Category: Business Aviation

Event Safety Insights: 3 Key Takeaways from 2023

In a dynamic industry like business aviation, discussions that center on initiatives to enhance safety are crucial for improving aviation safety and compliance. Last year, our team attended several safety events across the country and brought back three key takeaways that will help operators reflect on their day-to-day operations and shape initiatives to enhance the safety of their operation.

1. Safety is trust.

Consistent actions are essential to maintaining and earning the trust of the people on your team. Whether it’s an SMS manual or a procedures document, the goal of those words is to inspire action, and these actions aim to build trust. Focus on encouraging collaboration and information sharing with the mindset of continuous improvement, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as they can be extremely valuable when we learn from them.

2. FRAT is not SMS.

While the FRAT is extremely important, it is just one SMS tool, but it can serve as a good first step toward SMS. After you start using a FRAT regularly, to further build out an effective SMS you should develop clearly defined objectives, policies and procedures, and a way to communicate a culture of safety that relies on no-fault reporting. Make the FRAT a part of your SMS, not the entire program. Learn more about SMS and practical steps you can take here.

3. Just do it.

As with every new habit or program, the hardest part is to start. It’s not uncommon to hear at events that SMS is too complicated or that their operation is ‘not that big,’ leading them to erroneously think they do not need a system in place. However, the reality is that adopting simple steps can change the entire culture of your operation and prevent accidents and incidents. It doesn’t need to be overcomplicated or too comprehensive; in fact, it should be tailored to the size and type of your operation.

As we reflect on the valuable insights gained from discussions in 2023, it becomes clear that the pursuit of safety, trust, and innovation in business aviation is an ongoing journey. AviationManuals remains committed to actively participating in industry discussions, contributing to safety enhancements, and sharing practical knowledge. For more resources that can help you shape your operation, please visit: AviationManuals Resources and sign up for our newsletter.

MEL, MMEL, NEF: What Are You Required to Have? [+ Free MEL Guide]

Are you required to have an MEL? Could your aircraft be grounded if you don’t have an NEF Program? MMELs, MELs, and NEFs (nonessential equipment and furnishing lists) allow you to operate even if some aircraft equipment and furnishings are inoperative.  Knowing which you need though can be confusing.

Did you know that the use of an MMEL as an MEL requires more than simply having the MMEL? Find out what other documents you need to have on board the aircraft. Download our free MEL guide for clear guidance on what you need, how to use it, and how to maintain it.

 

Get Your Free MEL Guide

 

MMEL Explained

Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL): A master list of items on an aircraft that are allowed to be inoperative under specific conditions without impacting the safety of flight.

The MMEL is established by the aircraft manufacturer and approved by the national aviation authority. The goal of the document is to detail what equipment and furnishings can be inoperative without compromising safe operations. When developing the MMEL a number of factors are taken into consideration including:

  • Engineering and flight testing of failures
  • Effects of inoperative items on flight safety and the crew
  • Impact of multiple failures

MEL Explained

Minimum Equipment List (MEL): Based on the MMEL, it is an adapted list of items specific to a given aircraft/fleet aircraft that may be inoperative taking into consideration specific regulatory and operations limitations unique to each operator.

With an MEL, the operator can far more easily determine the conditions under which an aircraft can operate even with inoperative equipment, since it is more concise and customized to the aircraft/fleet and operator.

An MEL must also be approved by the aviation authority, but unlike an MMEL, which is designed to cover an entire aircraft series/models’ potential configurations, spanning years or even decades, an MEL can be fully customized to remove non-applicable items as well as add procedures. 

MEL customization is based on:

  • Aircraft type, variant, and serial number
  • Applicable regulations related to the type of operation, aircraft size and capacity, airworthiness directives, MMEL supplements, STCs, etc.; and special approvals granted to the operator (CAT II, PBN, RVSM, ETOPS…).

It is important to ensure that when customizing an MEL, it is never less restrictive than the MMEL.

What about nonessential equipment that cater to passenger convenience and entertainment? These are part of an Operator’s NEF Program instead.

