Risk Learning and Sharing

Posted on June 2, 2013 by SRS

Learning and Sharing

Lessons learned from incidents and near misses need to be shared across the organization. This can be very challenging in multi-national and geographically disparate situations and can leave organizations exposed if it can be proved that an incident could have been prevented, or would have been less serious, had the learning from a previous event been shared effectively.

Sextant Readings Solutions - Global Reach

An effective SMS Information Management solution provides the ability to share learning and best practice in a controlled manner. This capability imust be two-way, allowing for command and control from a central location and also from the local autonomy where conditions differ from what is regarded as normal

Stand Up to Scrutiny

Posted on June 2, 2013 by SRS

Stand Up To Scrutiny

An effective SMS Information Management solution provides the ability to always be in a state of readiness and to provide confidence to regulators, customers and third parties that you are in control of your management system.

The SMS Information Management solution makes it easier to adopt risk management in all disciplines across the organization. It provides a consistent mechanism to manage risk effectively and efficiently

Risk management is an on-going process and there will always be actions to complete or improvements to be made.

Management Oversight

Posted on June 2, 2013 by SRS

Management Oversight

While executives have ultimate responsibility for risk and safety, it is not always practical for them to know or be aware of all the detail. They typically rely on appointed staff to provide them with reports to satisfy themselves that risk and safety is managed effectively.

An effective SMS Information management solution provides key insight into the risk management system to provide executives with status reports, outstanding actions, alerts and gap analysis.

A dashboard facility is available to bring focus to what needs closer scrutiny. The dashboard is flexible, allowing each individual user to determine the information that is of relevance to them.

Action management highlights actions pending and those overdue. Workflow management provides the ability to route information across the business as appropriate. Escalation management is provided to alert where the management system is not been responded to.

A comprehensive range of standard reports is further complemented with an intuitive report designer, enabling users to create and add to the library reports they find of interest.

All management systems generate reviews of systems, processes, people and risk assessments. These are managed with all relevant staff made aware of their responsibilities.

Intelligence from other sources of information within the business, can be made available in in an effective SMS Information Management solution to get closer to real time risk assessment, test assumptions and further strengthen the management system. An effective SMS Information Management solution must be a very open system, and is designed to share information with other sources of intelligence within an organization.

Norcal Business Aviation Association (NCBAA) Safety Day Event in San Jose May 2 featured Dr Tony Kern on Professionalism in Aviation

Posted on May 9, 2013 by SRS

Dr. Tony Kern is the CEO of Convergent Performance; a small, veteran owned “think tank” formed in 2004 and dedicated to reducing human error and improving performance in high risk environments such as aviation,military, healthcare and firefighting. Tony is one of the world’s leading authorities on human performance, has lectured on the subjects of applied human factors and performance improvement for nearly two decades, and is the author of seven books on the subject’

The Norcal Business Aviation Association (NCBAA) members were presented to a day of discussion about Professionalism in Aviation with topics like :

The Readiness Equation
The Baseline of Readiness: The Mind-Body Link
Lifelong Readiness: Continuous Improvement and Deliberate Practice
Level III Professionalism

We highly recommend Dr. Tony Kern’s insights for all aviation professionals

Sextant Readings Solutions – aviation professionals with focus on Compliance, Quality Management and Quality Assurance, Safety and Risk Management for the Aviation Industry, is an IS-BAO Support Services Affiliate and IS-BAO safety consultant and Auditor

Trends on Rotorcraft Safety in the current FAA Safety Briefing provides good insight

Posted on March 8, 2013 by SRS

Lee Roskop, an operations research analyst in the FAA Rotorcraft Directorate, has written an excellent article in the current March/April) of the FAA Safety Briefing.

He says “The trend in U.S. rotorcraft accidents in 2012 reinforced the message that the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST), the government, and the rotorcraft industry groups have communicated for years; that is, too many helicopter accidents occur in three industry sectors: personal/private, instructional/ training, and aerial application.”

He also comments that “The data and analysis from 2012 paint a clear picture of the problem.”

The accident trend continues even though IHST, the FAA, other government groups, and the rotorcraft industry have reinforced the message that pilots and operators need to take steps to ensure safer flights.

See the article at What’s Trending in Rotorcraft Safety?

Join our LinkedIn Group “Safety Management (SMS) for Business and Charter Aviation”

Posted on February 28, 2013 by SRS

Our LinkedIn group “Safety Management (SMS) for Business and Charter Aviation” is rapidly expanding.

Join our group and actively participate in discussions about Safety Management implementation and experiences in Business, Corporate Flight Department and Charter Aviation

The Group is here: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=2539391&trk=myg_ugrp_ovr

JetEdge Expands with the addition of Gulfstream IV-SP

Posted on February 23, 2013 by SRS

Jet Edge International, one of the fastest growing aircraft management and charter companies in the U.S., has announced the addition of a Gulfstream IV-SP in New York, a Gulfstream IV and a GIII in Los Angeles and a Gulfstream 200, which will alternate its home base between Florida and California.
With these recent additions, the Jet Edge fleet will total 18 large cabin and super mid-size Gulfstream aircraft and one Lear 45, which are all available for charter.

