMP15), ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Key information
Duration
The theory element of this course takes one (1) day to complete.
However, the practical element is scheduled according to the number of participants attending and live aircraft movements scheduled.
Qualification will be based upon a minimum number of live activities undertaken.
Course delivery
Our instructors deliver the course in person, on-site at your location.
Theory (Classroom)
Practical (Live environment)
Max. group size
10 participants.
If you have more staff that require this training, we can arrange additional sessions.
Qualification validity
36 months.
IATA recommends that refresher training is undertaken every 36 months.
Qualification levels we deliver
This course combines the training for two key roles, the aircraft pushback driver and the headset operator into a single qualification. We can provide training for the following key aircraft departure roles (as individual modules or a complete package):
Aircraft Pushback & Towing (Conventional Tug and Towbarless)
Headset Operator (Ground to Flight Deck Headset Communication & Engine Start)
What the course covers
AIRCRAFT PUSHBACK & TOWING
Roles, responsibilities and coordination of aircraft pushback and towing operations, including gate and stand preparation and aircraft specific requirements
Pre operation procedures, including pre pushback and pre tow checks, planning and safety verification
Operation of ground handling equipment, including conventional and towbarless tractors, steering bypass systems and main gear handling
Aircraft connection, disconnection and movement procedures, including towing to and from stand and hangar areas
Communication protocols, including radio communication procedures, flight deck coordination and Air Traffic Control interaction
Management of irregular conditions, emergencies and compliance with aerodrome regulations, safety requirements and operational best practices
HEADSET OPERATOR
(Ground to Flight Deck Communication & Engine Start)
Equipment overview
Communication dialogue and standard phraseology
Headset communication procedures for arrivals
Headset communication procedures for departures and engine starts
Headset communication during aircraft towing operations
Communication during emergency situations
QUALIFICATION
Completion of theoretical and practical training assessments.
Adherence to IATA IGOM and airline-specific SOPs.
Regular recurrent training to maintain compliance and safety standards.
What’s included
✅ Participant guide
Every participant receives a detailed supplementary reference guide, to use during the course and take away afterward
✅ High quality training material
Meticulously researched lesson plans and step-by-step sessions with interactive visual aids
✅ In-person instructor
A highly vetted subject matter expert to deliver the course in-person for maximum engagement
✅ IATA-aligned certification
Every participant receives a certificate of attendance and qualification at the applicable AHM 1110 level
Common questions
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This course is designed for personnel seeking qualification as both Aircraft Pushback Operators and Headset Operators. It is suitable for staff employed by ground handling companies, airlines, aircraft maintenance organisations, and aircraft livery providers who are required to perform aircraft pushbacks, standard towing operations, maintenance tows, or hangar movements.
Training can be delivered as a combined Pushback and Headset Operator qualification programme or as individual standalone modules, depending on operational requirements and job roles.
Unfortunately we do not accept bookings from private individuals.
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IATA AHM 1110 recommend that this training be refreshed at intervals not exceeding 36 months.
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Yes. IATA AHM 1110 requires both a theoretical and practical element to be completed in order to achieve qualification. Practical training is normally delivered within a live or simulated operational environment. In this case, the practical element can only be completed using a live aircraft.
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This course is available to organisations only and is delivered exclusively on-site at your operation. Unfortunately, we do not currently offer this training to individual participants. If you are looking to become qualified as an individual, we recommend speaking with your employer or ground handling company about arranging training with us.
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You can book this course to be delivered at any time of the year and we accept bookings at any time. However, our winter training season typically peaks from September to November each year, and our schedule for that period is often fully booked well in advance. We will always do our best to accommodate requests at short notice.
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Yes, we can offer multi-year training agreements to help ensure your staff remain industry conformant year after year. Please speak with our team to discuss discounted pricing and preferred booking options available for multi-year training agreements.
Hear from clients that have booked training with us
"Once again we requested Miles Aviation for another De-Icing course to support our office team during the winter operations. For that I want to thank to Simon Miles and Dean Court for the excellent course! Must say also that Miles Aviation keeps a high level of professionalism not just in their training team but also in their course contents.”
Nicola Macedo
Ground Operations Director, Hifly
“When we were looking for a new partnership one of the core goals was to find someone with a similar approach to processes, requirements, and training to our company values, and with Miles Aviation we are convinced that we found just that.”
Reda Urbaitienė
Training Manager, Litcargus
“Considering Mongolia’s specific climatic conditions, this comprehensive training, which effectively integrated both theoretical and practical components, was highly valuable. Our clients have expressed their deep satisfaction with the quality and outcomes of the programme.”
Ariungerel Purev,
Director, Aviation Training LLC
Awards, Memberships, & Accreditations
Book your 2025/26 winter training
Get in touch for a no-obligation consultation. We'll assess your team's qualification levels and recommend the right programme — whether that's initial qualification, annual recurrency, or a mix of both.
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