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Heli Air achieves IS-BAO (H) registration
February 13, 2012 By Carey Fredericks
Feb. 13, 2012, Dallas, Tx. - The British Helicopter Association announced today that one of its Members, Heli Air, has achieved IS-BAO registration. This is a world first for registration under the industry’s amended safety standard that now facilitates implementation by both fixed and rotary wing operations.
Whilst specialising in the operation of smaller aircraft, Heli Air operates a fleet of 30 helicopters across 10 different types from multiple bases. It offers a range of services including pipeline surveillance, charter, training, helicopter sales, and in-house maintenance.
This registration was developed as a “pilot” by a small consortium of specialists comprising the British Helicopter Association, Hayward Aviation Ltd, Heli Air and AviateQ International, all strongly supported by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) in Montreal. As part of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) audit process, all safety aspects of the business were assessed to a level well above the minimum regulatory requirement, based on industry best practices, resulting in this first IS-BAO registration of a helicopter company under the 2012 amended edition of the standard.[1]
The British Helicopter Association has supported the application of this standard from the beginning. “We agree with the International Helicopter Safety Team (IHST) that helicopter safety performance can be improved through the application of best practice,” said Chairman, Brian Humphries. “This new development of the IS-BAO, which in its original form has proved so effective in delivering safety in business aircraft fixed wing operations, can do the same for the helicopter sector, especially in the light helicopter aviation community, which continues to have wholly preventable accidents.
We commend all concerned on the hard work which resulted in this success, demonstrating that IS-BAO registration and all its benefits are within the grasp of all committed small helicopter operators.”
“This award recognises Heli Air’s commitment to raising the bar for quality helicopter operators,” said Darren Smith, Heli Air Account Director, Hayward Aviation Ltd. “This international standard is an important tool that will better help insurers assess a helicopter operator’s risks, more accurately to calculate the cost of aviation insurance to the benefit of insurers and operators alike. We are proud to have worked in partnership with IBAC, Heli Air, the British Helicopter Association and AviateQ to prove the practicality and value of this amended standard for helicopter operators worldwide.”
Heli Air has grown significantly over recent years, and Managing Director Sean Brown believes the IS-BAO registration to be an important part of the company’s future plans: “As an established but expanding business operating out of many locations, it is vital to ensure that our growth is built on a sound foundation of safety culture and best practice. The achievement of this standard demonstrates Heli Air’s commitment to exceeding expectations in all areas of operation.”
IBAC’s Director General, Donald Spruston, advised that “The IS-BAO over its ten years has become the industry’s leading safety standard, and the initiative of the helicopter industry to embrace and build on the standard is clear evidence of its commitment to safety excellence.”
