Author Archives: SRS

JETSUITE JOINS AIR CHARTER SAFETY FOUNDATION

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                  FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Bryan Burns
President
888-723-3135
bburns@acsf.aero

 

JETSUITE JOINS AIR CHARTER SAFETY FOUNDATION

Washington, DC, February 11, 2015 — The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is pleased to announce that JetSuite of Irvine, California is the newest charter operator to join the ACSF. Along with 105 other companies, JetSuite supports the mission of the ACSF to raise the safety bar in the on-demand charter and fractional industry.

“Our membership furthers our dedication to maintain industry-leading safety practices,” said JetSuite CEO Alex Wilcox. “We are pleased to support the ACSF in our commitment to maintaining a culture of safety, excellence and transparency and we are delighted to be among the first members of the ACSF’s ASAP. ”

JetSuite, with 19,000 hours of operations in 2014 is the 4th largest part 135 operator in the country. JetSuite also is the only light jet charter company in the world with in-flight, real-time satellite weather mapping, and safe taxi technology installed across its Wifi-equipped fleet of Phenom 100s and JetSuite Edition CJ3s. In addition, the Federal Aviation Administration’s 2012, 2013 & 2014 Diamond Award of Excellence and the National Air Transportation Association’s 2012 & 2013 Five Star Award were bestowed upon JetSuite for the achievements of the company’s maintenance department.

“We welcome JetSuite into the foundation, and their commitment to safety as a core value for their company,” said ACSF President Bryan Burns.

The ACSF has developed the industry audit standard, an all-inclusive audit tailored for Part 135 and 91K operators that acts as a detailed gap analysis of an operator’s management practices. The audit program consists of a thorough review of an operator’s processes and procedures, regulatory compliance, and the operator’s implementation of and adherence to a safety management system (SMS).

For further information, go to www.acsf.aero or www.jetsuite.com.

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“The vision of the ACSF is to enable on-demand charter providers and fractional program managers to achieve the highest levels of safety in the aviation industry. This goal will be achieved through:

  • Promotion of risk management programs,
  • The adoption of one common industry audit standard,
  • Dissemination of safety information and,
  • Creation of additional programs that advance the goals of the foundation.”

 

SOAR Next-Generation SMS Audit & Safety Issue Resolution

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SOAR+

is a computer-based safety of operations audit, risk assessment and resolution of safety issues (ROSI) process supporting E-IOSA, IASA, ISBAO as well as SAIs, EPIs, DOD, ICAO, regulatory compliance, NetJets, internal QA/evaluation, and/or custom audit protocols.  SOAR+ raises the bar by risk-ranking audit standards, then reporting results in an intuitive, executive-friendly format that establishes a means for quantifying returns on investment (ROI) in safety.

SOAR+ is imminently configurable; e.g. A CASE version of SOAR+ is set to be installed at a major US based Maintenance & Repair Operation (MRO) soon; providing services to Pratt & Whitney, the US Air Force and UPS among others.  SOAR+ is also under consideration to support the US Department of Transportation’s (DOT’s) Federal Transit Authority (FTA) implementation of safety management systems (SMS) in US municipal transit and rail operations.  Could also work for airports, shipping, and hospitals it: wherever safety and compliance is linked to performance.

SOAR “AAP” is a flight data monitoring (FDM)-based safety of operations-assurance, risk management, airman-ship assurance and asset protection utility incorporating the identical ROSI process as SOAR+.  Unconstrained by traditional flight operations quality assurance (FOQA) paradigms, SOAR AAP optimizes the use of aircraft flight data recorders, the so-called “Black-Boxes,” before the crash: to optimize operations, training, and to actually prevent accidents by making practical application of information that is traditional used only to conduct forensic inquiry…after the fact.

SOAR+ Attributes –

  • Audit standards can be derived and/or imported into SOAR+ from any source: from ICAO, host country regulations, to internal airline oversight, quality control and quality assurance processes.
  • A gap analysis and corrective actions tool exemplary of highest standards in SMS.
  • Supports SAIs, EPIs, specific regulatory requirements (SRRs), as well DOD and Enhanced-IOSA requirements.
    • Also available as an IOSA-attainment sub-routine providing a sequential guide to air, ground and maintenance operators in achieving and maintaining IATA registration.
  • Standards and findings are risk-ranked in advance of the audits, and after, to guide in prioritizing effective action plans.
  • Reports are normalized to 100% to facilitate effective communications with non-technical stakeholders, and to
    • Establish a basis for quantifying return on investments in safety.
  • Both SOAR+ and SOAR AAP fill significant lapses in virtually all existing SMS computer-based utilities,
    • Can be integrated into existing SMS software.
  • There are Enterprise versions,
    • And versions capable of supporting-
      • Mobile devices,
      • Laptop PCs and
      • “Cloud-based” access.
    • The ROSI process includes prioritization of findings on the basis of safety and/or business, political and economic concerns, supporting unparalleled root cause analysis, safety risk assessment (SRA) and corrective actions implementation, validation, and assurance processes.

