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ACSF Newsletter February 2, 2012

Jess Hammett - noemail@acsf.aero — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the ACSF newsletter:

Ø	ACSF Takes on Hotline to Report Illegal Charter
Ø	ACSF to Test Aviation Safety Action Program with FAA
Ø	ACSF to Announce New Release of Safety Reporting Software at Symposium
Ø	ACSF to Present at Carolina Aviation Professionals Meeting
Ø	Time is Running Out: Register Today for the Air Charter Safety Symposium
Ø	FltPlan.com Web Site to Support ACSF Industry Audit Standard
Ø	NATA Safety 1st Offers New Ground Audit Standard
Ø	New Members Added to ACSF Roster
Ø	USAIG Newsletter Features ACSF Industry Audit Standard

ACSF Takes on Hotline to Report Illegal Charter

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) will now staff the toll-free hotline to report suspected illegal commercial activity. The hotline had previously been administered by the National Air Transportation Association (NATA).

"Persons illegally conducting commercial flights adversely affect the safety of the air charter industry,” said ACSF President Bryan Burns. “NATA started the illegal charter hotline before the Air Charter Safety Foundation was formed. Now that the ACSF is well-established, it’s more appropriate for us to administer the hotline and track its activity.”

Any employee or agent of a Part 135 on-demand certificate holder can call the toll-free hotline, 888-759-3581 or 888-SKY-FLT1, to file a report of suspected illegal commercial flights, where an aircraft operator without a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 certificate is accepting compensation for transportation, in violation of both FAA and Department of Transportation regulations.

Reports can be filed anonymously, if desired, and all reporters will be provided with a case code for follow-up. The FAA will be provided with details to initiate an investigation, and the ACSF will regularly contact the FAA to ensure that cases are being followed up for appropriate action.

Illegal Charter Reporting Hotline: 888-SKY-FLT1 (888-759-3581)

ACSF to Test Aviation Safety Action Program with FAA

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to obtain approval as an aviation safety action program (ASAP) manager. Once approved, the program will begin in the FAA Great Lakes Region, and on-demand charter operators in that region will be able to participate in the ACSF ASAP program. The plan is to expand the program to other FAA regions.

An ASAP is a reporting program that allows employees of participating air carriers and repair station certificate holders to identify and report safety issues to management and to the FAA for resolution, without fear that the FAA will use reports accepted under the program to take legal enforcement action against them, or that companies will use such information to take disciplinary action.

Companies using ASAP have benefited greatly by learning of safety issues that can be resolved before a major safety event occurs. The objective of the ACSF ASAP program is to encourage charter operators that lack the resources to establish their own ASAP program to participate and benefit from this valuable safety tool.

ACSF to Announce New Release of Safety Reporting Software at Symposium

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) will release the latest version of its Aviation Safety information System (AVSiS) software at the Air Charter Safety Symposium on February 28 -29, 2012. AVSiS Version 3.0 will feature a totally Web-based program that has been streamlined to enhance user response time and efficiency.

AVSiS, a safety event reporting and management tool developed to support safety managers, can be used as an integral part of a safety management system. The ACSF offers AVSiS free-of-charge to on-demand charter operators and fractional aircraft program managers.

For further information and to register for the program, go to: www.acsf.aero/avsis

ACSF to Present at Carolina Aviation Professionals Meeting

ACSF President Bryan Burns and Director of Safety Russ Lawton will speak at the February 7, 2012 meeting of the Carolina Aviation Professionals Association (CAPA). The meeting will be held at the Embassy Suites Charlotte/Concord Golf Resort. For further information on the event, go to: www.flycapa.org

Time is Running Out: Register Today for the Air Charter Safety Symposium

A robust agenda of highly focused safety topics is planned for the Air Charter Safety Symposium on February 28 – 29, 2012. If you haven’t already, be sure to register for the symposium and make reservations at the host hotel. A symposium rate of $109 per night, plus tax is available at the Marriott Springhill Suites – Ashburn Dulles North. The cut-off date for the discounted room block is Wednesday, February 8, 2012. Reserve your room today. Don’t miss out on the premier safety event for the air charter and fractional ownership industry.

To register, go to: www.acsf.aero/symposium

FltPlan.com Web Site to Support ACSF Industry Audit Standard

FltPlan.com will be adding new functionality to the safety management system feature on its Web site in order to be compatible with the ACSF Industry Audit Standard (IAS). The Web site currently provides assistance to companies to meet safety management system (SMS) requirements for large and turbojet aircraft.

“We applaud the efforts of the ACSF to unify the charter industry around a single audit standard,” said FltPlan.com President Ken Wilson. “FltPlan.com wants to assist charter operators in meeting the Industry Audit Standard and accompanying SMS requirements.”

FltPlan.com, in collaboration with the ACSF, will also sponsor a free one-day SMS seminar on April 24, 2012, in Southbury, CT. More information, including registration information, will be available at http://flttrack.fltplan.com/fltbrief/fltbriefmain.htm

NATA Safety 1st Offers New Ground Audit Standard

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has established the NATA Safety 1st Ground Audit Standard to promote industry best practices and safety management systems development among ground handling providers in response to member requests for a safety standard and rating for FBOs. This audit standard is the first published audit for FBOs and other ground-handling service providers. The NATA Safety & Security Committee, which includes representatives from large and small FBOs, on-demand charter operators, fractional program managers, insurance brokers, fuel companies, and more, was instrumental in developing this important new audit standard.

The new ground audit standard compliments the Air Charter Safety Foundation Industry Audit Standard (IAS) for on-demand charter operators and fractional aircraft program managers. The IAS requires charter operators and fractional ownership companies to have a process to monitor and oversee services provided by FBOs. Once an FBO has undergone the Safety 1st audit and becomes registered, a company can be assured that the FBO meets the Safety 1st standards, best practices, and regulatory compliance and has a functioning safety management system.

