Clay Lacy Aviation has been recognised again for its safety and operational processes. The US-based aircraft management, charter, maintenance and FBO services provider has recently been awarded the prestigious ARGUS Platinum rating by the third-party safety auditor for the 13th consecutive year. It has also achieved IS-BAO Stage III certification, the highest level, for the fifth consecutive year.

“Clay Lacy's reputation, culture and processes to mitigate risks and improve safety are outstanding,” says vice president of flight operations Dondi Pangalangan. “Our highest priority is keeping our clients and employees safe, while gaining efficiencies and driving continuous improvement. The ARGUS Platinum rating and IS-BAO Stage III certification validate our approach to aircraft maintenance, pilot training and a comprehensive safety management system.”

The ARGUS Platinum rating is only awarded after a thorough review of flight operations, checking through maintenance documentation, pilot information and company operational control validations. Auditors conduct on-site inspections and review flight and pilot records, where an operator must have a robust standard of quality and excellence to be eligible for the Platinum rating.

“Clay Lacy has consistently demonstrated a culture of safety and excellence,” adds ARGUS vice president, business aviation Ed Wandall. “To reach and maintain an ARGUS Platinum rating for nearly a decade and a half shows that Clay Lacy continues to prioritise its safety management systems. Passengers should have the highest level of confidence in flying on Clay Lacy aircraft.”

The IS-BAO auditing process concentrates on safety management system (SMS) development through a gradual process, progressing from Stage I to Stage III. In this highest stage, the IS-BAO standards board audits operators to verify that safety management activities are fully integrated into their business and that a positive safety culture is being sustained.

These renewals build on Clay Lacy's legacy of highly rated operations. It has been awarded the Wyvern Wingman safety accreditation for 16 years, making it the longest continuously certified operator in the world. Clay Lacy recently was also awarded the NATA Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Five Star Award, an accolade first given to the company in 2014. It has also been recognised by the FAA with its Diamond Award for Excellence in maintenance training/proficiency.