This website uses cookies
More information
Business Air News Bulletin
Business Air News Bulletin
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.
Related background information from the Handbook...
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

Request your printed copy

IBAC puts experienced Hilst at the helm of IS-BAO
Katherine Hilst has been involved with almost every aspect of aviation, from piloting aircraft, managing safety processes and auditing operations to the ins and outs of aviation law. She will be invaluable to IBAC.
Katherine Hilst has excellent credentials for new her role managing IS-BAO for IBAC.

The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) has appointed industry veteran Katherine Hilst as IS-BAO operations manager.

IS-BAO programme director Bennet Walsh says: “Katherine's credentials as a professional pilot, a safety management expert, instructor, aviation lawyer and experienced IS-BAO auditor are outstanding, and we are excited to have her join the IBAC team. She brings operational insight and experience as an educator that are sure to enhance our educational programmes and help us further develop the progressive Stage III.”

As a safety management consultant and experienced IS-BAO auditor since 2010, Hilst's role will include workshop and educational programme development based on industry feedback to meet the needs of IS-BAO operators.

“Safety is truly a passion for me and helping our industry be more proactive has always been at the core of my aviation career,” she explains. “I have always recognised the IS-BAO standard as comprehensive and adaptable to any operation and, as an IS-BAO auditor, I have seen this successful programme work for many business aviation operators. I love teaching at all levels and look forward to my new role of renewing the educational programme for IS-BAO.”

Hilst began her aviation career as a charter pilot and flight instructor in California and later became chief pilot for the operation. She then moved north and became the first safety manager for one of the largest helicopter operators in Alaska in the mid 1990s. She later owned and operated a helicopter trekking and skiing company in Juneau, where she developed the safety and CRM training programme for its pilots and crew. In 2009 she formed Safety Design Consulting, auditing for IS-BAO and Tour Operators Program of Safety. As a commercial fixed wing and rotary pilot she has logged more than 3,200 hours and is a rotorcraft and instrument flight instructor.

Other News
 
TAG Macau FBO achieves IS-BAH third stage
February 22, 2024
TAG Macau FBO can showcase its dedication to excellence in safety management and service delivery, achieved thanks to its investment in training, infrastructure and technology.
ExecuJet renews international accreditation at Berlin FBO
January 29, 2024
The Berlin FBO was the first in Germany to receive the IS-BAH accreditation Stage I, in December 2015, and one of the first across Europe to hold the certificate.
ExecuJet South Africa achieves milestones in aviation safety
January 14, 2024
Approval in the RIE Programme, along with IS-BAO Stage III and IS-BAH accreditation, highlight the company's innovative approach to safety, continuous pursuit of process optimisation and operational efficiency.