For further information on the Safety 1st Ground Audit Standard, go to: http://www.nata.aero/Safety-1st/Ground-Audit.aspx

New Members Added to ACSF Roster

The ACSF welcomes the following companies that have recently joined in support of the ACSF’s mission to raise the safety bar in the on-demand charter and fractional industry:

Aero Charter, Inc. — St. Louis, MO
Castle Aviation, Inc. — North Canton, OH
Epps Aviation — Atlanta, GA
Fargo Jet Center — Fargo, ND
FltPln.com
Fugro Horizons, Inc. — Rapid City, SD
Gulfstream — Savannah, GA
Hewitt and Company
L.J. Aviation — Latrobe, PA

USAIG Newsletter Features ACSF Industry Audit Standard

The current issue of Premium on Safety, published by the United States Aviation Insurance Group (USAIG), contains a feature article on the Air Charter Safety Foundation Industry Audit Standard.

Click here to view the article, USAIG Newsletter Issue 8 Year 2011 ACSF Feature.

To view the entire newsletter, go to: https://www.usau.com/caf_safety_newsletter.php

Feb 2, 2012 1:00 PM

Industry Audit Standards

Jess Hammett - noemail@acsf.aero — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 GMT

Click here to view in PDF format.

Feb 2, 2012 1:00 PM

ACSF President Bryan Burns Spotlighted in Business & Commercial Aviation

Bryan Burns - noemail@acsf.aero — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 17:00:00 GMT

Click here to view in pdf format.

Dec 13, 2011 12:00 PM

ACSF Newsletter - December 9, 2011

Alison McHugh - noemail@acsf.aero — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:00:00 GMT

December 9, 2011

Welcome to the ACSF newsletter:

Ø	ACSF Auditor Workshop to be held Following Air Charter Safety Symposium
Ø	Air Charter Safety Symposium to include Briefing and Tour of TWA 800
Ø	ACSF-Registered Operators featured in Business Jet Traveler MagazineAd
Ø	ACSF-Registered Operator LJ Aviation Wins Governor’s Safety Award
Ø	International Helicopter Safety Team Announces Stronger Focus on GA Pilot Community and on Extended Global Outreach
Ø	ACSF and AMOA meet to discuss Cooperative Efforts
Ø	ACSF Briefs Minneapolis Business Aviation Association
Ø	OSHA's Top 10 Most Cited Violations

ACSF Auditor Workshop to be held Following Air Charter Safety Symposium

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) will hold an Auditor Workshop on the ACSF Industry Audit Standard (IAS) on February 29 - March 1, 2012, immediately following the Air Charter Safety Symposium, at the NTSB Training Center in Ashburn, Virginia.

Who Should Attend?

Part 135 and 91K operators interested in learning about the IAS and using the audit standard to develop their internal audit program
Auditors seeking ACSF IAS accreditation
Current ACSF certified auditors who wish to renew their auditor accreditation

Workshop details

Date: February 29 - March 1, 2012
Time: Wed. Feb. 29, 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Thur. Mar. 1, 8:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.
Venue: NTSB Training Center, Ashburn, Virginia
Registration Cost: $500 per person

Registration: On-line registration requires immediate payment by credit card. You may also register off-line by completing and returning the registration form. Payment must accompany registration.

Lodging
SpringHill Suites Ashburn Dulles North
20065 Lakeview Center Plaza
Ashburn, VA 20147
Reservations: (888) 287-9400
General Tel: (703) 723-9300

The ACSF has a room block at the SpringHill Suites Ashburn Dulles North , at a discounted rate of $109 per night plus tax, and includes complimentary coffee and continental breakfast. You must reserve your room by Wednesday, February 8, 2012 to take advantage of the discounted rate.

Contact the hotel directly by February 8th, at (888) 287-9400 and ask for the Air Charter Safety Foundation Room Block at the SpringHill Suites Ashburn Dulles North to secure your guest room reservation at the group rate. Hotel check-in is 3:00 p.m. and check out is by noon.

The hotel offers complimentary shuttle service to/from Dulles International Airport (IAD) beginning at 6:00 a.m. till 10:00 p.m. Cab fare is approximately $30 one-way.

Visit www.acsf.aero/audit to learn more and to register online today!

Air Charter Safety Symposium to include Briefing and Tour of TWA 800

The 2012 Air Charter Safety Symposium will include a briefing and walk-through of the TWA 800 reconstruction. TWA 800 is the Boeing 747 that exploded mid-air and crashed July 17, 1996, in the Atlantic Ocean after departing John F. Kennedy International Airport. A reconstructed portion of the TWA 800 fuselage is housed at the NTSB Training Center as an educational tool for accident investigators and aviation safety professionals. The Symposium provides a rare opportunity for attendees to learn the value of reconstruction in the prevention of future accidents.

The Symposium will feature important safety topics that you will not want to miss:

Reducing costly errors through better compliance and increased accountability ― Dr. Tony Kern, CEO of Convergent Performance
Aircraft Tire Safety Best Practices ― Mr. Keat Pruszenski, Michelin Aircraft Tire Company
Crew Resource Management ― Mr. Shannon Forrest, FlightSafety International
Fire Safety Session ― Mr. Jeff Hare, J. Hare Safety & Survival Systems
Improving Runway Safety ― The Honorable Chris Hart, Board Member, NTSB
Managing Fatigue in Aviation Operations ― The Honorable Mark Rosekind, Board Member, NTSB
Business Aircraft Accident Analysis ― Mr. Robert Breiling, Robert E. Breiling Associates

Don't miss the premier event focusing on safety in the on-demand air charter and fractional aircraft ownership industry.

