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.