Air Operations Area (AOA)
A portion of an airport in which security measures specified in 49 CFR 1542 are carried out. This area includes aircraft movement areas, aircraft parking areas, loading ramps, and safety areas, for use by aircraft regulated under 49 CFR 1544 or 49 CFR 1546, and any adjacent areas (such as general aviation areas) that are not separated by adequate security systems, measures, or procedures. This area does not include the secured area. The AOA is basically the area used for aircraft operation. The airport operator is required to control access to the AOA and movements within the AOA. How to do this is up to the airport operator, thus different airports may have different access control procedures.