What is the main focus of an AVOP's practical assessment?

The main focus of an AVOP's practical assessment is to assess the operator's ability to follow airside regulations. This is crucial because operating a vehicle on the airside of an airport involves strict adherence to safety protocols and regulations, which are designed to ensure the safety of both personnel and aircraft. The practical assessment evaluates how well the operator navigates the airside environment while adhering to these guidelines, including communication with air traffic control, awareness of their surroundings, and compliance with operational procedures.

Understanding and applying airside regulations is essential for maintaining safe operations in a busy airport environment, where the risk of accidents or incidents can be high. Therefore, the practical assessment is structured to ensure that operators have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties safely and effectively, reinforcing the importance of regulatory compliance over other aspects like aesthetics or speed.