Basic ASOS School
February 28 - March 1, 2026 | Hershey, PA
The countdown to this event is over!
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About the Course
If you oversee the operations of airports and military airfields, then this training is for you! Get a solid overview of 14 CFR Part 139 requirements and better understand the federal guidelines that affect the way your airport complies with regulations. The Basic ASOS Training is designed for individuals who are relatively new to airport operations, or have not attended a Basic ASOS before and are currently working in airport management, planning or operations.
Join us for a two-day training, led by one of our top instructors, James "Jim" Nilo, C.M., ACE, IACE. Please note, this course is held in conjunction with the 2026 NEC Airports Conference, which has a separate registration fees
Course Agenda
Click below for full agenda. Subject to change. Please check back for updates.
Saturday, February 28
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Welcome & Introduction
8:00-8:30 a.m.
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FAR Part 139 & The Airport Certification Manual
8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
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Morning Break
10:00 – 10:15 a.m.
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FAR Part 139.305 Paved Areas, 139.307 Unpaved areas, and 139.309 Safety areas
10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
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FAR Part 139.311 Marking, signs, and lighting
11:15 – 12:00 p.m.
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Lunch Break
12 - 1 p.m.
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FAR Part 139.311 Marking, Signs, and Lighting (continued)
1 - 1:15 p.m.
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FAR Part 139.313 Snow and Ice Control
1:15 - 2:45 p.m.
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Afternoon Break
2:45 - 3 p.m.
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FAR Parts 139.315, 139.317, and 139.319 Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting
3 - 4 p.m.
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FAR Part 139.321 Handling and Storing of Hazardous Substances and Materials
4 - 5 p.m.
Sunday, March 1
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FAR Part 139.325 Airport Emergency Plan
8 - 8:30 a.m.
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FAR Part 139.327 Self Inspection Program
8:30 - 10 a.m.
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FAR Part 139.329 Pedestrians and Ground Vehicles
10 - 10:30 a.m.
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Morning Break
10:30 - 10:45 a.m.
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FAR Part 139.331 Obstructions
10:45 - 11:15 a.m.
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FAR Part 139.333 Protection of NAVAIDS
11:15 - 11:45 a.m.
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FAR Part 139.335 Public Protection
11:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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Lunch Break
12 - 1 p.m.
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FAR Part 139.337 Wildlife Hazard Management
1 - 1:45 p.m.
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FAR Part 139.339 Airport Condition Reporting
1:45 - 2:15 p.m.
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Afternoon Break
2:15 - 2:30 p.m.
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FAR Part 139.341 Identifying, Marking, and Lighting Construction and Other Unserviceable Areas
2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
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FAR Part 139.343 Noncomplying Conditions
4:30 - 5 p.m.
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
In U.S. funds drawn on a U.S. bank. Registration fees listed below are for the Basic ASOS School only. The 2026 NEC Airports Conference has a separate registration fee.
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Standard Rate |
Member - $665 Non-Member - $750 |
Those attending the 2026 ASOS course at the Airports Conference in Hershey who plan to stay for the conference will need to register separately for the conference which begins on Monday, 3/2/26 and runs through Wednesday, 3/4/26.
Questions? Contact the Training Department at training@aaae.org.
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.
Cancellation Policy:
Registrations, cancellations and refund requests must be submitted in writing. All cancellation requests for registrations received on or before Friday, January 16, 2025, are subject to a $150 cancellation processing fee; approved refunds will be processed after the event 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 event, 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 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.
NOTE: AAAE reserves the right to cancel this program if the number of registrants is insufficient. In this event, we will notify all registrants and refund the registration fee in full. However, any costs incurred by the registrant, such as hotel cancellation or airline penalties, are the responsibility of the registrant. Confirmation letters will be emailed to attendees within two weeks of receipt of registration. If you have not received a confirmation letter via email two business days prior to the meeting, and you enrolled at least two weeks prior to the meeting, please contact the AAAE Training Department at training@aaae.org. Non-receipt of the confirmation letter before the meeting is not justification for seeking a refund. Registration confirmations must be received in order to verify participation in this course since space is limited.
Please note failure to receive a confirmation letter before an event will not be grounds for a refund.
AAAE Media Access Policy:
AAAE reserves the right to grant at their sole discretion access to TV, radio and print media organizations or individuals that have registered and received prior authorization from AAAE at least 72 hours prior to an AAAE event they wish to cover. Due to the sensitive nature of some discussions, not all sessions at some AAAE events will be open to media. AAAE retains the sole right to grant or refuse media access for any event or section of an event it operates. Please direct all inquiries to Brian Kalish.
Photo/Video Disclaimer
By registering for and attending any AAAE event, you agree that your name, voice, and image may be used at any time, without further notification, for recordings, printed materials, websites, social media, and other marketing purposes.
Hotel & Travel
Since the Basic ASOS School is being held in conjunction with the Airports Conference visit the NEC Airports Conference webpage for hotel and travel information.
About the Instructor
James R. Nilo, C.M., ACE, IACE
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.
Contact Information
Questions? Contact Us!
Course Information
AAAE Training Department
703.824.0500 Option 4

