Aviation Basics, Basic Safety & SMS Training Course
Entry-level training course for those who are new to the aviation industry.
Conformant with the latest requirements of IATA AHM 1110 GEN01 & 02.
Overview
Airside and ramp operations are fast-paced, highly regulated environments with unique procedures and safety requirements. For those new to aviation ground handling, working in these areas can feel complex and challenging.
Our entry-level Aviation Basics, Basic Safety & SMS training course is designed specifically for individuals with little or no prior experience who are looking to begin a career within the airport airside environment. The course introduces participants to the core principles of ramp operations, covering essential aviation terminology, operational procedures, and the fundamentals of airside safety.
Upon completion, participants will be pre-qualified to undertake basic airside duties in accordance with the IATA Airport Handling Manual (AHM) requirements, providing a strong foundation that is recognised and applicable at the majority of airports worldwide.
This course has been developed in line with the combined latest applicable elements of IATA AHM 1110 GEN01 & 02, ensuring participants receive current, industry-relevant training that supports safe and compliant airside operations.
Please note: this course does not include ADP (Airside Driving Permit), training which is typically undertaken by (or on behalf of) the Airport Operator.
We regularly deliver this training course for our partner Red Sky Personnel as part of their Business Support offering.
Key information
Duration
The theory element of this course takes one (1) day to complete. There is no practical requirement associated with this course.
Course delivery
Our instructors deliver the course in person, on-site at your location.
Theory (Classroom)
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.
What the course covers
SAFETY & REGULATION
Safety Management
Airside hazards and risk
Personal protection
Accidents and incidents
Security awareness
Emergency response
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
Aircraft types
Airport and aviation codes
OPERATIONS
Airside markings and signage
Airport operations basics
Baggage Handling
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
✅ SAE-aligned certification
Every participant receives a certificate of attendance and qualification at the applicable SAE AS6286 level
Common questions
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Any staff new to aviation and airside operations.
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 some cases, 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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Only a few weeks after our hottest ever day in the UK and against the backdrop of the late August sunshine, the new De-icing season officially starts with our newest client, Flybe.