Hawthorne, California-based Part 135 Advanced Air has renewed its Industry Audit Standard (IAS) registration with the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) and achieved Level 4 implementation of its SMS programme. This accomplishment places Advanced Air among the elite in the aviation industry, demonstrating a sustained commitment to the highest safety and operational standards.

The ACSF IAS audit is a standard developed by ACSF and a collaborative group of air charter members. While ACSF oversees and maintains the standard, the audits are carried out by accredited third-party companies, ensuring that each assessment remains independent, thorough and focused on safety. This structure reinforces the roles of all aviation partners involved, setting a foundation for excellence in air charter safety.

Achieving Level 4 SMS implementation signifies full compliance with FAA SMS Part-5 standards, marking Advanced Air's progression through the critical phases of aviation safety programme development. Moving from Phase 3 to Phase 4 represents a major accomplishment, as operators must continue and expand on key safety measures, including reviewing and monitoring safety performance indicators, implementing a confidential reporting system, establishing other safety performance indicators beyond key metrics, promoting and sharing safety information with other service providers, conducting thorough SMS inspections and audits based on safety data and implementing a structured internal review process for ongoing SMS programme evaluation.

“Advanced Air's dedication to safety is clear through its achievement of IAS registration renewal and its success in reaching SMS Level 4,” says Bryan Burns, president and CEO of ACSF. “Its commitment reflects the highest level of operational excellence, and we congratulate it on this well-deserved accomplishment.”

In addition to its ACSF IAS registration, Advanced Air upholds some of the most stringent safety ratings in the industry. It holds an Argus Platinum rating, IS-BAO Stage II certification and is a member of the BARS Flight Safety Foundation. These achievements further underscore its dedication to maintaining and exceeding industry safety standards.