“We are excited to wrap up this round of funding, ensuring our company is well-positioned for substantial and sustainable growth” “We’re extremely pleased to add these large cabin aircraft,” said Bill Papariella, president of Jet Edge International.

“Jet Edge has secured 15 new aircraft in the past 12 months and is now one of the leading fleet managers of large cabin aircraft in the world today. Our fleet growth is a testament to our seasoned operations team, safety systems and internal sales culture; and provides our clients with a diverse fleet of well-appointed Gulfstream aircraft.”

Jet Edge also just completed a new round of investment funding to support the company’s rapidly growing fleet, enhance the Jet Edge operational platform and pursue future acquisitions. The news comes on the heels of Jet Edge’s joint venture with Hong Kong based Asia Jet, which made Jet Edge the exclusive aircraft operator for all Asia Jet aircraft under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) registry.

“We are excited to wrap up this round of funding, ensuring our company is well-positioned for substantial and sustainable growth,” continued Papariella. “Jet Edge’s operations framework is unmatched in the industry, and the funding enables us to support these exciting fleet additions, as well as several strategic operational and infrastructure changes that will help further strengthen our platform and fuel that growth.”

Jet Edge is also making industry-leading operational enhancements. The company is shifting to electronic flight bags (EFB), which streamline operations and ensures consistency for pilots. Jet Edge is one of only a few companies in the industry to go paperless, meaning flight routing, mapping, and other critical in-flight information can be updated in real time for flight crew. In addition, Jet Edge was recently recognized for the successful implementation of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO), and received a Platinum safety rating from the Aviation Research Group/US (ARGUS). With the previously held Wyvern Wingman recommendation, Jet Edge becomes one of only 24 global providers that have received these three important recognitions.

“Given the progression internally, operationally and in fleet size, Jet Edge is well-positioned to serve large cabin and super mid size private flyers for years to come,” added Papariella. “The company will also continue to identify and evaluate future growth opportunities in order to maintain its emphasis on providing safe, convenient and state-of-the-art private air travel.”

Jet Edge International, a Bard Capital Company, has quickly become a leader in private aviation and one of the fastest-growing, full-service integrated private jet management and service companies in the world. Jet Edge International offers individuals and companies 365-day-a-year guaranteed access to one of most diverse and state of the art large cabin and super mid size jet fleets in the world, with unparalleled and award-winning safety programs. Jet Edge International also offers aircraft management, charter management, on-demand charter, aircraft acquisition and sales, and maintenance services. The Jet Edge leadership team’s aviation expertise spans flight operations, charter management, aircraft sales, marketing, and maintenance management.

Logos, product and company names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

XOJET Creates Alliance with Travel Management Company to Expand Fleet with Light and Mid-Size Jets

Posted on February 12, 2013 by SRS

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 11, 2013 —

XOJET, Inc., the leader in private aviation services, today announced an alliance with Travel Management Company (TMC) that will effectively expand XOJET’s fleet to include TMC’s fleet of 24 Hawker 400XP light jets and 30 Hawker 800XP mid-size jets. The agreement allows XOJET to commercially integrate the TMC fleet and provides for operational cooperation between TMC and XOJET. XOJET clients will now have seamless access to the largest floating fleet of light, mid-size and super-mid-size private jets dedicated to on-demand charter.

“We are proud to team with Travel Management Company,” said Brad Stewart, CEO of XOJET. “Scott Wise and his colleagues at TMC have built one of the most-respected operations in the industry. Moreover, TMC and XOJET are the perfect complements. Our fleets, operational capabilities, and business approach align perfectly. This alliance is another key step on our quest to create the highest-quality integrated service platform in the industry.”

“XOJET is one of the premier brands in private aviation and has been a fantastic customer of ours over the years,” said Scott Wise, General Manager of Travel Management Company. “TMC is excited to expand our business opportunities with XOJET. With the largest privately owned fleet of Hawker 400XP and 800XP jets, TMC’s fleet will perfectly complement the XOJET fleet of super-mid-size jets allowing XOJET customers to choose the best aircraft for every flight.”

For XOJET clients, the TMC fleet will essentially become an extension of XOJET’s own fleet, making even more aircraft available for XOJET fixed-price charter flights between 22,000 popular airport pairs as well as for custom charter flights. Fixed-price charter pricing for all three plane types for flights to the most popular private aviation destinations is available on xojet.com. In addition, clients requesting quotes will be presented with pricing for all three plane types so that they have the option to choose which option will best suit their needs.

The extended fleet of light, mid-size, and super-mid-size jets will also be included in the popular XOJET Preferred Access(TM) program. “XOJET Preferred Access is the most flexible program available to sophisticated private fliers,” added XOJET’s Stewart. “Giving Preferred Access fliers access to three fleet types in the same program–with no interchanges fees and the ability to use the plane they need, when they need it–makes XOJET Preferred Access the easiest, most comprehensive program in the industry.”

