SAFETY: The Single Most Important Factor When Considering A Private Aircraft Operator
What truly sets private jet operators apart? What distinguishes these organizations? How can aircraft owners seeking a management company for their multimillion-dollar asset or the general public chartering a private jet be assured they are in the best hands possible? The answer: their commitment to safety, or, in today’s technical terms, the management of safety (SMS). This is only possible through a genuine buy-in by the organization from top to bottom. In this case, the top is referred to as the AE or Accountable Executive, and everyone else in the organization follows suit.
But what does having an SMS in place mean for an organization? Is it merely a checkbox or a marketing claim, or is it genuinely at the heart and core of the organization? In today’s world, it is practiced, preached, and measured. In a great organization, safety is more than a binder on a shelf – it’s the company’s heartbeat, influencing daily operational and financial decisions.
Who ensures that aircraft operators are doing what they claim? How are these companies measured according to FAA regulations and evolving industry best practices? One way is through outside auditing agencies such as ARG/US, Wyvern, and IS-BAO conducting on-site audits. These audits involve seasoned aviation professionals validating that the organization meets the standards set forth by these agencies. These standards evolve as best practices over time, reflecting improvements in the industry.
At Leviate Air Group, we take pride in our commitment to safety, evidenced by our full-time safety administrator and decades of completed third-party audits. Our goal is not just to check a box but to become the safest and most reliable operator globally. We have flown for decades without a single incident or accident on record.
How can you gauge an organization’s commitment to safety? When selecting a private jet operator, many list auditing agencies on their website, such as ARG/US, Wyvern, and IS-BAO of the Air Charter Safety Foundation. Organizations undergoing these audits proudly market the results to the public. If a website lists various private jets without operating them, it’s likely a broker. Look for disclaimers at the bottom indicating they broker flights from reputable operators by FAA standards.
Returning to SMS, or Safety Management Systems, managing safety involves applying advanced probability and statistical analysis to flight. From cockpit behavior and pilot assessments to pre-flight reassurance checks, including maintenance requirements and pilot assessments, ensure the utmost safety. The value of human life outweighs any profit, and we don’t operate if a flight is unsafe. Choose an operator that holds these convictions as close to their heart as we do.
Leviate has operated aircraft for over twenty years. Our commitment to one another drives us toward providing a pleasant experience in the cabin for our trusted clients. We invite you to learn more by contacting us regarding our efforts to provide safety in the sky.
NATHAN LIVERMAN
DIRECTOR OF SAFETY
Nathan brings over 20 years of Business Aviation experience to the Leviate team. He began his career in 2001 at Regal Aviation and quickly rose to Client Service Supervisor, supervising flight duties and working closely with clients and crewmembers.
