Safety and Security within Business Aviation

Safety

Jack Olcott | 1st March 2012

Jack Olcott

Possibly the world’s most recognized advocate, if not expert on the value of Business Aviation,...
Read More

Safety and Security within Business Aviation

It should be assuring to those flying on business aircraft- or considering Business Aviation as a travel option that the safety record of Business Aviation is excellent—similar to the performance of the largest scheduled airlines. In fact- the likelihood of winning the biggest lottery jackpot is greater than experiencing a tragic mishap on a business aircraft.

Safety is always a consideration in selecting any form of travel. While we may be so familiar with a type of transportation that the question of safety becomes far removed from our consciousness- on a subconscious level we think about our security when traveling regardless of the mode of transport selected.

Certainly when the issue of personal (friends- family and self) and industrial (colleagues/employees) security is considered- there is no other means of transportation that provides the traveler with a higher level of confidence that their wellbeing is protected than Business Aviation. The lead passenger knows the fellow passengers - probably for a reasonable length of time in business or social settings - enabling a high level of trust. Airlines cannot provide that assurance - nor should they be expected to do so.

It is worth merit that the Airlines and Business Aviation are essentially equal with each other regarding the protection of their passengers from harm on their journeys from one location to another. The nature of the Airline business model- however- is significantly different from that of Business Aviation. It is necessary for the Airlines to focus on providing commodity services to a large number of people who do not know each other. Business Aviation- however- focuses on providing the user with transport that is shaped by the passenger’s personal need for a secure and private environment- designed for productive work and family concentration.

Designed for Safety
Business aircraft are designed and certified for operations in accordance with the same standards that apply to the largest airliner. Engineers design the aircraft systems to be fail-safe- which means that no single failure results in a catastrophic loss of function. Systems are redundant - so back-up systems exist in case of an equipment malfunction on board an aircraft.

Government licensing standards that apply to the pilots (aviators) and engineers who fly and maintain airliners are applicable to Business Aviation also. Aviators employed within Business Aviation are required to undergo annual physical examination and recurrent training- and most actually participate in this every six months.

The owner of a business jet does not need to be an engineering specialist or a pilot. He or she can be reassured that business aircraft are certified to operational safety and reliably to global aviation standards. The owner’s main obligation is to assure that the specialists who fly and maintain his or her business aircraft have the proper credentials- and are appropriately overseen by the management company that the aircraft owner hires for the practical aspects of operating their business aircraft.

Maximizing Safety and Security
An owner of a business aircraft has the ability to use the advantages of Business Aviation for maximum safety- security and peace-of-mind. The entrepreneur/owner sets the policies that are to be followed in the operation of his or her aircraft. Alternatively- a company’s Board of Directors is responsible for all company policies- including those related to how their aircraft will be operated.

By establishing appropriate policies- including those that affect safety- owners can insist upon the highest levels of service. Control of key decisions affecting safety and security is an opportunity- and an obligation of the owner.

Most Chinese owners of business aircraft use the expert services of an aviation management company. Like all other policies affecting Business Aviation- the selection of which management firm will operate the aircraft rests with the owner. The aircraft owner has the right—and responsibility—to set high expectations for service and security.

Owners and management experts should discuss areas of authority and control to assure that the experts implementing the policy provide safety and comfort for their passengers. It is reasonable to expect that surprises are kept to a minimum (if they are allowed to arise at all).

Safety Standards Exist
Augmenting government standards for aircraft design- maintenance- crew licensing and basic operating rules- experts within Business Aviation have created a safety protocol identified as the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO). IS-BAO is emerging as the regular way for creating and implementing an effective safety culture. Owners interested in assuring that their business aircraft is operated safely should embrace the concepts and practices of IS-BAO.

Additionally- there are commercial firms that provide safety audits. Best practices suggest that using the services of such experts every 24 to 36 months is a valuable aid in achieving maximum safety and security from Business Aviation.

Thus- you can see that Business Aviation is an excellent way to transport yourself- your family- friends and colleagues safely and securely for personal or business purposes.