•     Indeed, SOAR+/SOAR APP may represent a credible foundation for what can best be described as “Next-generation SMS.”

SOAR+ is deliberately configured to be useful measuring the attainment of standards in virtually any environment. For example, SOAR+ could be a useful means to measure attainment of implementation standards in Ebola prevention and treatment procedures, methods and protocols, to report results in an imminently intuitive executive-friendly format, to measure the risk of failure to implement complete and comprehensive corrective measures, to conduct safety risk assessments on proposed corrective measures, to document approval of an accountable individual before deploying proposed corrective actions, to verify and validate implementation, controlling performance creep by means of a continuously renewable improvement process, and to quantify return on investment in health and safety of the population.  We would need to dissect Ebola prevention and treatment protocols to identify standards and then deploy auditors to record their observations in the SOAR+ safety of operations, risk assessment and resolutions of safety issues utility.

NBAA Top 10 Safety Focus Areas

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The NBAA has released their list of the top ten Safety Focus Areas

1.Professionalism

2.Safety Culture

3.Airmanship Skills

4.Light Business Airplane (LBA) Safety

5.Talent Pipeline

6.Impact of Technology

7.Public Policy

8.Airport Safety

9.Fatigue

10.Task Saturation

http://www.nbaa.org/ops/safety/top-10/

FAA Working (Slowly) on SMS for Airports

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Source: Aviation International News » April 2014

by  Paul Lowe

April 2, 2014, 12:25 AM

FAA Working (Slowly) on SMS for Airports

Never renowned for its ability to fast-track rulemaking, the FAA might be gunning for a new record.

It has been nearly a decade since the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) introduced an amendment to its aviation rulemaking to require member states to have certified international airports establish a safety management system (SMS). The FAA has said it supports harmonization of international standards and has worked to make U.S. aviation safety regulations consistent with ICAO standards and recommended practices.

ICAO issued its first SMS directive to its member nations in 2005. It required these countries to mandate SMS implementation for a number of operators, including air carriers, repair stations and international general aviation in large and jet aircraft, by Jan. 1, 2009.

Even then, knowing its own track record on rulemaking, the FAA filed “differences” with ICAO, a process by which nations can postpone implementation of some ICAO regulations. Those differences are published in the form of supplements.

According to the FAA, it intends to implement SMS at U.S. airports in a way that complements the requirements of Part 139, Certification of Airports. The FAA said it is now considering the best way to introduce an SMS requirement to the more than 540 U.S. airports certified under Part 139. The notification of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for certified airports was issued on Oct. 7, 2010. The agency accepted comments on the proposed SMS rule through July 5, 2011.

The FAA said it received “many helpful comments and insights on benefits and costs” from the public in response to the October 2010 NPRM. “The FAA carefully considered these comments, and in light of the information received, the FAA decided to modify our proposal and provide another opportunity for public comments on the modifications through our SNPRM [supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking] process,” the agency explained.

On Dec. 10, 2012, the Department of Transportation posted its monthly Significant Rulemaking Report for that month. The December 2012 report amends the next stage for the Airport Safety Management System rulemaking (Docket Number FAA-2010-0997) as a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking.

While the SNPRM is currently under development, the agency anticipates offering changes to the rule’s applicability and some proposed requirements. Specifically, the FAA is evaluating several options for SMS at various classes of Part 139 certified airports to improve the implementation of SMS. The FAA is considering changes to SMS implementation and some SMS elements to reduce the burden on an airport implementing SMS.

More than 30 certified airports are already developing and implementing SMS. Safety experts worldwide view SMS as the next major step to improve safety in aviation. The FAA is encouraging all certificated airports to develop an SMS voluntarily. The FAA will continue to make Airport Improvement Program funds available to commercial airport sponsors for eligible airport SMS-related costs.

Flight Safety Foundation Calls for International Symposium on Aircraft Monitoring and Communication Systems

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Flight Safety Foundation Calls for International Symposium on Aircraft Monitoring and Communication Systems

Source:  Emily McGee

Director of Communications
+1 703 739 6700, ext. 126
mcgee@flightsafety.org

Alexandria VA, April 1, 2014  – In the wake of the Malaysian government’s announcement that flight MH 370 ended in the Indian Ocean and the continuing search, the Flight Safety Foundation today called on the commercial aviation industry and national civil aviation authorities to gather for an international symposium on the current state of technology and need to incorporate practical in-flight aircraft monitoring and communications systems to enhance location tracking.

