Contact: (860) 866-8650 | rick@isbaoaudits.com

WELCOME

TO ISBAOAudits.com

The International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) was introduced by the International Business Aviation Council, LTD (IBAC), in 2003. IS-BAO was developed by the industry for the benefit of the industry. It is a code of best practices designed to help flight departments worldwide achieve a high level of safety and professionalism.

WHAT'S REQUIRED?

ICAO Audit Checklist, ICAO audit stage

The IS-BAO includes SMS requirements, organization and personnel, standard operating procedures, training programs, flight operations, operations in international airspace, aircraft equipment requirements, aircraft maintenance requirements, company operations manual, emergency response plan, environmental management, occupational health and safety, transportation of dangerous goods, and security.

In summary, since 2010, all operations in ICAO member countries must demonstrate an SMS, Operations Manual, and Fatigue Management System. How will YOUR department prove compliance? A successful IS-BAO audit by an accredited auditor provides an operator the documentation to substantiate conformity, and in some areas in excess of the basic requirements as recognized by all ICAO members.

ICAO Auditors, ICAO Audit Companies

Many departments find themselves re-writing their Operations Manuals (this sometimes requires a consultant or other resources) to be IS-BAO conforming and then ensure they are conformant with their new manuals. The standards are not a mystery and are clearly defined. The final task is to arrange an audit. A department should know when they are conforming through self or external auditing and an IS-BAO audit should not be a painful “search and destroy mission.” There are different stages of IS-BAO, with Stage Three (requires re-certification every three years vice two) defined as executing a fully ‘mature SMS’.

IBAC reasons are listed on their site which you can access by clicking here, which are all very true. The reasons we have encountered range from:

  • Adherence to ICAO and a means of proving conforming flight throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
  • Significant reduction of insurance premiums.
  • Documentation of sustained superior performance to management teams, decision makers, performance evaluators, owners, etc.
  • Team building and reinforcing department structure and operations.
  • Document expectations, goals, and best practices.
  • Incorporating ‘loose ends’ of SMS, maintenance, security, training, HR, etc., into one traceable program.
+ HOW?

Many departments find themselves re-writing their Operations Manuals (this sometimes requires a consultant or other resources) to be IS-BAO conforming and then ensure they are conformant with their new manuals. The standards are not a mystery and are clearly defined. The final task is to arrange an audit. A department should know when they are conforming through self or external auditing and an IS-BAO audit should not be a painful “search and destroy mission.” There are different stages of IS-BAO, with Stage Three (requires re-certification every three years vice two) defined as executing a fully ‘mature SMS’.

+ WHY?

IBAC reasons are listed on their site which you can access by clicking here, which are all very true. The reasons we have encountered range from:

  • Adherence to ICAO and a means of proving conforming flight throughout Europe and the rest of the world.
  • Significant reduction of insurance premiums.
  • Documentation of sustained superior performance to management teams, decision makers, performance evaluators, owners, etc.
  • Team building and reinforcing department structure and operations.
  • Document expectations, goals, and best practices.
  • Incorporating ‘loose ends’ of SMS, maintenance, security, training, HR, etc., into one traceable program.

DO YOU KNOW...

The level of man hours to achieve IS-BAO registration is dependent on how that department is currently operating. An established department, with an established SMS, may be relegated to some ‘fine-tuning’ and achieve registration rather quickly (see IS-BAO registered operators). A less experienced department may have a considerable task before them. There are many consultants that help in various areas to become conformant; however, they must be chosen carefully.

HELPFUL LINKS

IS-BAO
International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO)
IBAC
International Business Aviation Council
NBAA
National Business Aviation Administration
ICAO Annex 6, Part II
ICAO SMS Doc 9859

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