✈️ Understanding GACA Part 151 & Part 68: Licensing and Regulation of Ground Service Providers (GSPs) and Personnel in Saudi Arabia

✈️ Understanding GACA Part 151 & Part 68: Licensing and Regulation of Ground Service Providers (GSPs) and Personnel in Saudi Arabia

The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has established comprehensive regulatory frameworks under Part 151 and Part 68 of the Saudi Arabian Civil Aviation Regulations (GACAR) to ensure that all Ground Handling Services (GHS) at certified aerodromes meet international standards of safety, efficiency, and professionalism.

These two parts work in tandem:

- Part 151: Governs the certification and operational requirements for Ground Service Providers (GSPs).

- Part 68: Regulates the licensing, training, and qualification of ground services personnel, including those working for GSPs and self-handlers.

📌 Part 151: Certification of Ground Service Providers (GSPs)

1. Certification Requirement

All GSPs operating at certificated aerodromes in Saudi Arabia must obtain a certificate from GACA. This ensures that only qualified and compliant organizations are permitted to provide ground services.

2. Scope of Operations

Part 151 defines:

- 11 Core Categories of ground services

- 38 Specific Types of service within these categories

This forms the "Operations Specifications" (Ops Specs) that define what services a GSP is approved to perform.

Example Core Categories Include:

- Aircraft Servicing

- Passenger Handling

- Baggage and Cargo Handling

- Apron Management

- Catering

- Aircraft Cleaning

- De-/Anti-Icing

- Aircraft Towing

- Ground Equipment Maintenance

- Security Screening

- Ramp Safety Supervision

3. Compliance Requirements

To maintain certification, GSPs must comply with:

- Technical Standards outlined in GACAR §151.5

- Subparts C through I, which cover:

- Personnel qualifications

- Facilities and equipment

- Manuals and procedures

- Quality assurance systems

- Safety management

- Audits and inspections

4. Personnel Requirements

Part 151 mandates that GSPs appoint qualified individuals in key roles, including:

- Management Representatives

- Supervisory Staff

- Safety Officers

- Auditors

- Instructors

- Inspection Personnel

Each role has defined qualifications, experience, and responsibilities to ensure accountability and expertise.

5. Ground Operations Manual (GOM)

Every GSP must develop and maintain an approved Ground Operations Manual, containing:

- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

- Safety protocols

- Emergency response plans

- Training programs

- Compliance checklists

This manual must be reviewed and approved by GACA and kept up-to-date.

Part 68: Certificated Aerodromes – Ground Services Personnel

1. Applicability

Part 68 applies to all personnel performing ground services functions at certificated aerodromes, including:

- Employees of licensed GSPs

- Self-handlers (airlines managing their own ground services)

- Contractors involved in regulated activities

2. Work Permit Requirement

Personnel must hold a valid GACA-issued Work Permit, sponsored by:

- A certified GSP (under Part 151)

- An aerodrome operator

- A certified aircraft maintenance organization

3. Qualification and Training Requirements

Part 68 outlines specific training and qualification criteria for 15 job functions, such as:

- Passenger Handling Agent

- Baggage Loader

- Aircraft Cleaner

- Aircraft Fuel Operator

- Catering Loader

- Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Driver/Operator

- De-/Anti-Icing Technician

- Load Controller

- Ramp Agent

- Towbar Operator

- First Aid Responder

- Fire Marshal

- Catering Supervisor

- Ramp Safety Inspector

- Instructor

Each function requires:

- Initial Training (classroom and practical)

- Knowledge Examinations

- On-the-Job Training (OJT)

- Recurrent Training (annually or biennially)

4. Sponsorship and Accountability

Only certified organizations can sponsor personnel for work permits. This ensures that:

- Training is standardized

- Records are maintained

- Supervision is provided

- Responsibility is assigned

5. Training Records

GSPs are responsible for:

- Maintaining accurate and secure training records

- Ensuring access to auditable data

- Protecting personal and sensitive information

Integration of Part 151 and Part 68

Together, Part 151 and Part 68 form a comprehensive regulatory framework that ensures:

- Only qualified organizations provide ground services

- Only trained and certified personnel operate on the ramp

- All activities are conducted under approved procedures

- Safety and quality are upheld at all times

This integrated approach supports Saudi Arabia’s vision for a modern, efficient, and safe aviation ecosystem, aligning with global best practices such as those of ICAO, EASA, and FAA.

📌 Conclusion

GACA's Part 151 and Part 68 represent a significant step forward in the regulation of ground handling services in Saudi Arabia. By mandating formal certification for GSPs and structured training for personnel, these regulations help create a safer, more professional, and globally competitive aviation industry.

Organizations involved in ground handling must ensure full compliance with these rules to avoid penalties, operational disruptions, and reputational damage.