Airside Vehicle Operator’s Permit (AVOP)

Safe Operations Airside

Operating a vehicle airside at Hamilton International requires appropriate authorization and adherence to established airport operating procedures. The information below outlines the requirements for obtaining an Airside Vehicle Operator’s Permit (AVOP), including the applicable application, training and testing procedures.

About the AVOP Program

An Airside Vehicle Operator’s Permit (AVOP) certifies that an individual is trained and authorized to safely operate vehicles within airside areas, including gates, aprons, taxiways and runways.

All applicants must demonstrate a valid operational need and receive authorization to operate airside. Applicants must also successfully complete the required training, a written examination and practical driving test.

Your Company Signing Authority is responsible for requesting and authorizing AVOPs for employees. If you do not know who your Company Signing Authority is, contact your manager or supervisor. For questions about whether your role requires an AVOP, please contact Airport Operations.

Following submission, the Airport will assess the operational need for the requested level of access.

How to Apply

All applicants must submit complete documentation before assessment and testing.

Required documentation:


  • Signed AVOP application completed by Company Signing Authority
  • 3-year driver record or abstract
  • Scan of Restricted Operator Certificate (ROC-A) – for D Permits only

Incomplete applications will not be processed and applicants will not be permitted to proceed to testing until all documentation has been received and verified.

AVOP Types

Valid for operation on uncontrolled movement areas only.

Typically required for:

  • Airline ground service providers
  • Unescorted apron drivers

Authorized areas:

  • All public aprons
  • Taxiways Delta, Lima, Whiskey, Foxtrot
  • Taxi lanes Juliet, Alpha

Valid for operation within all movement areas, including controlled surfaces under Air Traffic Control (ATC) authorization.

Typically required for:

  • Airport Operations personnel
  • NAV CANADA technicians
  • Cargo operators
  • Contractors and construction escort personnel

Requirements:

  • Valid Radiotelephone Operator’s Certificate – Aeronautical (ROC-A)
  • Applicable driver’s licence and required training

Authorized areas:

  • All runways (06-24, 12-30)
  • Taxiways Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Golf, Foxtrot
  • All D/A operational surfaces

Testing Requirements

Applicants must complete both a written examination and practical driving test, typically scheduled on the same day. If an applicant completes the written exam but reschedules the practical test, they will be billed for two separate appointments.

All testing is by appointment and subject to operational availability. All documentation must be submitted prior to booking. Incomplete applications will result in denial of testing.

Please contact [email protected] to schedule your written exam. All written AVOP testing takes place at the Operations Centre, located inside the Air Terminal Building. Upon arrival, please use the telephone on the wall across from the elevator to speak with a Terminal Operations Officer.

Bring the following documents with you:

  • Completed AVOP application, signed by Company Signing Authority
  • RAIC or Company ID
  • Valid provincial driver’s licence (G1 not accepted)

Practical driving examinations are conducted by a Terminal Operations Officer.

Bring the following documents with you:

  • RAIC or Company ID
  • Valid provincial driver’s licence (G1 not accepted)

For D Permit only, please also bring:

  • Restricted Operator Certificate – Aeronautical (ROC-A)

Below are the minimum passing scores required to successfully obtain each AVOP type.

  • D Permit: 90% (38/42)
  • D/A Permit: 84% (28/33)

The written exam assesses knowledge of airside safety and regulations. Applicants are expected to review AVOP training materials and Airside Traffic Directives prior to testing.

The practical test evaluates safe vehicle operation in compliance with airside regulations, including signage, markings and ATC instructions. It is conducted using a standardized checklist by a Terminal Operations Officer. If at any time the officer determines the applicant poses a safety risk, the test will be terminated and recorded as a failure.

The practical test must be completed within one (1) month of passing the written exam; otherwise, the written exam must be retaken.

Below are the required waiting periods following an exam failure.

  • After 1st and 2nd attempts: 7 days
  • After 3rd attempt: 30 days

Additional attempts may require employer authorization and approval from the Airport Operator.

Renewing Your AVOP

Renewal of a D or D/A Permit with no recorded Notice of Infraction does not require a renewal exam.

If a Notice of Infraction is recorded, at minimum, the written exam must be retaken before expiry. Failure to renew before expiry requires both written and practical exams

Applicants with three (3) or more infractions may be required, at the discretion of the Airport Operator, to complete both written and practical testing.
The Airport Operator reserves the right to require re-testing at any time.

All renewal applications must be submitted to [email protected].

Vehicle Licensing to Operate Airside

All vehicles operating airside must be authorized through an approved vehicle pass process. An “Application for Restricted Area Vehicle Pass” form must be obtained from the Operations Centre, completed in full and submitted to the Pass Control Office for review and approval.