ACSF Responds to Article Citing Lack of FAA Oversight on Charter Industry

Alexandria, VA, September 16, 2009 — An article in USA Today claims to expose failures in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversight of on-demand charter operators. Citing six fatal accidents over a six-year period, the article states that “aviation regulators have missed blatant pilot training violations, failed to identify illegal charter flights and allowed planes to fly that should have been grounded.”

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) continues to promote and enhance the safety of on-demand charter operators. In doing so, the ACSF reminds the public and the industry of several resources available to combat illegal charter operations and enhance safety.

The National Air Transportation Association’s Illegal Charter Hotline was established to aid the public in reporting illegal charter activities. Anyone can call the toll-free number, 888-SKY-FLT1 (888-759-3581), and report suspicious charter activity. The number is available 24 hours a day, and callers may leave a message to receive a call back if the Hotline agent is unavailable. Reports made to the hotline are forwarded to FAA Headquarters for investigation and follow-up.

The ACSF has developed and implemented the Industry Audit Standard (IAS) program specifically for on-demand operators. The audit program not only evaluates an operator for regulatory compliance, it also incorporates evaluation of the operator’s Safety Management System (SMS). SMS is a key goal to improving safety, and this is why the IAS requires operators to adopt, implement and show continuous safety management improvement.

With the ACSF IAS, the charter consumer can be assured that audited and registered operators are compliant with the highest standards of safety and compliance. By the end of the year, the ACSF will have completed 25 audits and many more are expected next year. Customers should look for the ACSF IAS-registered logo and encourage their preferred charter provider to participate in the program. Validation of an operator’s status can be done easily through the ACSF IAS Registry at acsfdev.com/registry.

For further information on the IAS and audit process, please visit acsfdev.com/audit. Operators wishing to initiate the audit process should contact Russ Lawton at 1-888-SAFE-135 (888-723-3135).

The ACSF has also released AVSiS, a revolutionary safety event reporting and tracking system specifically for the on-demand air charter industry and shared aircraft ownership programs. AVSiS, or Aviation Safety Information System, is a powerful software program that collects detailed safety event data for analysis, response deployment and success measurement, and provides a tool for accounting for the cost savings realized by interventions.

To encourage the wide-spread use of this safety-enhancing tool, the ACSF has made the program available free-of-charge to all Part 135 on-demand operators and Part 91K fractional program managers. Using AVSiS, or similar tools, to collect safety event information is critical to safety management system development and can also serve as the foundation for an FAA Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP).

“We strongly encourage all Part 135 operators to report illegal charter activity immediately using the 1-888-SKY-FLT1 (888-759-3581) toll free number,” stated ACSF President James K. Coyne. “The resources the Air Charter Safety Foundation provides to the Part 135 community are all invaluable assets towards ensuring safety. While the USA Today article focuses on those very few, limited operations that should certainly be called into question, the on-demand air charter industry, with its stringent safety regulations covered under CFR Part 135, remains one of the safest ways to travel.”

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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.