“We will hopefully know soon what happened on this tragic flight,” said David McMillan, Chairman of the FSF Board of Governors.  “We do know, however, that emerging technology exists to provide much more real-time data about aircraft operations and engine performance. That data can help us unlock mysteries, leading to timely safety improvements and more focused search and rescue missions, while avoiding some of the pain and anguish felt by victims’ loved ones in the wake of a tragedy.”

“Satellite communications, navigation, and surveillance systems also represent efficient ways of tracking aircraft, especially over water,” said Kenneth Hylander, FSF’s acting president and CEO.  “Given existing technology, we simply should not be losing contact with aircraft for unknown reasons. Out of respect for the families, it’s also time for the media speculation to stop, and for a knowledgeable, responsible, professional dialogue to begin to examine technological options for practical tracking of aircraft.”

The Foundation, which has long been a leader in calling for greater use of data for risk mitigation, emphasized today that the combination of data gathering, analytics, and sharing would improve safety and operational efficiency.  The migration toward exploiting “smart machines” that supply real-time, actionable information not only helps in determining what went wrong in the wake of an accident, but assists operators in determining the status of aircraft, engines and sub-systems in order to predict and prevent failures, ultimately further advancing the industry’s already outstanding safety record.

Noting that it took 23 months to recover the flight data recorders in Air France 447 over the Atlantic, Hylander added:  “Given today’s sensor and satellite technologies, we shouldn’t have to wait so long to find out where, what, and why things went wrong.”

Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, non-profit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy and publishing to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to be the leading voice of safety for the global aerospace community.

 

Flight Safety Foundation

Emily McGee

Director of Communications
+1 703 739 6700, ext. 126
mcgee@flightsafety.org

SkyAngels has expanded its team. Angels are available in MORE locations!

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Sextant Readings Solutions Inc - skyangels logo2

The Ultimate In-Flight Experience

SkyAngels has expanded its team.  Angels are available in MORE locations!

We now have Angels stationed in the following locations:

  • San Diego, CA
  • Long Beach, CA
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Central California, CA
  • Bay Area, CA
  • Las Vegas, CA
  • New York/New Jersey

Please keep in mind, with enough notice, we are happy to relocate our Angels to your departure location.

EXCITING NEWS: if you are looking for a full-time Flight Hostess SkyAngels offers Placement & Recruiting services as well.  We will find the perfect Angel for your hiring requirements. You have more important things to spend your time on. Let us source the perfect crew member for you – seamlessly.

We look forward to hearing from you and caring for yours and your guest’s needs

www.flyskyangels.com  |  angels@flyskyangels.com  |  (310) 421-8153

GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE RENEWS ACSF SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP

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ACSF Logo

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                  FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Bryan Burns
President
888-723-3135
bburns@acsf.aero

GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE RENEWS ACSF SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP 

Alexandria, VA,  March 27, 2014 — The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is pleased to recognize Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation for its continued sustaining membership. The company has shown its commitment to the foundation’s vision of enhancing and improving safety through its generous financial support.

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics, designs, develops, manufactures, markets, services and supports the world’s most technologically advanced business-jet aircraft. Gulfstream has produced more than 2,200 aircraft for customers around the world since 1958. The company employs more than 14,000 people at 12 major locations.

“Gulfstream is excited to continue to partner with the Air Charter Safety Foundation as a sustaining member, to further the mission and vision of the foundation,” said Gulfstream Aviation Safety Officer Tom Huff. “As a business aircraft manufacturer and world-wide service provider, it made perfect sense to continue as a sustaining member to further safety of air charter and fractional ownership flight operations.”

“The continued and generous support of Gulfstream enables the foundation to carry out its mission,” said ACSF President Bryan Burns. “We are extremely pleased that they share our vision to achieve the highest levels of safety in the industry.”

For further information, go to www.acsf.aero.

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“The vision of the ACSF is to enable on-demand charter providers and fractional program managers to achieve the highest levels of safety in the aviation industry. This goal will be achieved through:

  • Promotion of risk management programs,
  • The adoption of one common industry audit standard,
  • Dissemination of safety information and,
  • Creation of additional programs that advance the goals of the foundation.”

ACSF ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBER – Thomas Miller

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                               FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT
Bryan Burns
President
888-723-3135
bburns@acsf.aero

ACSF ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBER 

Alexandria, VA,  March 19, 2014 — The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is pleased to announce the selection of Thomas Miller, Director of Operations and Senior Vice President, Regulatory Affairs at Gama Charters, Inc. to the ACSF Board of Governors.