Sign-up as a NEW ACSF member and receive one FREE symposium registration! Contact Bryan Burns at bburns@acsf.aero or call 703-647-6401 for more information.

ACSF-Registered Operators featured in Business Jet Traveler Magazing Ad

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) has renewed its advertising campaign in Business Jet Traveler (BJT) Magazine, to promote awareness of the ACSF Industry Audit Standard to charter customers. The new full-page display, which will appear in the 2012 issues of BJT, carries the theme: “Safety-minded and the proof to back it up.” The Ad features charter operators that have undergone the ACSF Industry Audit Standard and are listed on the ACSF Audit Registry.

“The purpose of the BJT Magazine ad is to make charter customers aware that they can use these ACSF-registered operators with confidence, knowing that they meet the highest standards of safety and compliance in the industry,” said ACSF President Bryan Burns.

Those operators meeting the Industry Audit Standard can be viewed free-of-charge on the ACSF website at: www.acsf.aero/registry/

The new Business Jet Traveler Magazine Ad can be viewed at: www.acsf.aero/bjt-ad/

ACSF-Registered Operator LJ Aviation Wins Governor’s Safety Award

LJ Aviation, an ACSF-registered operator, has been awarded the Governor’s Award for Safety Excellence by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor. Based in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, LJ Aviation is one of only seven companies state-wide to receive the award in 2011.

“We are extremely proud of this recognition of LJ's enduring employee commitment to safety and quality, which are integrated throughout our company's flight department, maintenance and line service," noted LJ Aviation CEO and President, Ed Kilkeary, Sr. "This award is testament to the diligence and rigor that our company has placed on safety in the workplace and for our clientele.”

The Governor’s Award for Safety Excellence is a highly competitive award presented annually to select companies that demonstrate safety excellence through comprehensive safety programs and labor management cooperation. The information gained from the Governor's Award nominations provides valuable best practices that are shared across the state.

“LJ Aviation exemplifies those operators on the ACSF Audit Registry that are committed to a positive safety culture,” said ACSF President Bryan Burns. “We congratulate them on receiving this prestigious award.”

LJ Aviation’s listing on the ACSF Audit Registry can be viewed at: www.acsf.aero/registry/

International Helicopter Safety Team Announces Stronger Focus on GA Pilot Community and on Extended Global Outreach

ACSF President Bryan Burns recently attended the fifth annual International Helicopter Safety Symposium, which brought together more than 200 professionals from helicopter companies, associations, and government agencies in 21 countries.

Stronger outreach efforts to general aviation pilots, instructors and mechanics; a continued push for additional participating countries worldwide; and a persistent focus on creating safety cultures were repeating themes throughout the two-day conference.

“The goal of the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) is to reduce the worldwide civil helicopter accident rate by 80 percent by 2016,” said Burns. “We applaud the efforts of the IHST to achieve this ambitious goal.”

“The International Helicopter Safety Team has developed very thorough analyses on how and why helicopter accidents occur and they have succeeded in creating a wide array of toolkits, videos, and training pieces to help all levels of the helicopter community build a strong safety culture,” explains Kim Smith, IHST Co-Chair and Manager of the FAA Rotorcraft Directorate. “Our focus is to get these free and simple-to-use tools into the hands of small operators, general aviation pilots and mechanics so that they can reap the benefits of a safe aviation environment.”

Regions where IHST toolkits are being implemented have achieved 20 percent and better reduction in accident rates.

More information about the IHST, its reports, its safety tools, and presentations from the recent Symposium can be obtained on its web site: www.IHST.org

ACSF and AMOA meet to discuss Cooperative Efforts

ACSF President Bryan Burns and Director of Safety Russ Lawton recently met with the Air Medical Operators Association (AMOA) Managing Director Christopher Eastlee, to discuss ACSF programs and developing cooperative efforts between the two organizations. AMOA represents Part 135 on-demand charter operators engaged in emergency medical services, and shares many goals in common with ACSF, such as promoting the use of safety management systems and raising the safety bar in the on-demand charter industry.

ACSF Briefs Minneapolis Business Aviation Association

ACSF Director of Safety Russ Lawton spoke at the November luncheon meeting of the Minneapolis Business Aviation Association. Lawton briefed the 50 attendees on the ACSF Industry Audit Standard and the advantages of adopting a single audit standard for on-demand charter operators, similar to what the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) program has accomplished for scheduled airlines. Lawton pointed out that IATA member airlines that have achieved IOSA registration have reduced hull losses by 50 percent. “It would be extremely beneficial if the same results could be achieved in the charter industry by adopting a single standard,” noted Lawton.

OSHA's Top 10 Most Cited Violations

The National Safety Council (NSC) has published the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) 10 most cited safety violations for 2011.

In the December issue of its publication Safety+Health, the NSC points out: “Year after year, the list of the 10 most frequently cited OSHA violations remains essentially the same. Some standards may swap positions, or a particular standard may creep up the list, but the basic layout goes unchanged.”

The “Top 10” most cited OSHA violations are:

Fall Protection
Scaffolding
Hazard Communication
Respiratory Protection
Lock-Out/Tag-Out
Electrical – Wiring Methods
Powered Industrial Trucks
Ladders
Electrical – General Requirements
Machine Guarding

To view the article with the list and accompanying details, go to: www.nsc.org/safetyhealth/Pages/OSHAtop10-1211.aspx

Visit us anytime at www.acsf.aero

Dec 13, 2011 7:00 AM

Fractional & Charter Market

Bryan Burns - noemail@acsf.aero — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:00:00 GMT

To read more of AIN's special report on Fractional & Charter Market please click here.

