Airport Certified Employee (ACE)
Operations Review Course
January 27-30, 2026 | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. PT Daily
San Francisco, CA
The countdown to this event is over!
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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.
Tuesday January 27, 2025
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Day 1: ACE Operations Modules 1 and 2
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM Introduction to ACE Program
8:30 AM - 9 AM | Module 1, Introduction to FAR Part 139 and the Airport Certification Manual
9:00 AM - 9:45AM | FAR Part 139 Subpart A, B, and C9:45 AM - 10:00 AM | Morning Break
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | The Importance of the Self Inspections Program and Miscellaneous Documents, Plans, and Factors Related to FAR Part 139 Airport Operations
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Module 2, FAR Part 139 Subpart D
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM | 139.301 Records, 139.303 Personnel
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM | Afternoon Break
2:45 PM - 5:00 PM | 139.305 Paved Area, 139.307 Unpaved Areas, and 139.309 Safety Areas
Wednesday, January 28, 2026
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Day 2: Ace Operations, Modules 2 and 3
8:00 AM - 9:45 AM | 139.311 Markings, Signs, and Lighting
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM | Morning Break10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 139.313 Snow and Ice Control, and ARFF
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Module 3, 139.321 Handling and Storing of Hazardous Substances and Materials
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM | 139.323 Traffic and Wind Direction Indicators
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM | Afternoon Break
2:45 PM - 5:00 PM | 139.325 Airport Emergency Plan, 139.329 Pedestrians and Ground Vehicles
Thursday, January 29, 2026
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Day 3: ACE Operations, Module 3
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | 139.331 Obstructions
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM | 139.333 Protection of NAVAIDS9:45 AM - 10:00 AM | Morning Break
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 139.335 Public Protection
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM | 139.337 Wildlife Hazard Management and 139.339 Airport Condition Reporting
Friday, January 30, 2026
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Day 4: ACE Operations, Module 3
8:00 AM - 9:45 AM | 139.341 Identifying, Marking, and Lighting Construction and Other Unserviceable Areas
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM | Morning Break
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM | 139.343 Noncomplying Conditions
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Review
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Lunch
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Proctored ACE Operations Exam
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 |
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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
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:
- Professional transition workshop
- One airport certification course - choice of ACE Airfield Operations or Certified Member (C.M.)
- One year membership in AAAE
- 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.

