ACSF members are leading by example in their safety commitments. We are proud to highlight the safety leadership of our members—organizations that go above and beyond to advance a culture of safety in the air charter industry to the benefit of all.
One such member is Wheels Up, whose comprehensive approach to safety stands as a model for others. As part of our ongoing commitment to share best practices and spotlight safety innovation, we asked Wheels Up to provide a closer look at how they implement their safety programs across the organization.
We asked Wheels Up to share how they leverage the systems, training, certifications, and infrastructure they have put in place to support a proactive, organization-wide safety culture. From their in-house Safety Management System (SMS) to third-party certifications and 24/7 operational oversight, their dedication to continuous improvement reflects the kind of forward-thinking leadership we’re proud to see from ACSF members.
At Wheels Up, safety is not just a regulatory requirement—it’s the foundation of our operations and culture. As a proud member of the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF), we are committed to exceeding industry standards and fostering a proactive safety environment across all facets of our organization.
Safety Elevating Assessments
Wheels Up’s in-house safety team specializes in thorough assessments to ensure the safety of our customers and our employees. We go beyond the FAA requirements with our robust Safety Management System (SMS) across our operating certificates and corporate enterprise. Our SMS is overseen by a dedicated team of professionals trained to assist company leaders in identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing corrective actions. A key component of our SMS is the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), a non-punitive reporting system that encourages employees—including pilots, maintenance technicians, and dispatchers—to report safety-related events. This collaborative approach with the FAA ensures continuous improvement in our safety practices.
Consistent Maintenance
Along with our Safety Management System, Wheels Up has maintenance hangar locations throughout the United States. Each one has repair stations with on-site maintenance capabilities and a team of dedicated technicians to certify that fleets are in good standing and well supported. Each mobile maintenance unit is also available to support both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance events.
Certifications
To validate our safety practices, Wheels Up voluntarily participates in audits conducted by esteemed third-party organizations, such as the Air Charter Safety Foundation. Notably, Wheels Up has renewed its WYVERN Wingman Certification, a testament to our pursuit of the highest safety standards in the industry. The certifications across Wheels Up are not only for the company, but also for our pilots. Every Wheels Up flight is operated by two captain-rated pilots who hold an FAA Airline Transport Pilot certificate, a First-Class Medical Certificate, and is type-rated for the specific aircraft they operate. Our pilots undergo comprehensive training, including ground instruction, full-motion simulator sessions, and recurrent training, to ensure proficiency and preparedness.
Member Operations Center
The Wheels Up Member Operations Center works to implement efficient and effective management across all owned and third-party carrier operations. The team’s operational execution is housed in a state-of-the-art facility that allows for close coordination between all Members Services and Operations personnel. Staffed 24/7, the MOC is always present to offer customers flight support and oversee safety protocol across everyday operations. From aircraft scheduling and flight management to air traffic control and weather monitoring, the MOC has a finger on the pulse of all happenings to ensure smooth operations.
Wheels Up’s actionable safety solutions—comprehensive management systems, thorough pilot training, voluntary third-party audits, proactive health initiatives, and innovative compliance technologies—are expressions of our unwavering dedication to safety, therefore, our clients. As we continue to set new benchmarks in private aviation safety, our commitment remains steadfast: to provide our members and partners with the highest standards of safety, comfort and service.
Authored by
Larry Soles Jr
Sr Director, Operational & System Safety
