Airport Certified Employee (ACE)
Operations Review Course

January 27-30, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. PT Daily

San Francisco, CA

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About the Course

The Airport Certified Employee (ACE) Operations review course is an overview of the study materials designed to educate and challenge airport personnel with airfield operations responsibilities or anyone interested in a related career.

Please note: Enrollment to the course does not include the ACE Operations Program Fee. In order to take the final examination, you must register for the ACE Operations Program separately.

We are pleased to offer a $100 discounted rate on the ACE Operations Program Fee as part of the Review Course purchase. You will see the discount information as you complete the registration process.

Join us for a four-day training live, led by one of our top instructors, Chief (Ret.) James “Jim” Nilo, C.M., ACE.

Course Agenda

Click below for full agenda. Subject to change. Please check back for updates.

 

Available Opportunities

 

Items

Wi-Fi Sponsorship
Exclusive Sponsorship: $1,500.00

 

Events

Wednesday, March 27

 

Airbase Tour Transportation
Exclusive Sponsorship: $1,500.00
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Networking Reception
Exclusive Sponsorship: $2,500.00
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Thursday, March 28

 

Continental Breakfast
Exclusive Sponsorship: $1,000.00
7:30 AM - 8:30 AM

AM Refreshment Break
Exclusive Sponsorship: $750.00
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM

Luncheon
Exclusive Sponsorship: $1,500.00
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM

PM Refreshment Break
Exclusive Sponsorship: $750.00
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM

Friday, March 29

 

Continental Breakfast
Exclusive Sponsorship: $1,000.00
7:15 AM - 8:00 AM

Grab and Go Lunch
Exclusive Sponsorship: $1,000.00
12:00 PM - 12:30 PM

You acknowledge that in registering for and attending this AAAE event, you agree to adhere to the cancellation policy noted below, AAAE's Duty of Care, and AAAE's Code of Conduct and Terms and Conditions.

2026 REGISTRATION FEES

Registration Type Rate
Non-Member Course $1415
Member Course $1315
Active Duty Military/Fed Govt (Non-Member) $1115
Active Duty Military/Fed Govt (Member) $1015

 

Do not miss our special rate of $455 for the ACE Operations Program Fee.
 
You MUST submit the ACE Operations Program Fee to take the final certification exam.
 
Training Registration fees are non-refundable/non-transferrable. 
 
The last day to register is 01/26/2026
 
Need to register offline? Contact  RegistrationUser@aaae.org for invoicing.
Questions? Contact the AAAE Training Department at training@aaae.org.

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CANCELLATION POLICY:

Registrations, cancellations and refund requests must be submitted in writing. All cancellation requests for registrations received on or before Tuesday, December 30, 2026, are subject to a $150 cancellation processing fee; approved refunds will be processed after the meeting takes place. There will be no refunds of any kind after this date. Cancellations with outstanding invoices received within two weeks of the start of the conference, will require full payment on the balance due. Refunds will not be provided, and balance dues will not be forgiven for no-shows. Substitutions within the same conference will be accepted without penalties. The difference between member and non-member price will be charged if a non-member replaces a member. Substitutions will be accepted with a written request to Training@aaae.org. The individual substituting for the original registrant is responsible for all financial obligations (balance due; difference in fees due to membership type) associated with that substitution. For all inquiries regarding cancellations, refunds and substitutions, please contact the AAAE Training Department. By submitting a completed registration form, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the cancellation policy. 

The ACE Operations Program purchase is non-refundable and non-transferable.

NOTE: AAAE reserves the right to postpone or cancel an event if the number of registrants is insufficient; due to acts of God; or any other reason beyond AAAE’s control. In this event, we will notify all registrants and credit the full registration fee towards another AAAE training, product or service. Confirmation letters will be emailed to attendees within one business day of registration. If you have not received an email confirmation of your registration within 3 days of registering, and you enrolled at least two hours prior to the online event, please contact the AAAE Training Department. Please note failure to receive a confirmation letter before an event will not be grounds for a refund.

Photo/Video Disclaimer:

By registering for and attending any AAAE event, you agree that your image may be used at any time, without further notification, for printed materials, web sites, social media and other marketing purposes.

Location Information

All business sessions will be held in the Airport Training Center.

For directions to the Airport Training Center, please click here.

For San Francisco Airport Hotels, please click here.

Be sure to bring with you the most recent edition of the ACE Operations Modules (if you wish to bring your own), writing utensils, and highlighters.

Meals:
Breakfast and lunch will be provided. 

About the Instructor

Nilo

James R. Nilo, C.M., ACE, IACE

Owner
JRN Consulting

Chief (Ret.) James “Jim” Nilo, C.M., ACE began his airport career in 1984 as a Crash Fire Rescue crewman in the U.S. Marine Corps and later served as a Firefighter/EMT with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority at Washington National Airport. He continued his public safety career with the City of Manassas Fire and Rescue, while also serving as an Adjunct Instructor for the Virginia Department of Fire Programs—a role he still maintains.

In 1994, Jim became a regional training manager with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, leading ARFF training development and helping secure the state’s first mobile aircraft live fire trainer. He earned the 1998 Virginia Aviation Person of the Year award for his contributions to ARFF.

In 1999, Jim was appointed Fire Chief at Richmond International Airport, eventually overseeing ARFF, Operations, Communications, Grounds, and Maintenance. He retired from public service in 2016 after 13 years in that role. Jim is now the founding partner of JRN Consulting, advising on airport operations, safety, and emergency services.

Jim has taught at the National Fire Academy and held leadership roles in organizations such as the ARFF Working Group. He resides in Virginia with his wife and their two dogs, Malcom and River.

Civilian/Military Airport Connection (CMAC)

What is CMAC?

The Civilian/Military Airport Connection (CMAC) program helps separating military personnel and new veterans acclimate from managing military airfields to the dynamic and complex commercial-use airport environment.

There are four components to the program:

  1. Professional transition workshop
  2. One airport certification course - choice of ACE Airfield Operations or Certified Member (C.M.)
  3. One year membership in AAAE
  4. Airport job shadowing

 

Program Benefits:

  • Ensure a smooth transition from military to civilian airport operations and management.
  • Earn the Airport Certified Employee (ACE) Airfield Operations certification or Certified Member (C.M.), that will put you ahead of other candidates for potential jobs.
  • Network with airport executives around the country through communities and events.
  • Explore various airport positions through the shadow program.
  • Receive discounts on other AAAE trainings and events.

Contact Us

Questions? Contact Us!

Training Department

703.824.0500 Option 4