ASAP Case Studies December 2024

Aircraft Warning/Message System – Stab Trim Fail The flight was originating from White Plains, NY (HPN) to Westhampton Beach, NY (FOK) at night with no passengers. I’m pilot in command (PIC) of the trip, pilot flying from the right seat while second in command (SIC) pilot monitoring from the left seat. As per the weight […]
Safety Spotlight: Unlocking Aviation Safety – Practical Tools and Insights for Operators

The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) recently hosted an enlightening webinar titled “Unlocking Aviation Safety: Practical Tools and Insights for Operators.” Industry experts Suzette Rash (FAA), John Cox (Aviation Safety Compliance), Krister Genmark (Web Manuals), and Bryan Burns (ACSF) shared actionable strategies for implementing Safety Management Systems (SMS) and preparing for the FAA’s 2027 Part 5 requirements. […]
Registration is Now Open for The ACSF 2025 Safety Symposium

Take advantage of Early Bird pricing, available for both individuals and teams! Secure your spot today and save before ticket prices increase. We’re thrilled to announce our 2025 Keynote Speakers: Tony Kern, CEO of Convergent Performance and Al Gorthy, Captain, US Navy (retired) will be taking the stage at the Symposium in Daytona Beach, Florida April 7-9, […]
ASAP Case Studies November 2024

Non-Compliance with CFRs, Policies/Procedures – Aircraft Registration PilotsI flew [tail number] for the first time 3/10/24 and on several instances after that date. I checked for flight documentation at the start of trips and failed to notice our registration copy had expired January 31, 2024. The aircraft was properly registered, and it has been found that the […]
Is Maintenance Involved in Your SMS?

As the aviation industry places an increasing emphasis on Safety Management Systems (SMS), one would hope that upper management recognizes the value of a robust SMS. While Safety Directors are leading efforts to embed SMS principles across departments, the maintenance team—often less enthusiastic than operations—plays a crucial role. It is these maintenance experts who ensure that […]
ACSF Announces New Chairman and Vice-Chairman

Washington, DC – November 5, 2024, The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is pleased to announce the selection of Kent Stauffer, Vice President Safety for Flexjet, as its new ACSF Chairman and Michael Wootton, Director of Operations for Advanced Air, as ACSF Vice Chairman, effective January 1, 2025. Kent will succeed Todd Weeber, whose term expires the […]
Remembering Dave Ryan: A Mentor, a Safety Icon, and a True Friend

Captain Dave Ryan will be remembered as a mentor, a champion of safety, and a friend whose warmth and dedication touched everyone he met. Dave’s passing is a significant loss to the aviation community, but his spirit and impact will live on, through the lives he influenced and the industry he helped shape. Dave’s journey […]
Embracing SMS: A New Era of Safety and Accountability in Air Charter

The new Safety Management System (SMS) requirement under 14 CFR Part 5 represents a landmark shift for the air charter industry, bringing increased accountability and a commitment to proactive safety measures. At the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF), we recognize that this change demands a cultural transformation within the industry, especially around self-reporting. This is […]
ASAP Case Studies October 2024

Weather Event – Severe Turbulence On a charter flight from MDSD to KHPN, we encountered Severe Turbulence. I was the pilot monitoring for this segment of the flight. Prior to Departure a SIGMET was issued along our route of flight over the North Atlantic tracks. Shortly after being handed off to NY HF Radio the […]
Safety Spotlight: A Passenger’s Expectation of Safety

On December 17, 1903, Orville Wright flew for 59 seconds, and aviation as we know it was born. Later that same day, a hard landing followed by a wind gust severely damaged the airplane. This would be an accident—the expectation of safety circa 1903….one accident every four flights. Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge became the first person […]