ARGUS International is launching a Flight Department Best Practices Assessment for non-commercial operators who wish to operate at a higher standard of safety. “We are proud to add the assessment to our list of products and services to fill the gap for flight departments looking to enhance safety with a globally recognised set of best practices,” explains president and CEO Joe Moeggenberg.

“Our aim for the assessment was to develop a universal standard that is accessible and recognisable for flight departments around the world. This assessment will result in a list of recommendations for the operator to consider relative to improving the operational safety within the organisation, and it is not intended to be a traditional audit.”

The assessment requires flight departments to demonstrate that they meet or exceed all applicable civil aviation requirements; have current and applicable flight department manuals detailing processes and procedures; and have implemented an SMS appropriate to their operation and consistent with ICAO and leading CAAs' regulations and/or guidelines. It also asks flight departments to show that they have clearly documented responsibilities, reporting structure and accountability, and have created a safety culture with active participation by internal and external stakeholders.

For more than 20 years, ARGUS International has been a leader in onsite aviation audits around the world. It has performed thousands of audits for commercial airlines, charter operations, helicopters, utility resource operators and other aviation-based organisations spanning six continents.