Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I. Questions on IS-BAO

1. What is IS-BAO?

• International Standards for Business Aircraft Operation.
• Basically, a code of best practices.
• It was developed by the industry for the benefit of the industry.

• Demonstrates adherence to the highest industry standards.
• Provides a means of validation similar to ISO-9000.
• Provides a measure of quality and safety for the company.
• Assists standardization of the corporate aviation industry.
• Educates the flight department and company about best practices.
  

• Demonstrates adherence to the highest industry standards via third party auditing.
• International recognition.
  
• May assist in meeting certain regulatory requirements.

• Both large and small flight departments have registered.
• A few companies include: Coca-Cola, IBM, NetJets and MI Home Products.
  
• For a complete list see the IBAC web site.

• Believe it or not, most well-managed flight departments are probably already doing all or most of the things covered under IS-BAO. For example, does your department:
  
  • regularly train at an approved vendor?
    
  • have a company operations manual?
  • have requirements for hiring?
  • have duty time limits, even if somewhat flexible?
  • analyze risks associated with your specific operations?
    

• If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions, you already have a great start at meeting IS-BAO standards.
• Most of the work is documenting the flight department's current practices.

• IS-BAO as reference only.
  
• Internal review and audit.
• External audit.
• Registration.

• Review the web site on IS-BAO
  
• Purchase IS-BAO
  

II. Why hire a consultant?

Many flight departments simply don't have the time or personnel to devote to the certification process. While documenting and auditing are not particularly difficult, they can be quite time-consuming. Being a professional pilot or flight department manager is a full-time, demanding job without the added burden of performing safety audits or becoming an expert on issues such as IS-BAO or safety management systems. A consultant is already an expert and it's her job to take care of these matters. Most important, a consultant will provide you with a quality product in a timely fashion while allowing you to do your job. In this age of lean management, outsourcing is often more efficient.


III. Why hire Western Sky?

The staff at Western Sky are recognized experts in their field with years of experience. They can assist you in maintaining a state-of-the-art department that can meet today's and tomorrow's challenges. And perhaps most important, we are pilots who understand your needs and speak your language. Please remember that we cannot audit a company we have assisted in implementing IS-BAO. We would be happy to recommend an auditor or you may find one listed on the IBAC web site.




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