What is airside working?
Working on an operating airfield: who may enter, what clearance is needed, where to stay and who has priority.
The airside is the controlled part of an airport where aircraft and the vehicles that serve them move. Anyone doing AGL work there needs authority, meaning an airside pass, training and a permit to work, and clearance from air traffic control or airport operations before entering the movement area. Access is by an approved, escorted route, and the work stays inside the marked work area that was agreed.
Aircraft always have priority: vehicles and people give way and stay behind holding positions unless cleared, and a lit stop bar is never crossed. Isolating an AGL circuit near operations also changes which lights are available, so it is agreed with ATC or airport operations as well as made safe electrically. Work near ILS critical and sensitive areas, or during low-visibility procedures, is restricted and needs specific approval from ATC or airport operations. When work is finished, tools and debris are removed, the circuit is returned to service only as the procedure allows, and the area is handed back clear and reported.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1What is the airside of an airport?
The airside is the part of the airport used by aircraft and the vehicles that serve them, including the runways, taxiways and aprons and the ground next to them. Access is controlled, so anyone working there needs authority, the right training and permission for the area and the time.
Q2Why can’t AGL staff simply drive to a failed light?
Entering a runway or taxiway without clearance can put a vehicle in the path of an aircraft. Access to the movement area is approved by air traffic control or airport operations, which know what is moving. Work starts only after the permission, the route and the work area are agreed.
Q3Who has priority, aircraft or vehicles?
Aircraft have priority. Vehicles and people give way, stay behind holding positions and stop lines unless cleared to cross or enter, and follow the airport’s airside driving rules. A lit stop bar is never crossed, even if a clearance seems to allow it: stop and query it with ATC.
Q4What does a permit to work cover?
It records what work is being done, where, when and by whom, the equipment and vehicles involved, the safety measures and who to contact. Work stays inside what the permit allows and the permit is closed when the work is finished.
Q5What if the work runs late or the plan changes?
Stop, make the area safe and contact airport operations or ATC as the procedure requires. Do not extend the work area, time or method on your own, because aircraft movements and other work are planned around what was agreed.
Q6What must be done when airside work is finished?
Remove all tools, materials and debris so nothing is left behind, return the lighting circuit to service only as the isolation and test procedure allows, report to ATC or airport operations and close the permit. The area is handed back clear.
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