Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) has achieved stage III of the International Standard for Business Aviation Operations (IS-BAO), becoming the first educational facility to do so.
ERAU achieved stage I of the IS-BAO, a voluntary program run by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) which recognises industry best practices, in May 2015 and Stage II in November 2017.
“At Embry-Riddle, our number one focus and priority is always safety,” said Ken Byrnes, chairman of the flight department at the university’s Daytona Beach campus.
“There is no doubt that the IS-BAO protocols and registration process have helped us significantly mature our safety management system over the years.”
Stage III is the highest level possible within the current IS-BAO framework, indicating an engrained culture of safety management, which has been sustained in a company over time.
“The audit process takes several days,” said Rick Malczynski, an independent IS-BAO auditor.
“But IS-BAO registration goes above and beyond standard required regulations, so I know when I go to an audit that the company is already deeply committed to safety.”
The university also participates in the FAA’s Aviation Safety Action Program, allowing participants to report safety issues without fear of penalty.