When Corporate Aviation chooses an operator for your flight, we prioritize aircraft with Safety Ratings. Regardless of when or where you’re flying, Corporate Aviation believes safety is paramount.
In the charter aviation industry, there are 3 trusted third-party safety rating agencies. The Aviation Research Group United States (ARGUS), International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), and the WYVERN rating systems help to set the highest safety standards. Though each serves a similar purpose, they each hold operators to varying standards and offer unique designations. A thorough understanding of these safety rating systems will help you make informed decisions when working with your Aviation Consultant.
ARGUS is an independent safety rating system, producing safety grades and maintaining records for thousands of aircraft and pilots. ARGUS International was founded in 1995 and is the most detailed source of third-party ratings for charter operations. If you’ve viewed safety documentation for chartered flights in the past, you may be familiar with ARGUS safety rating levels.
For the flight to receive a green status, the pilot-in-command must have:
These qualifications ensure a well-qualified, professional pilot for your chartered flight.
The second-in-command must also meet strict standards for the flight to earn a green status. The second-in-command must have:
The ARGUS Gold rating indicates the charter operator meets or exceeds ARGUS standards — the company does not have outstanding safety issues or a poor safety history. To qualify for a Gold rating, the charter operator must have:
Gold Plus represents an upgrade from Gold. To earn a Gold Plus rating through ARGUS, the operator must meet all the standards to achieve Gold, along with an ARGUS on-site safety audit or registration with the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations. The audit must result in uncorrected findings to qualify for Gold Plus.
The highest ARGUS rating level is Platinum. To achieve a Platinum rating, the operator must meet all the standards of Gold Plus, as well as have an emergency response plan and a functioning safety management system. The emergency response plan must be clear and easy to follow, and the safety management system must be well-developed. Only operators with the most effective policies and procedures and excellent records can hope to earn an ARGUS Platinum rating.
WYVERN is another independent company supplying ratings and certifications. The company creates and updates safety criteria and conducts regular audits. It also provides safety intelligence data, leader training, and software solutions. Through WYVERN, charter operators achieve certification.
The WYVERN Wingman program offers safety certification for charter operators. WYVERN Wingman operators show an elevated commitment to safety. They have to meet strict criteria, undergo regular audits, and keep WYVERN updated about any operational changes to maintain their Wingman status. WYVERN registration and Wingman certification are not equivalent.
To be WYVERN Registered, an operator must simply supply WYVERN with their records, which WYVERN makes available to clients. Registered operators maintain accurate, detailed, and accessible records. The WYVERN Registered program offers improved visibility among brokers, corporations, and other operators. It also helps reduce legal liability and ensure safety.
Not all WYVERN registered operators have Wingman certification, which involves compliance with much more stringent standards. Earning the status of a WYVERN Wingman operator requires:
WYVERN often updates its Wingman standards. Certification is an ongoing process. Operators that earn Wingman status have access to WYVERN’s safety data and Aviation Compliance Enhancement System.
Another system for charter safety ratings is the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO), first developed in 2002. IBAC created this standard to establish best practices among operators. It’s accepted worldwide as a benchmark for aircraft safety. The guidelines it provides are based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and its Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS). IBAC is always improving IS-BAO standards, seeking input from aviation organizations. To qualify for IS-BAO certification, an operator must:
After conducting regular audits and evaluating an operator’s safety standards, the IBAC awards companies with certification at Stage One, Two, or Three, in ascending order:
Your personal private jet consultant will work with you to ensure you understand the safety certifications behind each aircraft presented to you. Corporate Aviation is also able to provide certifications upon your request. Our uncompromised focus on safety will provide yourself and your guests with the ease of mind required to truly enjoy your travel experience.
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Apex Consulting LLC, DBA Corporate Aviation, LLC (“Corporate Aviation”), acts as an authorized agent for Client (Charterer) and is not a direct air carrier.
Client acknowledges that Air transportation will be performed on aircraft operated by a direct air carrier or a foreign direct air carrier. CORPORATE AVIATION acts as an authorized agent for the Charterer in arranging for air transportation and all direct air carriers that CORPORATE AVIATION contracts with maintain operational control and are governed by rules and regulations of the TSA, DOT and FAA including FAR Part135, or comparable foreign governmental agencies.
