The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) is proud to announce the launch of IAS Lite, a streamlined audit program designed specifically for independent charter and non-commercial operators.
This new program enables operators to become ACSF Audit Registered and achieve FAA Part 5 compliance, aligned with ICAO Annex 19 ICAO Doc 9859, and AC 120-92D. The IAS Lite integrates world-class safety tools, consultants, and resources to offer a comprehensive, unified aviation safety and compliance solution.
IAS Lite is meticulously crafted for independent charter and non-commercial operators, ensuring they can achieve a higher level of safety management without the complexity and cost associated with larger audits. This program ensures operators meet essential safety management requirements, align with international safety expectations, and build a strong safety culture.
Operators can start the audit registration process for IAS Lite by reviewing and submitting the Operator Pre-Audit Checklist, which assists in audit preparation and provides the audit team with a preliminary overview. Once received, an audit team professional will help guide the operator through the program. Audit results are valid for 24 months, with operators able to request earlier audits to reaffirm their SMS progress. Fleet size is determined by the number of aircraft listed on the FAA OpsSpec D085 or equivalent authorizations.
The benefits of ACSF IAS for Part 5 compliance are extensive. ACSF provides a detailed compliance roadmap to FAA Part 5 requirements, ensuring alignment with ICAO Annex 19. The program supports the development of a Just Culture, promotes a safe reporting environment, and offers tailored SMS support for effective Safety Management System implementation. Operators benefit from expert guidance, consortium options for cost-sharing, educational webinars, assistance with essential safety documents, and continuous support for ongoing compliance and improvement.
“IAS Lite represents a significant advancement for independent charter and non-commercial operators, providing them with a customized, affordable, scalable approach to safety management. This program ensures that even the smallest operators can meet and exceed the highest safety standards, ultimately enhancing their operational safety culture” Bryan Burns, President and CEO of ACSF, stated. “We believe the ACSF IAS Lite will help small and medium-sized operators who don’t necessarily have the resources to complete the full IAS Registration, comply with the FAA’s SMS Part-5 requirements.
For further information or questions regarding the ACSF Industry Audit Standard Process, contact acsfadmin@acsf.aero or visit acsf.aero/acsf-industry-audit-standard.
About the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF)
The Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF.aero) is a non-profit organization with more than 350+ member companies. Its mission is to lead and support the advancement of the highest safety standards available; to enable the business, charter and fractional ownership industry to offer the safest air transportation products in the world; and to provide objective information about these standards and services to the public.
In accordance with its mission, the ACSF developed the Industry Audit Standard (IAS) for Part 135, Part 91k and Part 91 operators, which serves as a detailed gap analysis of an operator’s management practices. Additionally, the ACSF offers the IAS Lite program, designed for operators who may not yet need the full IAS but still want to ensure robust safety management and compliance. ACSF members can also access the organization’s low-cost Safety Management System (SMS) Tool and Member Assistance Program (MAP), as well as take advantage of its third-party oversight programs: Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) and the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). Each spring, the organization hosts its annual ACSF Safety Symposium.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Debi Carpenter
Executive Director
Air Charter Safety Foundation
dcarpenter@acsf.aero
tel: (760) 390-7386
