Safety is always a major area of concern for any business aviation operator. An aircraft must be properly maintained in order to guarantee a safe flight for both crew and passengers.
To ensure safety throughout the industry, a variety of government-mandated and public-interest safety regulations and rules have been developed. It’s important that operators be familiar with them.
Safety Management System
A Safety Management System (SMS) is a systematic way of identifying risks and problems for an operator. According to industry professionals, an SMS is a businesslike approach to safety. More specifically, it is a systematic, explicit and comprehensive process for managing safety risks.
As with all management systems, an SMS provides for goal setting, planning and measuring performance. A safety management system should be woven into the fabric of an organization, becoming part of the culture, the way people do their jobs.
The system needs to be simplistic and offer ways to identify safety risks before and during flight, as well as when a plane touches down. It will need to contain checklists and, most likely, a scoring system. There also must be a person who is the complete authority for the flight. Finally, a safety management system establishes a system for regulators and operators to effectively communicate.
Part NCC
Part NCC is the most timely and important regulation for operators in Europe and places an emphasis on safety management systems. The rules apply to all non-commercial operators whose principal place of business is within a European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) state, even if the aircraft is registered outside the area.
The rules go into effect this August.
To comply with the regulation, an operator must have a current safety management system. The operator must also have a training regiment and accurate documents and record keeping. In addition, the operator must have an operations manual that specifies maintenance programs, equipment and other aspects of the aircraft.
Once the regulations are implemented, it will not be uncommon for regulators to do ramp inspections to make sure operators have complied with the rule – so be prepared! Your Jetex Trip Planning specialist will be able to help ensure your operation is Part NCC compliant.
IS-BAO
The International Standard for Business Aviation Operations (IS-BAO) was developed by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and its associated members. It is a set of best practices codes for business aviation operators and is recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States. The European Committee for Standardization also recognizes IS-BAO for safe operation and maintenance of business aviation aircraft.
There are over 700 IS-BAO registered operators in the US and around the world, and that number continues to increase each year. The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has a complete toolkit for becoming IS-BAO compliant. The package contains a CD-ROM and other material. There are also companies that specialize in helping operators earn an IS-BAO certification.
For any questions or concerns regarding any of these regulations contact your Jetex Trip Support specialists – who will also be able to advise you on any updates to the regulations that could impact your operations.
