Launched in 2002, the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) is designed to promote the use of high quality, optimised operating practices by establishing a framework ranging from effective safety and operational processes, to providing tools to perform gap analysis to facilitate the implementation of best industry practices. This will deliver a Safety Management System appropriate to your operational profile.

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IS-BAO is based on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards that prepare the operator for both domestic and international operations. It is applicable to both large and small operators.

IS-BAO was developed by the business aviation community and is maintained via the IS-BAO Standards Board, a group of business aviation subject matter experts nominated by IBAC Member Association. IS-BAO builds on the excellent safety record already established in business aviation.

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The program centers on the Safety Management System (SMS) and leads the operator from establishing principles, to achieving an effective SMS, and eventually attaining a risk-averse, generative safety culture. Audits are conducted every two years and ensure conformance with the standards and recommended practices. The audits also provide valuable feedback to the operator. The registration certificate issued upon successful completion of an audit serves as proof of conformance to key ICAO standards.

Audits concentrate on SMS development through a gradual process of advancing maturity:

• Stage One confirms that the SMS infrastructure is established and that safety management activities are appropriately targeted

• Stage Two ensures that safety risks are being effectively managed

• Stage Three verifies that safety management activities are fully integrated into the operator’s business and that a positive safety culture is being sustained

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