Introduction
The European civil aviation sector is undergoing a historic structural shift in ground operations, transitioning from voluntary self-regulation and airline-contractual oversight to a formalized, legally binding European Union safety framework. Mandated under the EASA Basic Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, this regulatory architecture introduces common safety standards, systematic oversight, and formal accountability for Ground Handling Organizations (GHOs). This framework is driven by Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/20, outlining industry mandates, and Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/23, establishing the authority oversight framework. Ground handling organizations must now assume full, direct responsibility for the safe provision of their services and the control of their operational risks.
Who is the course for?
The course is for aviation professionals involved in ground operations, including Accountable Managers, Turnaround Coordinators, Safety Managers, Compliance Managers, Compliance Auditors, Ramp Supervisors, and personnel from Ground Handling Organizations (GHOs), National Aviation Authorities (NAAs), and airlines.
What is the Benefit of this Training – What will I learn?
- Master new EASA ground handling regulations and integrate them seamlessly with existing global standards.
- Confidently execute the Declaration of Capability submission process ahead of the critical March 2027 deadline.
- Develop a scalable Safety Management System to effectively manage operational hazards and fatigue risks.
- Oversee safe turnaround operations and manage complex multi-operator interfaces under new Part-GH.OPS requirements.
- Implement effective Competency-Based Training and Assessment strategies alongside robust ground support equipment maintenance programs.
- Construct an actionable transition roadmap to guarantee full organizational regulatory compliance by March 2028.
Detailed Content / Topics – The following Subjects will be addressed
Day 1
- Session 1: The EASA Regulatory Framework & Global Interfaces – Shift from industry self-regulation to EU safety compliance; the relationship between EASA, ICAO (Doc 10121), and IATA (ISAGO, IGOM); roles of GHOs, NAAs, and airlines.
- Session 2: Regulation (EU) 2025/23: Authority Requirements (Part-ARGH) – NAA allocation of responsibilities and risk-based oversight; cooperative oversight and cross-border coordination; management of findings (Level 1 & 2), enforcement, and corrective actions.
- Session 3: Regulation (EU) 2025/20: Industry Requirements & Declarations – Scope of Part-ORGH and exclusions; the Declaration of Capability submission process and March 2027 timeline; establishing formal arrangements with aerodrome operators.
- Session 4: Ground Handling Safety Management Systems (SMS) – Part 1 – Scalable SMS implementation (ORGH.MGM.200); the Accountable Manager’s role; developing a formalized Safety Policy and defining safety objectives; hazard identification and safety risk assessment.
- Session 5: Ground Handling Safety Management Systems (SMS) – Part 2 – Mandatory and voluntary safety reporting under Regulation (EU) 376/2014; fostering a non-punitive “Just Culture”; fatigue risk management, working hours, and shift planning controls.
- Session 6: Compliance, Audits, and Documentation – Establishing internal compliance monitoring and audit scheduling; Ground Handling Manual (GHM) creation and record-keeping; managing Alternative Means of Compliance (AltMoC).
Day 2
- Session 7: Personnel Training and Competence (Subpart TRG) – Establishing a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) and Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA); initial, recurrent, and refresher training; dangerous goods training protocols.
- Session 8: GSE Maintenance & Interface Management – Subpart GSE maintenance programs, defect reporting, and equipment pooling; safety interfaces with aerodromes and air operators.
- Session 9: Part-GH.OPS: Turnaround Coordination and Apron Safety – Turnaround coordination roles and multi-operator interface management; aircraft arrival, departure, and securing on the ground; Equipment Restraint Area (ERA) boundary discipline and 360-degree walkarounds.
- Session 10: Part-GH.OPS: Specialized Ground Handling Activities – Baggage, passenger, cargo/mail handling, and aircraft loading; aircraft servicing, including refueling, de-icing/anti-icing, potable water, and toilet servicing.
- Session 11: Cybersecurity (Part-IS) and Management of Change (MoC) – Information Security Management Systems for digital platforms and automated GSE; MoC processes for introducing new stations, equipment, or organizational structures.
- Session 12: Transition Strategy, Bottlenecks, and Action Planning – Overcoming SME administrative burdens, high staff turnover, and persistent duplicate auditing; developing a transition roadmap for the March 2027 and March 2028 deadlines; aligning IGOM/ISAGO with EASA requirements.
Target groups
This training will be of significant benefit to personnel directly involved in ground handling services, aviation compliance, turnaround coordination, and safety management, as well as authority inspectors overseeing these activities.
Pre-requisites
A foundational understanding of aviation operations and current ground handling practices is required.
Learning Objectives
To provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the new EASA ground handling regulations, equipping them with the knowledge to execute the Declaration of Capability, scale internal SMS frameworks, and ensure operational compliance across all ground handling functions.
What do People Say about Sofema Aviation Services Training?
“The instructor used the right words to explain the material.”
“The discussions among the group were very beneficial.”
“The instructor showed very resourceful background and experience.”
“All sections of the course were related to my field.”
“Adequate answers were given to specific questions.”
Duration
2 Days – To commence at 09.00 and finish at 17.00, with appropriate refreshment breaks.
To register for this training, please email [email protected] or Call +359 28210806
