In recent years, there have been several incidents of fuel contaminated with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) being uplifted to business aircraft, causing damage to airplanes and a safety risk to passengers and crews. While NBAA, other industry groups, FBOs and fuel suppliers are looking at ways to mitigate the risk and develop a way to test for DEF, “the best course of action, for now, is prevention,” said Bob Schick, director of safety and risk management, TAC Air. Alex Beringer, COO of Fair Wind Air Charter, advised: never let an aircraft get fuel without direct supervision and train staff on what to look out for.
This week, NBAA Flight Plan host Pete Combs speaks with:
Alex Beringer, COO, Fair Wind Air Charter
Terry Yeomans, IS-BAH program director, IBAC
Bob Schick, director of safety and risk management, TAC Air
Mark Larsen, senior manager for safety and flight operations, NBAA
Although aviation remains the safest form of travel, accidents continue to be an unfortunate and infrequent reality. Information stemming from crash investigations often spurs important discussions about ways to make operations safer. In fact, preliminary findings from probes conducted by the NTSB can yield valuable lessons.
As risks to business aviation are identified, NBAA’s Safety Committee is positioned as a center of expertise, analyzing industry data and findings to shape the scope of the NBAA’s Top Safety Focus Areas.
Virtually every business aviation flight includes at least one device powered by lithium ion batteries. At any time, these types of batteries could overheat, emit smoke, burst into flames or even explode – spewing bits of white hot gel in all directions. Experts say properly training flight attendants are often your first line of defense.
Business aviation experts offered tips on becoming a vigilant partner in the industry’s never-ending crusade to improve safety. They also shared valuable perspectives on why incorporating a safety mindset into every task is more critical than ever.