Mr. Miller holds undergraduate degrees in both mechanical engineering and air transportation management, and a Juris Doctor degree. He is licensed to practice law in Connecticut, the Federal Court system, and the District of Columbia. Prior to working with Gama, Miller practiced business and aviation law while concurrently working as a Learjet pilot. He has been employed as a pilot by Gama Charters since 1985. He was promoted to chief pilot in 1992, and to director of operations in 1996.

Mr. Miller was instrumental in the ISO 9001-2008, ACSF, FAA SMS pilot program, and the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) registrations for the company. He is both a fixed- and rotor-wing qualified pilot, and has more than 11,000 hours as pilot-in-command in Learjet, Westwind, Citation, Gulfstream, BAC 111 and DC-9 aircraft, and numerous turbine-powered helicopters.

“I am honored to be appointed to the ACSF Board of Governors,” said Miller.  “Gama Charters is proud to be one of the high-quality operators that strive to enhance our level of safety through the accomplishment of the ACSF audit process, the most comprehensive in our industry.”

“Tom’s knowledge, experience and leadership in the aviation industry will help support and sustain the foundation’s ongoing and future safety activities,” said ACSF President Bryan Burns.

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“The vision of the ACSF is to enable on-demand charter providers and fractional program managers to achieve the highest levels of safety in the aviation industry. This goal will be achieved through:

  • Promotion of risk management programs,
  • The adoption of one common industry audit standard,
  • Dissemination of safety information and,
  • Creation of additional programs that advance the goals of the foundation.”

 

Paramount Signs Flight Dispatch Contract With AAR Airlift Group

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Paramount Signs Flight Dispatch Contract With AAR Airlift Group

Contact: Nicole Buzynski Nicole.buzymski@paramountarg.com +1-540-737-4600

Paramount to provide dispatch and flight support for AAR Airlift’s global fleet.

Fredericksburg, Virginia – March 5, 2014 –Paramount Global Ferry & Flight Support, a division of Paramount Aviation Resources Group , a global provider of flight crew personnel and aircraft ferry and flight support services, has signed a contract with AAR Airlift Group to provide dispatch and flight support services to AAR’s fleet.

“We are excited to support AAR. We recognize that AAR has a global operation with a diverse fleet of aircraft that provide essential support to both civilian and military operations. Reliability is critical. Our global dispatch and flight services are a perfect match to provide the services to ensure that AAR Airlift’s crews have the information and support needed to safely complete each flight,” said Rick Wolfer, Paramount Global Ferry and Flight Support Division President.

“We are very pleased with the excellent service Paramount has provided AAR and look forward to their continued support for our future missions, ” said Jeffrey Wehrenberg, Chief Operating Officer, AAR Airlift Group. “AAR provides critical airlift support to government and military operations and has an impeccable safety record. We are confident that Paramount’s expertise and support will help us to maintain that record.”

Paramount Global Ferry and Flight Support has provided aircraft ferry and flight support services to aircraft operators throughout the world since 2008. In that time, Paramount has safely moved and supported hundreds of aircraft, including ATR, Airbus, Beechcraft, Boeing, Bombardier, Dassault Aviation, Dornier, EADS CASA, Fokker, and many other types of aircraft to destinations throughout the world.

“Safety is Paramount in aviation. It’s no coincidence we integrated the word Paramount into our corporate name because it is how we operate,” said Michael W. Johnson, Paramount Aviation Resources Group President and CEO. “Our team works closely with each customer to ensure the crews have the information and support they need to safely and efficiently complete every flight.”

Paramount provides dispatch and flight support and aircraft ferry services throughout the world for any aircraft type. With an in-house global flight dispatch center, Paramount maintains direct contact with crews continuously regardless of their location.

About Paramount Global Ferry and Flight Support

Paramount Global Ferry and Flight Support is a division of Paramount Aviation Resources Group. Founded in 2007, Paramount Aviation Resources Group is quickly becoming the most-trusted provider of leased flight crew personnel and aircraft ferry services in the world. With a commitment to aviation safety, reducing operating costs, and providing impeccable service, Paramount Aviation Resources Group is helping air operators achieve long-term viability. Paramount Aviation Resources Group was formed by airline professionals with thousands of flight hours and decades of experience as line pilots, instructors, and managers at international Part 121 air carriers. Visit Paramount Aviation Resources Group on the web at www.paramountarg.com

 

About AAR Airlift Group

AAR Airlift Group provides expeditionary airlift services in support of contingency operations worldwide. The Company is based in Melbourne, FL, and operates a fleet of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft transporting personnel, supplies, and mail for the U.S. Department of Defense in Afghanistan and the Western Pacific. Visit AAR Airlift Group on the web at www.aarcorp.com/gov/airlift