Working at the Airport

AVOP Material

 Information

Any person operating a vehicle on the airside of the airport must possess a valid AVOP issued by TBIAAI. No other airport's AVOP is valid at the Thunder Bay Airport. The pre-requisites for an AVOP are:

  • A valid driver's license to operate a vehicle in the Province of Ontario
  • A RAIC, or a temporary pass (while waiting for your RAIC)
  • An AVOP is considered to be revoked when you are no longer employed at the Thunder Bay Airport location, if you no longer have a need or right to possess the permit, or if you are on a period of leave from your employer for more than 6 months

 

 

Applications for AVOP and AVIP

Applications for both Airside Vehicle Operator's Permits (for operators) and Airside Vehicle Inspection Permits (for vehicles/equipment stickers) are available online. The application process is fully digital: paper forms are NOT accepted at any time. The application web form is available on our website by clicking the link below. Once submitted we are provided with an automated notification, and we will be prepared for the applicant to then schedule their appointment. This process is outlined below, under the AVOP / AVIP Administration and Protocols section. The TBIAAI will provide a vehicle for the purposes of completing the Practical AVOP testing. Vehicle familiarization will be provided on site as required.

Click here to watch the video in order to gain access to applications information.

You may choose to upload an *image of yourself - this helps us immensely when administering your application. We can also take your photo in the office.


*Submitted images must meet the size requirements outlined in the image above. Photos must not contain any filters or effects that alter the image of the applicant. All photos not meeting TBIAAI requirements will be rejected, and re-taken by the AVOP Office. 

If you change employers you must submit an AVOP application identifying your new employer.

If you work for more than one employer, you must complete an AVOP application for each company in order for the TBIAAI to be aware of your multiple employer status.

For persons with multiple employers, only one AVOP can be issued. Information will be kept on file to provide justification for your need to operate a vehicle on airside during your employment with each respective company.

Booking an Appointment for a Card Replacement

New applicants or Renewals must complete an application prior to requesting an appointment (see section above).

For existing AVOP holders, card replacements or other general information the AVOP office can be contacted via AVOP Administration at 807-473-2626 or by email at avop@tbairport.on.ca.

Testing and Associated Fees

NOTE: There is an expectation that applicants arrive ready to pass the test, and have been trained by their employer on all aspects of the applicable AVOP classification.

The written test (Administered in the Air Terminal Building, 3rd floor Pass Control Office) is web-based and is fully proctored on site using our computer systems in the building. The practical driving test (Administered in the Emergency Response and Operations Centre, 340 Hector Dougall Way) will be scheduled following the successful completion of the written test. Remote testing is not an option.

Your first test is provided at no charge.

Should the applicant not meet minimum passing grades, all subsequent exams are subject to a fee in accordance with our fee structure provided in our Airport Traffic Directives Administration Document (under the Study Packages section). This fee is payable online through a payment portal - no cash is accepted or handled in our AVOP office at any time whatsoever.

Exam Fee Structure

First test:

  • No Fee

Any subsequent written and/or practical exams:

  • AVOP D/A retest cost: $20 per re-test
  • AVOP D retest cost: $30 per re-test

Click on the link below for the TBIAAI Online Payment Site where payments can be made. You MUST produce proof of payment (ie. confirmation email) upon arrival of your second or third attempt, otherwise you will be refused service.

TBIAAI Online Payments

Note: The refund of any payment made online will not be considered by TBIAAI. Confirmation of payment will be sent to you via the email address you provide when making the payment. Proof of payment must be provided at time of re-test.

Before you are issued your AVOP, you must pass both a written and practical test. A passing grade is considered 90% for both AVOP "D" and AVOP "D/A" exams. Multiple choice questions and some fill in the blank questions will be on the tests. AVOP "D" applicants must pass BOTH D and D/A tests. Your employer is responsible to ensure that you are properly trained in advance prior to testing. You must be fully prepared to perform the practical driving assessment.

When the written test is successfully completed you will be eligible to proceed to the practical driving test. Those who have successfully completed the written test are emailed instructions on how to schedule a practical exam.

You may alternatively choose to book a reservation for a driving test at a future date within 30 days of passing the written test. A driving test will be conducted in accordance with the type of AVOP you are applying for.

  • The D/A AVOP certifies the permit holder to operate a vehicle within apron areas only. A driving test will be conducted during the daytime hours. You will be expected to demonstrate a competent ability to operate a vehicle within the area you are permitted to operate based on your job function.
  • The D AVOP certifies the permit holder to operate a vehicle within the entire airfield, including runways, taxiways, and aprons. A driving test will be conducted during daytime or nighttime hours. The D AVOP driving test will also include radio procedures - refer to the ROC-A section below. All D AVOP applicants must posses a valid ROC-A license through Industry Canada.

Study Packages and AVOP / AVIP Administration and Protocols

The following material is necessary to prepare the applicant for the written and practical AVOP tests. This material also provides AVOP holders with the knowledge required to safely and competently operate a vehicle within the approved areas.

The Airport Traffic Directives Administration Document outlines the TBIAAI AVOP program, and defines our approach to administering the AVOP and AVIP systems. This information provides all organizations with information needed to be fully aware of our processes, demerit point systems, and testing requirements. This document is required for all AVOP / AVIP holders to understand their obligations.

All documents are 3rd Edition, updated December 13 2021:

AVOP "D" Training Package  
AVOP "D/A" Training Package  
Airport Traffic Directives Administration Document 

Radio Operator Certificate - Aeronautical (ROC-A) Examinations

A $100 administration and processing fee will apply for any and all ROC-A related examination services rendered by TBIAAI.

All ROC-A exams must be completed in person by an authorized accredited examiner. For more information please visit: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/015.nsf/eng/home 

In addition to the standard requirements, a Radiotelephone Operator Certificate - Aeronautical is required before one may acquire a D AVOP. The federal government, through Industry Canada, Spectrum Management Operations Branch, issues the certificate. An accredited examiner is available for this examination providing eligibility requirements are met in advance by the applicant. Contact the TBIAAI for more information how how you may schedule your ROC-A certification exam through TBIAAI.

Study guide is found here (Government of Canada link): Study Guide for the Restricted Operator Certificate with Aeronautical Qualification

Applicants wishing to apply for an ROC-A exam, or to find out more information, are to email avop@tbairport.on.ca. We will strive to provide a response within 7 business days.

All persons using TBIAAI as a resource to acquire an ROC-A certificate must adhere to the same AVOP appointment processes listed above.