Nov 28, 2011 1:00 PM

ACSF Newsletter - November 8, 2011

Alison McHugh - noemail@acsf.aero — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMT

November 8, 2011

Welcome to the ACSF newsletter:

Ø	ACSF Announces New Board Of Governors
Ø	Register For The 2012 Air Charter Safety Symposium!
Ø	ACSF Auditor Class Draws Record Attendance
Ø	ACSF Membership Continues To Grow
Ø	Register Now For Emergency Response Planning Webinar
Ø	Flight Safety Foundation's AeroSafety World

ACSF Announces New Board Of Governors

ACSF is pleased to announce three newly appointed members to the ACSF Board of Governors.

Ronald Brower, corporate secretary and associate general counsel for NetJets Inc. and its subsidiaries — Brower has worked more than 15 years in the aviation industry, serving both as a business executive and legal advisor. Brower handles corporate organization and governance matters for the NetJets family of companies, promotes the development of NetJets’ international business (principally in Asia), and oversees and coordinates all legal services performed for NetJets’ subsidiary Executive Jet Management. Brower also serves as NetJets’ principal advisor and advocate on regulatory matters and international government affairs, and he serves as chairman of NetJets’ Policy Working Group.

Douglas Carr, vice president of safety, security and regulation for the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), Washington DC — Carr is responsible for leading the association’s efforts on business aviation safety and oversight of NBAA’s regulatory activity involving business aviation aircraft equipment mandates, operations and security. He has distinguished himself at NBAA by leading the association’s effort on the Fractional Ownership Aviation Rulemaking Committee to develop recommendations for the FAA and as the chair of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Part 125/135 ARC Flight and Rest Subcommittee. Additionally, he chaired the FAA’s Takeoff and Landing Performance Assessment Aviation Rulemaking Committee and coordinated the association’s response to the TSA’s Large Aircraft Security Program proposal. Internationally, Carr has represented business aviation interests at the International Civil Aviation Organization and as part of several rulemaking efforts at the European Aviation Safety Agency.

Dave Hewitt, president of Hewitt and Company LLC, a business and aviation consulting firm formed in 2011 — Hewitt has more than 30 years of aviation experience, including 28 years of involvement in Part 135 operations in operational, technical, and executive positions. Prior to the formation of Hewitt and Company, he held various positions within NetJets, spanning a 13-year career. These positions included senior vice president, safety and compliance for NetJets North America, senior vice president for NetJets International, and vice president, operations for Executive Jet Management. Hewitt has also been an FAA aviation safety inspector at the Cincinnati Flight Standards District Office and a chief pilot/check airman/instructor for a Part 135 certificate holder located in the Midwest.

“We are pleased to have these distinguished gentlemen joining the ACSF Board of Governors,” said Air Charter Safety Foundation Chairman James C. Christiansen. “Having three individuals with such extensive knowledge and varied experience within the industry can only bring great attributes to the foundation, and we look forward to working with them to continue the foundation’s mission of promoting and increasing the benchmark of safety in the charter industry.”

Click here to read the entire press release

Register now to attend the 2012 Air Charter Safety Symposium to be held at the NTSB Training Center on February 28-29.

Learn how to reduce costly errors through better compliance and increased accountability from Dr. Tony Kern, CEO of Convergent
Performance. Dr. Kern will speak on “Empowered Accountability,” and demonstrate how to improve performance at an individual level and improve levels of engagement for all employees.

Other safety topics that you will not want to miss:

FAA Update
Business Aircraft Accident Analysis by Robert E. Breiling Associates, Inc.
Fire Safety Session by J. Hare Safety & Survival Systems, Inc.
NTSB Briefing

Don't miss the premier event focusing on safety in the on-demand air charter and shared aircraft ownership industry

Sign-up as a NEW ACSF member and receive one FREE symposium registration! Contact Alison McHugh at amchugh@acsf.aero or call 703-575-2057 for more information.

Register now at www.acsf.aero/symposium.

ACSF Auditor Class Draws Record Attendance

Last week, the ACSF held an auditor training class on the ACSF Industry Audit Standard (IAS), at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Training Center in Ashburn, Virginia. The class provided two days of learning and discussion on the audit process, procedures and skill sets necessary to implement and perform effective operational audits using the IAS.

Russ Lawton, ACSF director of safety management was the key presenter for the class, which drew more than 20 participants from the on-demand/charter and shared aircraft ownership industries, insurance and audit companies. “It was a very thorough class,” said Donald Hammer, with the Mente Group “I came away with a complete understanding of ACSF and the requirements for their auditors.”

Attendees were provided the opportunity to learn about and tour the reconstructed fuselage of TWA Flight 800, the Boeing 747 that exploded mid-air and crashed on July 17, 1996, in the Atlantic Ocean after departing John F. Kennedy International Airport. A reconstructed portion of the B-747 fuselage is housed at the NTSB Training Center as an educational tool for accident investigators and aviation safety professionals. The reconstruction is not available to the general public, but may be viewed by attendees as part of the educational experience.

“The presentations were outstanding,” said Ken Wilson, president of Flight Plan, LLC. Within two short days, I had a strong understanding of what's necessary to achieve ACSF's audit standard for Part 135 and 91K Operators. It was great networking with the many aviation professionals also in attendance. I am very impressed with the great work that the ACSF is doing to promote safety in the air charter industry.”

“I’m delighted that we had so many companies not only participate in our ACSF auditor training workshop but become members as well. It truly illustrates the value they see in our Industry Audit Standard and the Air Charter Safety Foundation,” said Bryan Burns, president of ACSF.

