ACSF Reacts to the NTSB’s Part 135 Most Wanted List

Air Charter Safety Foundation president Bryan Burns presents the case for improving the safety environment within the Part 135 charter industry in the US, and sets out the association’s recommendations.

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Most Wanted list identifies the top safety improvements that can be made to prevent accidents, minimise injuries and save lives in the future. The goal of the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is, predictably, to enhance and improve the overall safety record within the Part 135 charter industry. Both safety management system (SMS) programmes and the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) are great examples of such safety measures and have proven to enhance safety performance in the industry.

Generally, the Most Wanted list urges members to ‘improve the safety of Part 135 aircraft flight operations’, and ACSF president Bryan Burns has started a dialogue on how to encourage investment in safety. To do this, the ACSF hopes that every member/charter operator will:

• discuss the Most Wanted list recommendations with their executive teams;

• if not already accomplished, implement a safety management system (SMS);

• enrol in the ASAP programme; and

• consider implementing flight data monitoring (FDM) programmes where practical.

In addition, the ACSF will continue to encourage charter operators to achieve the Industry Audit Standard (IAS), an independent evaluation of an operator’s and/or shared ownership company’s safety and regulatory compliance.

Burns sets out the direction that is being taking following issuance of the Most Wanted list and since the ACSF put out its open letter to members of the Part 135 community:

1 – the Medallion Foundation, Anchorage, Alaska

Backed by FAA funding, the goal of the Medallion Foundation (MF) was to improve safety within the Alaskan operator community following a series of fatal accidents involving tour guides and sea planes in the region. The foundation, an aviation oversight organisation granting safety distinctions to Alaskan air carriers, was set up in 2001 but closed this September. During its lifetime it was effectively a separate and smaller version of the ACSF.

Air Charter Safety Foundation president Bryan Burns presents the case for improving the safety environment within the Part 135 charter industry in the US, and sets out the association’s recommendations.

ACSF has 150 customers enrolled in its ASAP programme, and it has received several calls from operators who were under the MF safety programme. Indeed Burns was in Alaska on 6 September for a roundtable discussion with operators to discuss how to mitigate the risk to which they are now exposed following the MF closure. In what he describes as an incredibly productive session, Alaskan operators were able to examine how best to enhance their safety programmes in order to improve safety. There was interest in enrolling in the ACSF programme from Alaskan charter operators, as there was in them working directly with the FAA to participate in the ASAP programme. ACSF is a third party programme manager; it is up to the operator to pick and choose who they want to work with.

2 – Flight Data Monitoring (FDM)

ACSF is encouraging members and charter operators to consider participating in an FDM programme, a process which routinely captures and analyses recorder data in order to improve the safety of flight operations. It allows safety managers to inform and facilitate corrective actions in a range of operational areas by offering the ability to track and evaluate flight operations trends, identify risk precursors and take the appropriate remedial action.

The ACSF is exploring several options to facilitate the process of capturing flight data, aggregate that data, de-identify and share it back with participating companies.

In the pipeline: A common standard for the charter industry

Even though this is not directly on the NTSB Most Wanted list, some ACSF members have declared an interest in a common audit standard, in the same way that the Part 121 airline community gradually consolidated its own individual standards years ago (IOSA) due to code sharing. Currently there are multiple standards and multiple audits with commercial auditing companies. “Having more than one standard somewhat defeats the purpose,” Burns says, “because companies will change their standards to comply with different audits.”

As an independent 501C3 (non-profit) organisation, the ACSF has always advocated and supported the adoption of a common audit standard. ACSF is only the keeper of the standard; it does not conduct audits, unlike other commercial auditing companies that are doing audits based on their own separate standards. “We separate church and state, to make sure there is compliance,” he adds.

The NTSB has confirmed it will host a charter operator roundtable symposium in conjunction with the ACSF at its annual meeting in March 2020. This will be for operators in the lower 48th (ie USA but excluding Alaska and Hawaii).

Go Rentals Discount

Go Rentals shall provide the following rates for vehicle reservations to agents, employees and members of

  • ACSF Toyota Corolla: $64.99 Daily Rate 
  • Toyota Camry: $74.99 Daily Rate 
  • Toyota Rav4: $92.49 Daily Rate

Go Rentals’ standard rates shall apply to reservations in Colorado, Montana, Utah and Wyoming.

Go Rentals shall provide the clients and customers of ACSF (collectively, “Clients”) a 20% discount for vehicle reservations applied against the daily rate in effect at the time of reservation.

MedAire Benefit

Ensure comprehensive safety and support with MedAire’s industry-leading solutions, expertly tailored for Business Aviation. As a valued member of the Air Charter Safety Foundation, you are eligible for an exceptional 20% discount on the first-year retail price of MedAire360 Assistance Membership. 

Why MedAire360?

MedAire360 stands at the forefront of aviation risk management and resilience. The program integrates advanced medical, security, and operational support, meticulously developed through nearly 40 years of industry insights, real-world experience, and technological innovation. MedAire360 ensures each flight is safeguarded with proactive risk mitigation, cutting-edge medical diagnostic equipment, and comprehensive safety training resources. 

Key Benefits:

  1. Discount: 20% off the retail price per aircraft tail. 
  2. Eligibility: Available to new customers only. 
  3. Duration: Discount applies to the first year of MedAire360 Assistance Membership. 

How to Redeem:

ACSF members can take advantage of this exclusive offer by presenting proof of current ACSF membership to the MedAire sales team during the enrolment process. 

Why Choose MedAire?

For nearly four decades, MedAire has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of aviation safety and security. The MedAire360 Assistance Membership is designed to integrate top-tier medical and security assistance, rigorous crew training, and state-of-the-art medical kits for onboard health and safety. The membership provides 24/7 access to aviation medical and security specialists, VIP medical support at destination points, and seamless coordination for essential services worldwide. 

MedAire’s services are crucial in mitigating travel risks and ensuring the highest safety standards. Whether the need is for pre-trip risk assessments, in-flight medical guidance, or emergency support, MedAire360 delivers unmatched expertise and personalised care at every step.