Kern Award Winner Bryan Burns: Leading Efforts to Improve Business Aviation Safety 

When Bryan Burns was selected as president of the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) more than a decade ago, many in the business aviation industry had not heard about ACSF and its programs. Only a handful of primarily Part 135 operators were members of the non-profit safety group.

Fast forward to today, and more than 280 companies are ACSF members, and over 100 of them are Part 91 operators. Burns, a long-time FBO president and general manager, has raised the awareness and reach of ACSF.

“I really see this as a progression of my career,” said Burns, who relished his positions at Signature Flight Support’s Washington, DC locations and at FBOs in Vail, CO, and Jackson Hole, WY, but now he appreciates the ability he has to influence aviation safety as head of ACSF.

Under his direction, the organization has evolved to promote and facilitate a number of safety programs, including a third-party managed aviation safety action program (ASAP) with the FAA, a web-based safety management system tool kit, as well as safety auditing and flight data monitoring.

“We’ve grown our offerings in pursuit of the goal of really moving the safety needle,” said Burns “We want to enhance and improve our members’ operations on their pathway to safety.”

Burns is well-respected in the industry and is passionate about the progress the foundation continues to make, establishing new relationships with other aviation entities, including the Helicopter Association International, Fly Louie and the International Business Aviation Council.

“We make scalable safety tools available for small- and medium-size operators, and that’s the point,” said Burns. “We want to make a difference.”

While ACSF’s flight data monitoring program is still being beta-tested, its ASAP program is already used by more than 200 ACSF members. Burns and his small staff facilitate numerous ASAP Event Review Committee meetings each month.

With the cooperation of and assistance from leading charter operators, fractional program managers, charter brokers, Part 91 operators and aviation auditors, ACSF has developed its Industry Audit Standard (IAS), which eliminates the need for an operator to undergo multiple annual audits. Although the foundation does not conduct audits, it trains and accredits IAS auditors and oversees these approved individuals as they perform the audit function.

Burns, as one of NBAA’s 2021 Dr. Tony Kern Professionalism in Aviation Award winners, exemplifies the leadership qualities, outstanding achievements and significant contributions to aviation safety that the award recognizes.

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.