ACSF will hold its next auditor class in conjunction with the February 2012 Air Charter Safety Symposium. To learn more about the auditor class contact Russ Lawton at rlawton@acsf.aero or Alison McHugh at amchugh@acsf.aero.

ACSF Membership Continues To Grow

The Air Charter Safety Foundation continues to grow and is pleased to recognize our recent new members:

• Assessment Compliance Group, Inc
• AV-OPS Aviation Consulting Group
• CompAv Technical Services, LLC
• Diversified Aviation Consulting
• Global Aerospace
• Greenbriar Consulting
• Mente Group, LLC

Have all joined the foundation, demonstrating their commitment to the 135 community and enhancements of safety and security within the industry.

“The air charter safety foundation is a unique resource, dedicated solely to charter operators and fractional program managers and the safety and security issues they face. All part 135 certificate holders or fractional ownership managers should participate in the foundation’s critical work.” James C. Christiansen, Chairman, ACSF

Don't miss this one-hour webinar on Thursday, November 10, 2011 at Noon EST

On November 10 at noon, NATA will present a one-hour webinar covering aviation emergency response planning (ERP). The session will discuss the following key areas:

1. Why do you need an ERP?
2. What should your ERP look like?
3. How do you know your ERP will work?
4. What should you do if something bad happens?
5. Lessons learned from The Real World
6. Q&A

The webinar will be led by Dave Hewitt of Hewitt and Company. Registration for this webinar is $49.95 per location and includes a copy of presentation materials and link to a recording of the webinar.

ACSF Members can receive 50% off one registration location. Contact Alison MCHugh at amchugh@acsf.aero or call 703-575-2057.

Flight Safety Foundation's AeroSafety World

October 2011 – In this Issue

Loss of Control
Fatigue Rule Resistance
Maintenance LOSA
Citation CFIT
And much more...

Click here to view a PDF of issue

Visit us anytime at www.acsf.aero

Air Charter Safety Foundation
4226 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 888-SAFE-135

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Nov 8, 2011 9:00 AM

ACSF Moving Forward With Industry Audit Standard

Kerry Lynch - noemail@acsf.aero — Mon, 23 May 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Download PDF of Article taken from Aviation Week Intelligence Network

ACSF Moving Forward With Industry Audit Standard

May 23, 2011 10:00 AM

AIN Article "ACSF Rallies Industry To Single Charter Standard"

Matt Thurber - noemail@acsf.aero — Tue, 17 May 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Download PDF Article " ACSF Rallies Industry To Single Charter Standard"

May 17, 2011 10:00 AM

AIN Article: ACSF Supports Single Charter Standard

Matt Thurber - noemail@acsf.aero — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:00:00 GMT

Aviation International News

ACSF Supports Single Charter Standard

By: Matt Thurber
Aviation International News >> April 2011
Charter and Fractional, Safety

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is trying to encourage charter and fractional operators to support the move to a single safety audit standard–its own–to end confusion about the multiple standards currently being used and eliminate the expense of auditing to the various standards.

Some operators face up to half a dozen audits per year at a cost of $10,000 to $15,000 each, according to ACSF president Bryan Burns, and it would be far simpler if they had to meet just one standard of compliance. Burns added that standards created by private companies are undisclosed, unlike those of the ACSF Industry Audit Standard, which are published on the ACSF website.

Burns emphasized that ACSF is not trying to compete with other standards-setting companies such as Argus International, Wyvern and SH&E, but wants to create “the highest standard possible that’s reasonable to achieve.” These companies offer their own standards and provide auditing services. ACSF doesn’t do the audits but trains auditors, maintains the audit standard and reviews audits. ACSF charges an administration fee for its services, but it is up to the operator to pay for the audit itself. Companies such as Argus and Wyvern earn money by conducting the audits, he explained. “That’s where their benefit is financially.” So far 57 operators have been audited under the ACSF system.

Executive Jet Management (EJM), the charter/management arm of fractional operator NetJets, recently devised its own audit standard that supplemental lift providers have to undergo, necessitating that operators undergo multiple audits. EJM helped launch the ACSF standard, Burns said. “When we went to market, EJM embraced it and up till the first of this year endorsed it and used it. The ACSF standard was what operators had to comply with to supply supplemental lift to EJM. When EJM decided to go internally with its own standard, it left us a little bit confused. We’re trying to clarify the confusion.” He added, “We still have a good working relationship with them.”

In a statement provided to AIN, NetJets said, “In the past, NetJets has used third-party auditing companies to facilitate audits of its on-demand charter vendors. All NetJets on-demand charter vendors receive an in-depth, on-site audit to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and utilization of industry-accepted and best safety and business practices. In addition to the in-depth audits facilitated by a third-party vendor, each NetJets vendor would undergo regular, on-site evaluations conducted by a NetJets Standards Department representative to ensure continued safety and compliance to NetJets standards. As a result of these regular evaluations performed by NetJets, the company has gained valuable insight to the overall safety and security of NetJets’ vendors. Based on this insight, NetJets has decided to perform the vendor auditing process internally.”

Advantage of Multiple Audits

Argus president Joe Moeggenberg believes that the ACSF Industry Audit Standard is hewing too closely to the airlines’ International Air Transport Association (IATA) standard. “The big problem is it’s not scalable,” he said. “It’s good only for really big operators that have the infrastructure to meet the audit standards. For an operator with two or three airplanes, it would be extremely expensive to comply with the ACSF standards. It really has a big impact on small operators.” Commenting on EJM’s move to using its own standard, he added, “I think they realized they can do it themselves for less and control the quality of the audit.”

