AVSEC in one sentence: what it is and why it matters at airports

In Spain, AVSEC (Aviation Security) is the set of measures and procedures used to protect civil aviation against acts of unlawful interference, from access control to screening people, belongings and vehicles.

All of this sits within the National Security Programme (PNS) and European regulations. For 11.2.6, it makes clear that awareness training is mandatory for people who need unescorted access to ZRS (Zona Restringida de Seguridad).

In my day-to-day work as an AVSEC instructor, I usually start with the essentials: security is not safety. Security aims to prevent intrusions and prohibited items; safety focuses on safe operation.

Who needs AVSEC 11.2.6 training to access the ZRS?

What 11.2.6 is. It is the "awareness training" module for personnel who require unescorted access to ZRS, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2015/1998 and the PNS.

Who it applies to. Any worker who, because of their duties, must pass access controls and security controls to enter the ZRS or critical area, such as the apron, boarding areas or baggage sorting area.

What you are expected to know after completing it.

• Differentiate areas (public area, controlled access, ZRS and critical area) and their access requirements.
• Comply with access-control procedures (readers plus PIN/accreditation) and security controls (screening of people, belongings and vehicles).
• Recognize prohibited items, understand exemptions authorized by the Security Office and keep tools in custody so they are inaccessible to passengers.
• Respond to incidents, including suspicious objects, threats and reporting procedures.

What are the airport security zones and how do they differ?

• Public area / landside: free access, including check-in halls, arrivals and shops before security filters.
• Controlled access area: restricted access without screening, such as baggage reclaim.
• ZRS (Zona Restringida de Seguridad): requires access control plus security control to prevent prohibited items from entering. It includes boarding areas, already-screened baggage and the apron.
• Critical area: the most sensitive part of the ZRS. Everything entering it, including people, belongings and vehicles, is screened. In many Spanish airports it coincides with the ZRS.

Aena airport accreditation: what is it and how does it work?

Purpose. The AVSEC Certificate proves that you passed the training. It is submitted to the airport Security Office to process the accreditation when your role requires access to restricted areas at airports in the Aena network. It is valid for 5 years from the date of issue.

Colour types for people and extra permits:

• Red: public areas and offices outside the ZRS.
• Blue: controlled access.
• White: ZRS inside the terminal.
• Yellow: airside ZRS, except terminal interior, baggage sorting area and manoeuvring area.
• Green: all areas except the manoeuvring area and baggage sorting area.
• Extra permits: P (Runway) for the manoeuvring area; Red Stripe for the baggage sorting area.

How do you obtain the AVSEC certificate and airport accreditation?

Step 1 - Train and certify. Complete the Basic Security Awareness Course (AVSEC 11.2.6), pass the exam and download your certificate. At AVSEC.info you have the official course required to request accreditation at Aena airports.

Step 2 - Accreditation request. The company submits the documentation to the airport Security Office.

Step 3 - Proper use and renewals. Once accredited, follow the rules and renew the course when the certificate expires.

Ready to meet the rules and speed up your accreditation in the Aena network? Take the AVSEC 11.2.6 Course and obtain your official certificate.

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