(Photo courtesy of Leading Edge Aviation)
Leading Edge Aviation announced its continued efforts towards safety and security with its milestone achievement of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) registration. A significant accomplishment, IS-BAO registration marks a concerted effort towards implementing and maintaining the highest standards of safety procedures and processes, including the operation of a highly effective and efficient Safety Management System (SMS).
After meeting a series of rigorous requirements in organization, operations, maintenance, training and security, an independent audit found that Leading Edge Aviation (LEA) had “invested considerable time and personal effort to develop and implement this world-class business aviation code of practice,” according to Kurt Edwards, director general of the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC).
“I’m extremely proud of the initiative that Leading Edge has taken to be proactive on the development of our Safety Management System,” says Ryan Cartmill, LEA’s director of safety. “To have earned this accreditation, with not only our 135 commercial operations but also our 141 flight school operations, speaks volumes about the importance of safety to this company.”
IS-BAO criteria, although voluntary, is considered to be a paramount safety benchmark for the United States’ aviation industry, providing a rich standard of safety – both preventative and proactive – measured by three levels of qualification. Upon completion of their initial registration, LEA has reached Level 1 and plans to continue to pursue further levels of qualification which will serve to consistently enhance the company’s safety culture.
“The safety of our students and employees has always been our highest priority,” says Keith Watson, CEO of Leading Edge Aviation. “Pursuing IS-BAO registration puts us another step ahead when it comes to protecting our community.”
Leading Edge Aviation encompasses six major business segments including helicopter charter, flight training, avionics, maintenance, Robinson Helicopter overhaul and FBO/Fuel services. LEA is an FAA Part 135 Air Carrier, operating Robinson R22, R44, and Bell 206 helicopters, also holding part 133, 137, 145 and 141 certifications.