David Rimmer, executive vice president of charter operator ExcelAire, said, “I feel we benefit from multiple audits…from the different perspectives of different auditors. They make us better at what we do.”

ExcelAire is a vendor for EJM/NetJets and has been audited under many standards. Rimmer is also on the ACSF board of governors. “I like the idea of raising the bar, which is what ACSF is talking about,” he explained. “No one audit company has a monopoly on safety practices,” he said. “Audits are a benefit to us.”

Rimmer agrees that audits create a burden on smaller charter operators with little infrastructure and that audits don’t guarantee safety. But, he added, “It’s that extra bit of oversight. Otherwise the [minimum] standard is Part 135 [regulations]. Most operators aspire to exceed them.”

The ACSF standard does require that an operator have a safety management system in place, and that is an expense that concerns operators. Being audited to the ACSF standard also meets IS-BAO Stage I requirements, and Burns plans to add more IS-BAO stages to the standard.

Burns doesn’t believe that the ACSF is trying to replicate the airlines’ IATA standard but that ACSF is emulating the concept of a single standard, which is what the airlines have achieved with IATA. “IATA has recognized one universal standard,” he said. “They finally joined forces and agreed.”

He is aware of the issue of whether the ACSF standard is a good fit for small operators. “There are discussions about whether the standard is too high. We’re talking about an operation that might have six or eight employees. Do they have the skills, the financial wherewithal to get to that point and the time to meet that standard? We might need to take a fresh look at operators that may not recognize the ACSF and find out why. It doesn’t necessarily make those small operators less safe. It’s a matter of the resources and the ability to meet the standard.”

Burns planned to hold a meeting of charter operators on May 4 to discuss the ACSF Industry Audit Standard and how it can help operators and why they should support ACSF’s efforts. ACSF is also working with the FAA on an effort to create an aviation safety action program (Asap) for Part 135 and 91(k) fractional share operators. The purpose of an Asap is to create a system that encourages employees to report any safety issues voluntarily, even if rules violations are involved, without fear of company or FAA retribution. Burns hopes to launch the Part 135/91(k) Asap, first with operators on the East Coast then nationwide.

Apr 7, 2011 9:00 AM

ACSF Newsletter 12.1.10

Alison McHugh - noemail@acsf.aero — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 19:13:26 GMT

December 1, 2010

The Air Charter Safety Foundation(ACSF)

Founded in 2007, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit foundation established to improve the safety of air charter and shared aircraft ownership operations.

Through research, collaboration and education, the ACSF advances charter and shared aircraft ownership industry standards and best practices; promulgates safety, security and service benchmarks; and promotes the universal acceptance of safety management systems.

www.acsf.aero

Upcoming Events

2011 Air Charter Safety Symposium

Ashburn, VA
March 15 - 16, 2011

Safety Magazines

Welcome to the ACSF newsletter:

Ø	Save The Date - 2011 Air Charter Safety Symposium March 15-16, 2011
Ø	ACSF Audit Standard Gains International Acceptance
Ø	FAA Previews SMS Requirements
Ø	ACSF Announces New Executive Officers
Ø	Priester Aviation, Sterling Aviation, and TWC Aviation Latest Operators To Achieve ACSF Registered Status
Ø	FAA Acknowledges ACSF Audit Standard To Evaluate SMS
Ø	Flight Safety Foundation's AeroSafety World
Ø	NATA's 4th Quarter Aviation Business Journal Now Available

Save The Date - 2011 Air Charter Safety Symposium March 15-16, 2011

Register now to attend the 2011 Air Charter Safety Symposium to
be held at the NTSB Training Center on March 15-16. The 2011 symposium will not only provide the essential information for emergency preparedness and response, but also show you how to put this knowledge to practical use.

New this year, are sessions on how to create an Emergency Response Plan, a review by Million Air Dallas leadership on how you can conduct an effective emergency response drill as well as a case study-style review of an operator’s emergency plan response in action.

Other safety topics that you will not want to miss:
• SMS Update
• Building a New Safety Culture
• How to Respond in an Emergency – Family Assistance
• NTSB Update from Deborah A.P. Hersman, Chairman

Register today at www.acsf.aero/symposium

ACSF Audit Standard Gains International Acceptance

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) Industry Audit Standard (IAS) registration was recently listed as an accepted method of compliance with Safety Management System (SMS) requirements by the Bermuda Department of Civil Aviation (BDCA).

A letter issued on behalf of the Bermuda Director of Civil Aviation states that the BDCA will enforce the requirements of ICAO Annex 6 Part 2 when it becomes effective on November 18, 2010. These requirements affect all operators of general aviation aircraft operated under FAR Part 91 and Part 125 or equivalent with a Maximum Take-Off Weight of greater than 12,500 lbs.

The BDCA will accept several methods of compliance with the requirement for an SMS, one of which includes ACSF registration. This letter has been posted on the DCA Web site at: http://www.dca.gov.bm/default.aspx

The IAS is a universal audit standard developed specifically for charter operators and shared aircraft management companies to accomplish two key functions – to verify compliance with regulatory requirements and to evaluate the level of compliance with recognized SMS standards.

The ACSF audit process and registry were developed to position an operator, through a single audit, to gain world-wide recognition of its SMS program. The IAS is also the only program that evaluates operators every 24 months rather than annually, minimizing the administrative burden on operators and program managers.

The ACSF IAS requires every operator to complete an internal pre-audit prior to scheduling an on-site audit. Doing so enables operators to gauge, before any payment is tendered, how well they will perform during the audit. This system allows an operator to determine in advance of any payment if they are not yet ready to proceed to audit. Operators completing the pre-audit won’t be unprepared and will not waste their money paying for an unsuccessful audit.

