Sun, Jan 08, 2012
Promotes Best Practices And Safety Management Systems
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) will present
what it says is a ground-breaking audit standard specifically for
FBOs. NATA established the NATA Safety 1st Ground Audit Standard to
promote industry best practices and Safety Management Systems (SMS)
development among ground handling providers in response to member
requests for a safety standard and rating for FBOs. This audit
standard is the first published audit for FBOs and other
ground-handling service providers.

"NATA members expressed concern that their companies are subject
to numerous audits by charter operators, fractional ownership
program managers and many other consumers," said NATA Safety 1st
Program Manager Elizabeth Nicholson. "The preparation and hosting
of these audits drains both staff time and resources to accommodate
the various audits, which range in complexity from completing and
returning an electronic self-audit form to a multi-day on-site
audit. The requirements of the auditing companies vary greatly,
making preparation for the audits a year-round necessity."
NATA's Safety & Security Committee, which includes
representatives from large and small FBOs, on-demand charter
operators, fractional program managers, insurance brokers, fuel
companies, and more, was instrumental in drafting this important
new audit standard.
Objectives of the NATA Safety 1st Ground Audit Standard:
Achieve a standardized and consistent audit product acceptable to
on-demand air charter operators, business aircraft operators, and
other ground handling facility users
Develop a program similar in concept to that currently utilized by
airline ground handling facilities
Follow an ISO-compliant format
Create one audit standard to satisfy operators, customers, and
others by including:
Best practices
Safety Management Systems (FAA and ICAO standards
Regulatory compliance (TSA, EPA, and OSHA)
Eliminate the need for multiple audits from numerous aircraft
operators by providing consistent audits
Maintain online registry to confirm successful completion
"NATA Safety 1st is the industry-known leader in FBO safety and
training programs. It became clear to us that a single standard for
FBOs could eliminate the burden of multiple audits and raise the
standard of safety throughout the FBO industry," said NATA
President and CEO James K. Coyne.
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