As part of the agreement, XOJET will sell its fleet of seven Hawker 800XP aircraft to TMC in order to focus on the growth and continued enhancement of its customized fleet of super-mid-size Citation X and Challenger 300 aircraft. The XOJET Hawker 800XP pilots will remain with the company and will transition to its growing fleet of super-mid-size aircraft. XOJET will continue to expand its fleet of Citation X and Challenger 300 aircraft and is set to add an additional four super-mid-size aircraft over the next several months. “We launched our Hawker 800XP program a little more than a year ago and it has exceeded our expectations,” said David Cox, XOJET’s Chief Operating Officer. “I am so proud of our incredible team of people, from finance to operations to pilots, who worked together to make it a success. This success enabled us to craft our alliance with TMC, a company that shares our high standards for performance, reliability and safety.”

About XOJET

XOJET, a TPG portfolio company founded in 2006, has become one of the fastest-growing private aviation companies in history, serving more than 5,000 customers worldwide. Our unique business model combines flexible private jet programs, and fixed-price charter with a singular focus on providing the highest level of customer service at every point of the client’s experience. XOJET’s commitment to safety leadership has earned the highest safety ratings in the industry. XOJET is the only business aviation provider to rank either #1 or #2 in all twelve ARG/US Platinum safety rating categories. XOJET is the first and only private aviation operator to enable its entire fleet of Citation X and Challenger 300 jets with complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi Internet connectivity. XOJET is also an active member of the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) Presidents Council. For more information, please visit www.xojet.com .

About TMC

Travel Management Company (TMC) is a privately owned, full-service air charter company that owns and operates a fleet of 55 luxurious aircraft, strategically positioned throughout North America. With an ARG/US Platinum safety rating, TMC operates light and mid-size jets, including the industry’s largest privately owned fleet of Hawker 400XP and Wi-Fi enabled Hawker 800/850XP aircraft. TMC blends newer aircraft and excellent service at a competitive price for both one-way and round trip destinations.

Source: XOJET

XOJET Creates Alliance with Travel Management Company to Expand Fleet with Light and Mid-Size Jets

Posted on February 12, 2013 by SRS

SAN FRANCISCO, Feb 11, 2013 —

About XOJET

About TMC

Source: XOJET

XOJET Achieves 77% Growth in the Second Half of 2012 While Industry Remains Flat

Posted on January 17, 2013 by SRS

Extends Platinum Partner Network; Adds New Corporate Shuttle Service

SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Jan. 16, 2013– XOJET, Inc., a leader in private aviation services, today announced that it achieved 77% year-over-year growth in on-fleet flight hours during the second half of 2012. During the same period, the U.S. private aviation industry contracted, flying 3% fewer hours according to data from the Federal Aviation Administration.¹ 2012 is the third consecutive year in which XOJET has exceeded the growth rate of the overall private aviation industry. During this time, XOJET has more than tripled its share of the market.

“Our growth over the last several years has largely been organic, driven by enthusiastic XOJET clients referring their friends and colleagues to us,” said Blair LaCorte, XOJET CEO. “The level of support and interaction we have with our clients is invaluable and extremely gratifying, as we are building our business in partnership with our clients.”

Another growth driver in Q4 2012 was the enhancement of the popular XOJET Preferred Access™ program. These well-received improvements including new guaranteed pricing options enable clients to have greater control and flexibility in addressing their aviation needs.

“In response to customer input, we redesigned the XOJET Preferred Access™ program to provide more balance between flexible market-rate pricing and guaranteed fixed-price access to the XOJET fleet,” said Ted Botimer, XOJET SVP of Revenue Management. “There isn’t anything else like XOJET Preferred Access™ available today and response to the program enhancements has been overwhelming.”

In December 2012, XOJET also announced that it continues to enhance its distribution capabilities by adding another member to its Platinum Partner Network: TWC Aviation. As the newest member of the XOJET Platinum Partner Network, TWC Aviation will become a premium reseller of XOJET’s popular flight programs, such as XOJET Preferred Access™, XOJET Elite Access™ and XOJET Coast2Coast™. The alliance gives TWC Aviation clients exclusive access, fixed-rate pricing and immediate answers to availability on the XOJET fleet of more than 50 aircraft, and XOJET clients will receive preferred access to TWC Aviation aircraft ownership, management, and private jet sales and acquisition services.

In addition, XOJET recently established a new corporate shuttle operation. This new shuttle service is designed to assist corporate flight departments in the management of complex shuttle operations and is on-track to serve nearly 200,000 shuttle passengers in 2013, making it one of the largest employee aircraft shuttle service operators in the United States.

¹Based on FAA data for total flight hours flown for all for-hire flying completed from July 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012, relative to the same time period in 2011.

About XOJET

Source: XOJET, Inc.

Truth Be Told

Amanda Schuon, 310-550-7200