NEF Explained

Nonessential Equipment and Furnishings Program (NEF): It is part of the MEL, but may be kept as a separate document. It outlines the steps operators may use to determine if a damaged, inoperative or missing item can be deemed as nonessential and therefore deferred.

If you have the LOA that allows you to use your MEL, or MMEL as an MEL for U.S. Part 91 operators, you may use an NEF Program to defer items deemed nonessential.

However, if you don’t have an NEF program, all inoperative, nonessential items need to be fixed before takeoff.

U.S. registered aircraft operating under Part 91 can obtain authorization to use the MMEL as an MEL, although it’s highly suggested that operators use this for domestic operations only.

MMEL as MEL (U.S. Registered, Part 91 Only)

If you want to use an MMEL as an MEL, there are however other documents you must have onboard in addition to the MMEL – refer to the MEL Guide for more information.

When using an MMEL as an MEL crews only have generic information available to them. Not all items included in the MMEL will be applicable to their specific aircraft or type of operation. It is important that crews be able to determine which deferrals are applicable to them.

  • A number of items in the MMEL will not indicate a specific number installed or number required. Crews will need to know which equipment is installed, how many units are installed, and the minimum number required based on applicable regulations and operational limitations.
  • The MMEL and M&O procedures will contain generic procedure statements. Crews will need separate guidance on where specific procedures can be found.
  • The MMEL will contain generic regulatory statements. Crews will need to know which regulations apply to each item and have copies of those regulations available to them in the aircraft.

Due to the generic nature of the MMEL, crews must be careful when selecting the appropriate deferral item. Some of the things they will want to consider are:

  • Modifications, Service Bulletins, STCs, etc.
  • Part numbers
  • Serial number ranges
  • Variant restrictions
  • Operating types
  • Installations of other equipment
  • Quantity of equipment installed

Creating an MEL that meets regulations and then keeping it up to date is very time consuming. Contact our team for advice and support. And don’t forget to download your complimentary MEL Guide:

Get Your Free MEL Guide

Flight Planning Codes Demystified [+ Free Guide]

A flight plan is a critical part of a flight and it is essential to ensure that it’s properly prepared. Unfortunately,mistakes are often made when completing them, due to lack of knowledge or confusion about regulations. It’s important to ensure your flight plans are going to ATC with the right codes to help you avoid clearance changes and delays. Errors on sample flight plans are also a frequent reason why Letters of Authorization are either delayed or not approved.

Our experts have compiled a free Flight Planning Guide with equipment checklists for operators and their planning providers to make sure their flight plan meets ATC’s and the FAA’s expectations.

 

Download Your Free Guide with Checklists

 

Flight planning codes for LOA approval

When applying for a Letter of Authorization (LOA), there is a lot of paperwork to prepare and the FAA wants to make sure everything is in order. For applications for LOAs A056, Data Link Communications (CPDLC/ADS-C), and B036, Oceanic and Remote Operations (RNP-10/RNP-4/RNP-2), a sample flight plan is required.

Since you’re requesting Data Link and PBN authorization for the aircraft, the FAA will specifically be checking whether the flight planning codes listed in ICAO Items 10 and 18 are correct for the aircraft capabilities. 

Unfortunately, there are often errors in this section, which end up causing delays in the approval of LOAs. While flight planning codes may seem like just a bunch of letters and numbers on paper, errors can have real consequences when received by ATC, such as inadvertent flight penalties or the inability to receive an in-flight clearance. Operators and planning providers must share the responsibility in correctly filing flight planning codes. 

Your flight planning code checklist

We’ve put together a list of important form items operators can run through to check the most common Flight Plan Form errors.

For the full list of codes you need to consider, download the Flight Planning Guide. 

Item 10

List the navigation and communication equipment and capabilities of your aircraft.