Supporting materials are available at www.acsf.aero/audit. Operators wishing to initiate the audit process should contact Russ Lawton or Alison McHugh at 1-888-SAFE-135 (888-723-3135).

FAA Previews SMS Requirements

FAA has begun to outline a template for the future of safety management system (SMS) requirements, but that template comes as the Nov. 18 international deadline for SMS was missed. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had set a Nov. 18 deadline for non-commercial operators and certain aviation organizations to have an SMS program in place. ICAO previously set a Jan. 1, 2009, deadline for member states to adopt SMS requirements for commercial operators.

FAA has filed a "difference" with ICAO, essentially notifying the organization that FAA is not in full compliance with the deadline. Few countries have formally implemented SMS requirements-Canada being among the first to take action. Bermuda last week began enforcing the ICAO requirements for non-commercial operators (ICAO Annex 6 Part 2).

The National Business Aviation Association has been pushing FAA to release guidance that would recognize best industry practices as an acceptable means for SMS compliance. This guidance is important for business aircraft operators to demonstrate to international inspectors that they meet ICAO compliance requirements, says Doug Carr, vice president of safety, security and regulation for NBAA.

Bermuda has stated it would accept a variety of means to demonstrate compliance, such as registration with either the Air Charter Safety Foundation's (ACSF) Industry Audit Standard or the International Business Aviation Council's International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations.
FAA notes that it has been assured that neither Transport Canada nor the European Aviation Safety Agency plans to restrict operations that are not currently in compliance with ICAO SMS requirements.

No Rush To Regulate

But both Carr and Russ Lawton, director of safety and security for the National Air Transportation Association and the ACSF, warn that operators flying internationally should make sure they are aware of what the individual states are expecting. While other countries have not restricted operations for SMS non-compliance, Lawton notes anecdotes of certain operators of large business aircraft that have been turned away from France because they were not in compliance with flight data analysis requirements.

It is unclear if or when FAA will consider formal regulation for non-commercial operators. "In the short term, I don't think we'll be facing some rush to regulate us," says Carr, who adds that NBAA is not taking a formal position on regulations until the agency develops a proposal specifically geared to general aviation. "It's premature to say whether NBAA is going to end up on one side or another of a discussion," he says.

It also is unclear when FAA might require SMS for Part 135 operators-which fall under the Jan. 1, 2009, deadline. But the agency has indicated those regulations are coming.

FAA on Nov. 5 released a proposal requiring Part 121 air carriers to adopt SMS, but says that proposal will serve as a template for other certificate holders. The proposal, which was issued at the directive of Congress, calls for Part 121 carriers to submit an SMS implementation plan within six months of release of a final rule (BA, Nov. 8/1). The scheduled carriers would be required to implement the plans three years later.

While focused on Part 121, FAA says it "has developed these general requirements with the intent that in the future they could be applied to other FAA-regulated entities, such as Part 135 operators, Part 145 repair stations and Part 21 aircraft design and manufacturing organizations and approval holders," the agency says. The agency did not discuss plans for other general aviation operations.

The Aircraft Electronics Association notes that the proposal does not directly apply to most AEA members, but warns its members to follow the rulemaking closely, saying, "This is the beginning of an SMS mandate which, in the next several years, will have a direct effect on the AEA membership."

Lawton agrees, saying the proposal, which is accompanied by a proposed advisory circular, regulatory analysis and inspector guidance, could have wider-ranging ramifications.

The proposal appears to follow the recommendations of the industry-based Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC), notes Carr. The ARC is still ongoing, and its deliberations will be included as part of the public docket, adds Lawton, who is a member of the ARC.

The proposal cites the ARC's recommendations that the agency phase in requirements for different sectors of the industry, and asked for comments on the future application of the general requirements.

FAA also acknowledges the ARC's appeal for flexibility and scalability in an SMS rule, and says the proposal would require a process that "can be tailored to provide [a] relevant, yet robust management system for each carrier."

The proposal may necessitate specialists in information technology and statistical analysis for some operations, but others may only need "a whiteboard, pencil and paper," FAA says as example.

The proposal would create a new Part 5 to house SMS requirements and would focus on four components-safety policy, safety risk management, safety assurance and safety promotion. The proposal calls for a series of processes to implement each component.

FAA says the proposal defines "what" is expected rather than "how" the requirements will be met. "We need a holistic approach to safety that allows us to spot trends in aviation and make necessary changes to help avoid incidents and accidents," says FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. "Safety management systems are a critical piece of a successful safety culture."

http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/

ACSF Announces New Executive Officers

The Air Charter Safety Foundation is pleased to announce three newly appointed members to its Executive Committee.

William F. Haberstock, president and chief executive officer of Million Air Aviation Company, Salt Lake City, and former treasurer for the ACSF was elected to fill the role of vice-chairman for the coming year. Haberstock has more than 35 years of aviation management experience, including 11 years with Keystone Aviation. Throughout his career, he has held positions as chief pilot for Eagle Air; vice president of flight operations and aircraft sales manager for Barken International; and director of flight operations for Beech Aircraft Corporation –Salt Lake City. Haberstock is an airline transport pilot with more than 16,000 hours of flight time. He has served on the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Board of Directors and the board of governors for the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce, Utah Air Travel Commission.

John Grillo, president of Executive Fliteways, Inc., Ronkonkoma, NY, was selected as the new treasurer for the ACSF. Grillo is a 36-year veteran of the aviation community. He retired from the United States Air Force as a Major, having flown the C-130 extensively throughout Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. He is the recipient of more than 30 military awards and commendations, including six Air Medals for Valor, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star and the Silver Star. Grillo's experience also includes a 22-year career as a captain for American Airlines. Grillo also served on the NATA Air Charter Committee, where he helped establish operational and regulatory standards for our industry.

