At Corporate Aviation, we’ve created a safety culture that is committed to going above and beyond industry standards. The air charter industry has federal operations regulations in place to ensure safe travel, as well as industry solutions to vet operators through setting standards and passing audits. However, we take our commitment to safety a step further by implementing comprehensive safety protocols that go beyond simply relying on arbitrary standards set by third-party vetting, while placing a strong emphasis on experience, professionalism and leadership.
What truly sets us apart is the dedication and insistence upon doing the “right thing”- especially when it comes to safety. When I came to Corporate Aviation over 2 years ago, I brought decades of flying experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to fully commit to aviation safety. Having served in key safety roles for large charter operators and Fortune 50 corporate flight operations, as well as looking at safety through the lens of a pilot, I understand that safety goes far beyond simply using tools like ARGUS and WYVERN.
Safety starts with choosing the right operator, and at Corporate Aviation, we ensure that the operators we work with meet the highest standards. As a baseline, we begin by utilizing ARGUS and WYVERN, two of the most respected names in aviation safety. I have a lot of appreciation for these companies, as they insist that operators and flight crews meet certain standards, which contribute to a commitment to safety. These third-party safety audits are useful, as they establish a foundational element to safety protocols but are based on simply passing audits and arbitrary standards – similar to, and a slight step above, regulatory compliance. Although these practices are a step in the right direction, they do not tell the full story into the safety of a flight operation. As a pilot, I’ve been trained to assess, analyze and act across a wide range of variables that contribute to flight safety. Therefore, as a company, we’ve insisted that we go a step further than baseline standards to ensure nothing is being overlooked.
While tools like ARGUS and WYVERN provide helpful data, my decades of real-world flight experience and knowledge of proven safety methods have led us to align with flight operations across the industry and adopt a Safety Management System (SMS). Our SMS emphasizes safety policy, risk management, safety assurance and safety promotion, which are the pillars to a functional and comprehensive safety program. Some of the key elements that contribute to this program at Corporate Aviation are:
- Safety Culture: Our safety policies mirror those of top-of-class, well-respected and proven flight operations within the aviation industry. These policies are reflected in the way we handle emergency scenarios, ensure proper employee training, and develop contingency plans for our flying clients. Furthermore, we’ve made safety a part of almost every internal discussion, which instills a culture of safety across all aspects of our operations. I’ve made a personal commitment to safety and insisted that it is woven into every layer of our operations.
- Proactive Safety Management: I believe that the safety of every flight is rooted in proactive risk management. Therefore, we do not simply rely on data from third parties like ARGUS and WYERN; we leverage my years of flying experience to assess each flight’s unique variables and advise our clients of any significant risks to ensure that every possible safety precaution is taken. I’ve ensured that we don’t just simply check boxes — we anticipate challenges and solve problems before they arise, ensuring our clients have a truly safe and smooth experience.
- Wisdom from Experience: Having flown a variety of aircraft types across a wide range of operations, allows me to properly assess any kind of trip, from routine domestic flights to complex, international operations. This hands-on experience allows our team to anticipate risks and make decisions that go beyond theoretical safety standards, offering a level of expertise that tools alone can’t replicate.
Our team takes a holistic approach to safety risk management. Our goal is to not just react to potential threats; but to anticipate them. We take the time and care to analyze every flight from planning through completion with contingencies in place for a variety of scenarios. We’ll then work with our trusted charter partners to deliver a safety-first, risk-mitigated flight experience. Additionally, prior to each flight, we can provide in-depth briefings to clients, ensuring they’re fully informed about potential risks, alternative airports, and non-standard procedures. We also include weather risk analysis and live flight tracking, so we are consistently prepared for a wide range of scenarios. I find that effective planning and communication helps everyone involved feel more confident, informed and prepared.
At Corporate Aviation, safety is more than just a priority; it’s the cornerstone of everything we do. We’ve taken decades of experience and wisdom and allowed it to shape our safety culture. Instead of simple reliance on third-party safety vetting tools like ARGUS and WYVERN, we’ve tailored our services to offer a level of care and attention to safety that goes far beyond a minimum standard. When you choose Corporate Aviation, you’re choosing an organization committed to providing not just a safe flight, but an exceptional flight — one that combines the latest safety tools with decades of professional experience to create a journey that is as secure as it is seamless.
Going Beyond Meeting Standards Of Aircraft Charter Safety
By: John Gabriel
Director, Safety and Compliance
Corporate Aviation