The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has introduced its Basic Apron Safety and Security – Ramp Access Only (RAO) certification, expanding its Safety 1st Training Center offering for personnel who require access to airport ramps but do not perform aircraft ground handling or operate ground support equipment.

The RAO certification provides a tailored version of NATA’s established apron safety and security training, focusing on individuals whose roles involve airside access rather than 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,” says 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 organisations better align credentials with the roles their employees perform.”

The certification is intended for aviation businesses and personnel working on or around the ramp without engaging in aircraft handling activities. This includes vehicle transportation providers, mobile aircraft-on-ground maintenance teams, aircraft detailing companies, catering providers and similar service organisations, 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 ground support equipment. 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,” says 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-recognised training to personnel whose roles require ramp access, while reinforcing a stronger culture of safety across the airside environment.”

The addition expands the Safety 1st Training Center’s flexibility, enabling aviation businesses and ancillary service providers to better align training with employee responsibilities while supporting safe, responsible ramp operations.

The Ramp Access Only certification is available through the Safety 1st Training Center, with NATA set to showcase the programme at Booth #275 during the upcoming Schedulers & Dispatchers Conference in Cleveland, Ohio.