“We are pleased to have these gentlemen working in their new roles for the foundation,” said James C. Christiansen, chairman of the Air Charter Safety Foundation. “Both have been avid members in their service on the Board of Governors. Their extensive experience and knowledge of the industry have been great attributes for the foundation, and we look forward to working with them to continue the foundation’s mission of promoting and increasing the benchmark of safety in the charter industry.”

Bryan Burns, ACSF Executive Director, was elected to fill the role of President of the foundation. Burns has 28 years of experience in the fixed base operator industry. Prior to joining the ACSF, he was area general manager for Signature Flight Support at the Washington Dulles and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airports, where he was responsible for all daily operations. Burns holds a Bachelor of Science in Air Commerce/Transportation Technology from Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida.

The ACSF continues to grow, with new memberships increasing 27 percent in the last 3 months. The Industry Audit Standard (IAS) remains strong, being the most rigorous standard for Part 135 and 91K operators. It was designed specifically to evaluate both compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations and the operator’s implementation of a proactive Safety Management System. To date, the foundation has facilitated 54 audits using the IAS, with an additional five audits scheduled through the end of this year.

Priester Aviation, Sterling Aviation, and TWC Aviation Latest Operators To Achieve ACSF Registered Status

ACSF welcomes Priester Aviation, of Wheeling, Illinois, Sterling Aviation, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and TWC Aviation, of Van Nuys, California as the latest charter operators to be added to the ACSF Industry Audit Standard (IAS) Registry. These companies have completed the IAS audit and achieved Registered status with the ACSF.

“The Air Charter Safety Foundation audit experience was most beneficial because it required an extensive review of every detail of company operations,” said Rob Gort, president and chief operating officer of Sterling Aviation. “Our addition to the ACSF audit Registry places Sterling in an elite group of companies and proves to our clients that we take their safety seriously.”

The IAS, conducted every 24 months, is the first and only extensive audit program specifically created for on-demand operators and shared aircraft ownership companies, and evaluates both regulatory compliance and the operator’s Safety Management System (SMS) program.

“Priester Aviation is thrilled by its addition to the Air Charter Safety Foundation registry,” said Andy Priester, president and chief executive officer of Priester Aviation, LLC. “All of us at Priester Aviation have worked hard to achieve the high level of performance required by the ACSF standards.”

The IAS consists of a rigorous review of an operator’s processes and procedures and regulatory compliance, as well as the business’ implementation of, and adherence to, an SMS.

“The audit process was the most comprehensive we have been through and was not easy, but it clearly enhanced our already strong operations. I thank the Air Charter Safety Foundation for this opportunity that will help keep Priester Aviation ‘Above it all,’” concluded Priester.

“We are extremely proud of this achievement,” says Andrew Richmond, president of TWC Aviation. “The IAS certification is one more reason for charter customers to trust our commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Customers should look for the ACSF IAS registered logo and encourage their preferred charter provider to participate in the program. The ACSF makes its operator registry and key company details available at no charge, so verification of IAS registration is quick and easy. Charter consumers can view the registry at www.acsf.aero/registry.

Supporting materials are available at www.acsf.aero/audit. Operators wishing to initiate the audit process should contact either Russ Lawton or Alison McHugh at 1-888-SAFE-135 (888-723-3135).

FAA Acknowledges ACSF Audit Standard To Evaluate SMS

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has acknowledged the Air Charter Safety Foundation’s Industry Audit Standard as a tool to validate a company’s safety management system (SMS). In the recently released FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 120-92A, “Safety Management Systems for Aviation Service Providers,” the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is listed as a source for providing a third-party evaluation for SMS.

“We are pleased that the FAA has acknowledged that our audit standard can be used to validate a company’s SMS,” said ACSF Chairman Jim Christiansen.

The ACSF Industry Audit Standard (IAS) comprehensively evaluates both an air charter operator’s or shared aircraft ownership company’s SMS and its FAA regulatory compliance. The IAS consists of a rigorous review of an operator’s processes and procedures, and regulatory compliance, as well as the business’ implementation of, and adherence to, an SMS.

“We designed the ACSF audit program to be a single, comprehensive standard for the charter and shared aircraft ownership industry,” added Christiansen. “Our listing in the advisory circular is further acknowledgement of our program’s credibility.”

In 2009, 24 audits were completed and another 32 audits will be completed in 2010. The Foundation will soon be announcing a series of new operators that have successfully completed their audits and made the ACSF IAS registry.

With the ACSF IAS, the charter consumer can be assured that audited and registered operators are compliant with the highest standards of safety and compliance. Customers should look for the ACSF IAS-registered logo and encourage their preferred charter provider to participate in the program.

ACSF makes its operator registry and key company details available at no charge so verification of IAS registration is quick and easy. Charter consumers can view the registry at www.acsf.aero/registry.

Flight Safety Foundation's AeroSafety World Magazine

October 2010 - In this issue:

Bearing Down on Winter
Ins and Outs of ADS-B
Key Ingredients for SMS
NextGen Road Blocks
Triage for HEMS

Click here to view a PDF issue

NATA's 4th Quarter Aviation Business Journal Now Available

This edition of the journal spotlights Mazzei Flying Service, and has articles on health care reform, California's flight training saga, family-owned/operated aviation businesses, and regular feature articles such as the President's Message and Inside Washington.

Click here to view a pdf of this issue

Visit us anytime at www.acsf.aero

Air Charter Safety Foundation
4226 King Street
Alexandria, VA 22302
Phone: 888-SAFE-135

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Mar 8, 2011 2:13 PM