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Anode Technical Institute

Certificate

Airport Passenger Boarding Bridge & GSE Technician

A 12-credit certificate in four courses: passenger boarding bridge structures, drives and lifts, bridge controls, auto-leveling, sensors and safety systems, 400 Hz ground power units and aircraft power interfaces, and preconditioned air, ground support equipment and maintenance. Coursework is vendor-neutral. It prepares you for industry practice and does not by itself grant any license or agency certification.

12 credits
3 terms
Free to study · $99 for the credential
100% online

Outcomes

What you will be able to do

  1. 01Service bridge drives and lifts
  2. 02Troubleshoot bridge controls
  3. 03Maintain 400 Hz ground power
  4. 04Service preconditioned air units

Careers

Where graduates work

  • Boarding bridge technician
  • Airport ground support technician
  • Airport facilities technician

Curriculum

Term 1

3 credits
PBB 1013 cr

Passenger Boarding Bridge Structural Systems, Drives, and Lift Mechanisms

This course provides foundational instruction on the mechanical, structural, and drive systems utilized across passenger boarding bridges on the airport apron. Students analyze load-bearing frameworks, wheel drive bogeys, and vertical lift assemblies while developing core mechanical inspection, maintenance, and rigging competencies.

Term 2

6 credits
PBB 1053 cr

Passenger Boarding Bridge Controls, Auto-Leveling, and Safety Systems

This course provides technicians with an in-depth study of passenger boarding bridge electrical controls, automation, positioning sensors, and safety interlock systems. Students will learn to calibrate auto-leveling mechanisms, diagnose control circuit faults, and maintain critical safety loops essential for secure apron-to-aircraft connections.

PBB 1103 cr

Aviation 400 Hz Ground Power Systems and Aircraft Electrical Interfaces

This course provides comprehensive instruction on the electrical theory, operation, and maintenance of specialized 400 Hz ground power units serving commercial aircraft. Students learn to safely evaluate frequency converters, troubleshoot aircraft umbilical interfaces, and perform rigorous diagnostic testing on power delivery systems.

Term 3

3 credits
PBB 1153 cr

Preconditioned Air Systems, Ground Support Equipment Integration, and Asset Maintenance

This course equips technicians with the theoretical knowledge and operational skills required to service preconditioned air systems and auxiliary ground support equipment installed on passenger boarding bridges. Students master thermodynamic cycles, airflow distribution, preventative maintenance scheduling, and advanced fault isolation techniques to ensure high equipment availability.

Ready to begin? One click adds all 4 courses to your student portal.