Airport Certified Employee (ACE) Finance Training
March 23-26, 2026| 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST| Alexandria, VA
The countdown to this event is over!
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About the Course
The Airport Certified Employee (ACE) Finance course is an overview of the study materials designed to educate and challenge airport personnel with responsibilities for the financial operations at commercial service and general aviation airports or anyone interested in a related career.
Learn why this course is for you
Please note: Enrollment to the course does not include the ACE Finance Program Fee. In order to take the final examination, you must register for the ACE Finance Program Fee separately.
Agenda
Click below for full agenda. Subject to change. Please check back for updates.
Monday, March 23
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Day 1
Module 1: The Airport Fiscal Environment
- Course Introduction
- The Birth of Commercial Aviation and Funding
- The National Air Transportation System
- Airport Facilities (The Airfield)
- Break
- Airport Facilities (Aircraft Parking and the Terminal)
- The Airline Industry Deregulation
- Airport Sponsor Governance
- Federal Polices, Grant Assurances and Programs
Module 2: Operating, Budgeting, Accounting, and Reporting
- Methods of Accounting and FAA Programs
- Rules For Financial Reporting Enterprise Resource Planning
- Budgeting, Financial Reporting, and Audit Report
- Auditing Process
- Annual Financial Reports, FAA AIP Grant Reports, and PFC Reports
- FAA Forms 126 and 127
Tuesday, March 24
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Day 2
Module 3: Airport Capital Development
- Physical Planning Process
- Internal Airport Capital Improvement Program
- FAA Airport Capital Improvement Program and PFCs
- Airport Equity, Customer Facility Charges, and Other Funding Sources
- The Debt Funding Process and Key Documents
- Non-Airline Revenues and Economic Impact Studies
- Terminal Concession Agreements
- Types of Concession Agreements and ACDBE Requirements
Wednesday, March 25
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Day 3
Module 4: Non-Airline Agreements and Commercial Development
- Parking Revenues and Types of Management
- Parking Management RFPs and Ground Transportation
- Rental Car Concessions and Advertising Agreements
- FBOs and SASOs and Minimum Standards
- Land Development, Land Releases, and Development Standards
Thursday, March 26
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Day 4
Module 5: Airline Use and Lease Agreements
- Historical Context and Grant Assurances
- FAA Revenue Policies, Competition, and Case Law
- Cost Accounting and Airline Rates, Rate Methodologies
- Rate Methodologies (cont.), Other Provisions, and Negotiation Process
- Final Review and Q&A
Registration Fees & Deadlines
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 | $1015 |
Do not miss our special rate of $455 for the ACE Finance Program Fee.
*You MUST submit the ACE Finance Program Fee to take the final certification exam.
This purchase is non-refundable and non-transferable.
AAAE accepts registration regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, sex, physical disability and national or ethnic origin. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment and educational services. If you require any special assistance to participate or have special dietary requirements, email aaaemeetings@aaae.org.
To register as an attendee, you may register online by logging in. If you do not know your username or password, click the "Forgot my password or my username" options on this page. If you do not have an account, click on the "Create a new account" option on this page.
If you have issues registering, please contact the Training Department at training@aaae.org or call 703-797-9009.
CANCELLATION POLICY: For all inquiries regarding cancellations, please contact the AAAE Training Department by email at training@aaae.org. By submitting a completed online registration, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the cancellation policy and that the cancellation policy for this webinar supersedes the general cancellation policy noted in AAAE Event Participant Terms and Conditions.
Registrations, cancellations and refund requests must be submitted in writing. All cancellation requests for registrations received on or before Monday, February 23, 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 training, 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 at 703.824.0500, option 4 or email training@aaae.org. By submitting a completed registration form, you acknowledge that you have read and understand the cancellation policy. Please note failure to receive a confirmation letter before an event will not be grounds for a refund or credit. Participant Terms and Conditions.
The ACE Finance Program purchase is non-refundable and non-transferable.
NOTE: 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 1 day of registering, and you enrolled at least two hours prior to the online event, please contact the AAAE Training Department at training@aaae.org. 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.
Additional Details
All sessions will be held at the AAAE Conference Center in the Barclay Building, 601 Madison Street, Third Floor, Alexandria, Virginia 22314, phone 703.824.0500. The review course starts with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, March 23, and concludes at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 26. Dress is casual.
All sessions and food functions will take place in the AAAE Conference Center located on the third floor of the AAAE Headquarters Building, directly across the street from the Sheraton Suites Old Town. Each morning you will need to use the buzzer at the front door to enter the building.
Be sure to bring with you the most recent edition of the ACE Finance Modules (if you wish to bring your own), writing utensils, highlighters, and a laptop to take the exam on the final day. A course workbook will be provided to you at the start of class.
Meals: breakfast and lunch will be provided by and take place at AAAE.
Recommended Hotel
Sheraton Suites Old Town Alexandria (a Marriott Brand), located across the street from AAAE, 801 N. Saint Asaph, Alexandria, VA 22314.
If you wish to reserve via phone, you may also call the Marriott Central Reservations- US/Canada: 1(888)236-2427.
About the Instructor
Jeff A. Kohlman
Founder and Principal Consultant
AMCG
Jeff, a founder of AMCG, has over 35 years of aviation experience including the provision of airport and aviation business management consulting services for over 30 years. A majority of Jeff's consulting projects are focused on facilitating strategic airport business planning, development of primary management compliance documents (e.g., rules and regulations, minimum standards, leasing policy, and rents and fees policy), and airport management and operation assessments. Jeff is a regular moderator and speaker at industry conferences and is the lead instructor for AAAE's Airport Management and Compliance Workshop, General Aviation Airport Management and Operations Training, and ACE Airport Finance Course. In addition, he has taught senior-level aviation business management courses at Metropolitan State University of Denver. He is an instrument rated private pilot and aircraft owner.
Hotel & Travel
Hotel Accommodations
All events (except where noted in the agenda) are being held at the Desoto Savannah, 15 East Liberty Street, Savannah, GA; phone 866.810.5325. We have secured two separate room blocks. The first room block is for all Non-Federal or Non-Military attendees. You will receive a special rate of $239 single/double, plus tax. The second room block is a per-diem rate for Federal and Military attendees. You will receive a special government per diem rate of $147 single/double, plus tax. Please note, you must provide appropriate documentation at check-in or you will be charged the higher rate.
The last day to receive either of these discounted rates Thursday, March 14, 2024. Rooms may sell out before this date, so make your reservations early. You can call the hotel directly at 866.810.5325 and tell them you are with the Industrial Aviation Workshop or book online directly using the following links:
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.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Extend your reach and maximize exposure to a powerful audience by sponsoring the Industrial Aviation and Military Operations Workshop. From the opening networking reception, to breaks, lunches, and sessions, we have multiple tiers of sponsorships available. Your sponsorship will reinforce brand loyalty and show potential clients your company is a major player in the industry. Sponsorships are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so act now before these opportunities sell out!
Don’t let your competition get all the attention, become a sponsor today!
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

