NBAA Issues Key Updates to Its Airplane SOP Manual

March 11, 2026

NBAA’s Airplane Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) Manual has been updated based on member feedback and best practices, and now is available for download to all association members.

First published in October 2025, the manual incorporates best practices developed with input from business aircraft operators of all sizes, aircraft manufacturers and training experts.

Designed for Part 91 and Part 135 operations with single-pilot, multi-pilot, single-engine or multi-engine operations, the SOP was created to improve safety through standardization and ensure consistency among multi-fleet operators and dynamic crew and staffing situations.

“The SOP is intended to be the industry standard that Part 142 training centers will train to and that our operators will adopt,” said Laila Stein, NBAA specialist, flight operations. “It features a wide scope of industry best practices with the goal ultimately to make our industry safer.”

SOP Version 1.1 features improvements and updates derived in part from member feedback, as well as safety best practices.

Key updates include:

• Expanded stabilized approach criteria
• Clarified language throughout the manual
• Alignment with current industry best practices

Those who have the current (version 1.0) should look for the change bars in the new document to integrate the updates into their current manuals.

“We’ve received very positive feedback from the industry,” said Stein. “The goal will be going forward to update the SOP on a yearly basis, barring any major NTSB or other safety recommendations during the year.”

The SOP is being used for:

• Gap Analysis: Comparing existing procedures against industry best practices.
• Seamless Integration: Clipping relevant sections to strengthen current SOPs.
• Professional Development: Using the manual as a guide for standardization.

The SOP was developed by the NBAA Domestic Operations Committee Training Subcommittee, with additional support from FlightSafety International and CAE. It
represents the culmination of a long-standing effort aimed at helping aircraft operators follow the same, proven standards in multi- and single-pilot operations.

Widespread adoption and implementation of the SOPs will result in improved safety and ensure consistency among multi-fleet operators and dynamic crew and staffing situations. Common SOPs also produce stronger data, enabling tailored and informed improvement to training programs.