International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO)
The International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO), developed by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and its member associations, is a recommended code of best practices designed to help flight departments worldwide achieve high levels of safety and professionalism. IS-BAO is an industry standard built for operators, by operators, and provides standards based on the ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS). Both the FAA and CAA in Canada recognize IS-BAO as meeting the ICAO standard.
While developing and maintaining a SMS is not required under current FAA regulations, industry is projecting that by as early as 2014 FAA could mandate SMS compliance for Part-135 operations. As of early 2013 there were over 700 IS-BAO registered operators here in the U.S., and that number continues to grow as more flight departments and operators begin to see value in not only managing a safe aviation environment, but empowering a whole organization to be involved in a safety culture.
For an outline of the topics covered, review the IS-BAO Table of Contents.
Additional information about IS-BAO is also available on the IBAC web site.
U.S. operators may purchase IS-BAO materials through NBAA, an IBAC Affiliated Association.
When you order the IS-BAO materials, you will receive:
- A copy of the IS-BAO in a three-ring binder
- A copy of the generic company operations manual (GCOM) in the version of your choice
- A CD-ROM with the IS-BAO and four possible versions of the GCOM so that you can develop your own company operations manual (COM).
- A copy of the Safety Management System (SMS) Toolkit developed by IBAC.
You also have the option to purchase a stylized COM binder, with index tabs, in a flight bag size (5.5 inches by 8.5 inches), such that you can modify it to personalize the cover with your company details.
Price for IS-BAO and accompanying materials:
- NBAA Member Companies – $1,200
- Non-Members of NBAA – $1,650
Price for optional COM binder and tabs: $12
The price for the IS-BAO includes all additional material such as the Generic Company Operations Manual, SMS Tool Kit and availability of the Standards Manager to answer queries on the code of practice.
Order IS-BAO now through the secure online form.
Additional information about IS-BAO, including a schedule of upcoming IS-BAO Workshops, is available on the IBAC web site.
Developments and Initiatives
In June of 2010, IBAC announced a formal agreement with several helicopter trade associations to develop a helicopter version of IS-BAO. For more information, read the IBAC press release.
As of August 25, 2009, IS-BAO is now recognized as an industry standard for business aircraft operations by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). For more information, view the IBAC press release.
Recent News
Two IS-BAO Workshops Featured at ABACE2013
April 11, 2013
In its ongoing effort to promote safety, the International Business Aviation Council is presenting two full-day workshops on the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) in conjunction with the Asian Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (ABACE2013) in Shanghai, China, from April 16 to 18. The Fundamentals of IS-BAO Workshop will be held on April 19, followed by the Auditor Accreditation Workshop on April 20. IS-BAO is a voluntary multi-step process that raises the level of operator safety. Learn more about IS-BAO workshops.
Operators Value IS BAO for Team Approach to Safety
February 22, 2013
A set of global best practices developed by and for the industry, the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS BAO) offers an opportunity for flight departments to focus on safety as a team. And for flight operations of any size that are interested in learning how to implement IS-BAO’s team approach to a safety management system (SMS), workshops are being offered this year in nearly 30 locations worldwide, including dozens in the U.S., as well as in Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, Switzerland and the U.K. Learn more about the value of IS-BAO.
