The UK's Business Aircraft Users Association (BAUA) has announced the introduction of the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO). IS-BAO is a 'code of best practice' developed by the industry, for the benefit of the industry.

The standard has been under development for two years by the International Business Aviation Council and member associations.

Said a spokesman: "Flight departments from all corners of the world participated at various times in focus groups tasked with reviewing the concept and refining the 'code'. In this way, it represents the experiences of good operators and regulatory requirements as reflected in the Standards and Recommended Practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (Annex 6 Part II - International General Aviation Operations)."

Complementing the IS-BAO are generic company operations manuals (GCOMs), templates that will help flight departments develop their own company operations manuals. GCOMs are available in a regular version, a format familiar to most non-European countries, and a JAR OPS version for flight departments in Europe.

In applauding this industry initiative and accomplishment, Derek Leggett, chief executive of BAUA, declared: "This represents a truly significant milestone in further enhancing the safety of business aviation and in promoting uniform global standards.”

Copies of the IS-BAO, GCOM and a CD with the various GCOM options, are now available from BAUA. Order forms can be downloaded from the IBAC website at www.ibac.org