Item 10a

  • Review your data link codes (J codes).
    These codes will include “J1” through “J7”
    Most DLC-capable aircraft are capable of VDL M2. If your aircraft is VDL M2 capable then you need to have the “J4” code listed.
    There has been some confusion regarding this code and TSO C-160/160a compliance. TSO compliance relates to determining domestic enroute capability which affects Item 18, but does not affect this item.
  • Determine if you should include the “P2” code.
    If the aircraft is PBCS capable, “P2” should be included. If the aircraft is not PBCS capable, do not include this code. (Note that if your aircraft has Honeywell FMSs that have not yet been updated with a proper latency timer fix, then you should NOT include “P2.”)
  • Check if you will list a COM/, NAV/, or DAT/ entry in item 18.
    If you will be listing an entry in item 18, then add a “Z” code here.
    You will always list an entry in item 18 and need a “Z” code if your aircraft is data link capable.

Item 10b

  • Ensure the transponder code is correct.
    For example, if the aircraft has 1090 MHz ADS-B installed, which is very common, one of the “extended squitter” codes should be used. The most common code is L, but your aircraft may differ.

Item 18

List additional technical equipment codes to clearly communicate your aircraft capabilities. There are a lot of codes and a specific order, so errors in this section are frequent. Depending on your flight planning provider and their system, you may only have to do this once, when you set up your aircraft profile.

  • Check the code sequence.
    Keep the codes in the preferred sequence as indicated in the FAA’s flight planning brochure to prevent truncation of your flight plan resulting in an incomplete flight plan.
  • Ensure applicable RNP-4 codes are listed.
    If the aircraft is RNP-4 capable, the PBN/ entry must include L1, in addition to “A1” for RNP-10.
  • All data link equipped aircraft must include a DAT/ entry.
    Aircraft capable of US domestic en route CPDLC, without any known “push-to-load” message errors, will typically use the code DAT/1FANSE2PDC.
    Aircraft capable of US domestic en route CPDLC, with known “push-to-load” message errors, will typically use the code DAT/1FANSER2PDC.
    Aircraft not capable of US domestic en route CPDLC, but FANS equipped, will typically use DAT/1FANS2PDC.
  • Make sure the SUR/ entry is correct.
    If ADS-B is installed, it should be SUR/260A or SUR/260B, depending on the equipment.
    If the aircraft is PBCS capable/authorized, make sure to add “RSP180” to this entry.
    If the aircraft is not PBCS capable/authorized, do not enter an RSP code.
  • Make sure there are REG/, SEL/, CODE/, and OPR/ entries.
    These are all operator/aircraft specific and reflect the aircraft registration, aircraft SELCAL code, aircraft hexadecimal Mode S code, and the operator’s name, respectively.

Item 19

Include items specific to survival equipment and information for search and rescue teams. This section of the form usually isn’t transmitted to air traffic control, but the FAA considers it mandatory for LOA approval.

Finally, although not related to flight planning codes, we have seen the FAA taking notice of the fuel information as well. Here are a few key items to check:

Fuel

Equal Time Point (ETP)

  • Ensure these calculations are included in the flight plan
    The equal time point is a point along the route from which it takes the same amount of time to return to the departure point as it would to continue to the destination.

Fuel Block: This is a detailed breakdown of fuel usage.

  • Ensure fuel listed meets requirements.
    ICAO specifies seven different fuel blocks that are to be present on the flight plan.
  • Check that your naming conventions are correct.
    Keep in mind that there are different naming conventions. For best results, it is recommended that you keep your fuel block as closely matched to ICAO’s terminology as possible.
    If you name your reserve fuel “reserve” or “RESV”, rename it to “contingency”, or “CONT”.
  • Check your back up fuel.
    Authorities want to see how you plan on using your fuel and if there is enough fuel planned in the event you would need to fly to an alternate airport.
    • Be sure to add 30 minutes of holding/final reserve fuel.
    • Be sure to add 5% contingency fuel (5% of the trip fuel).

Don’t forget to download our free Flight Planning Guide

Looking for more detail on each of these items? Our International Operations and Procedures Manual has expanded information with charts explaining each code in the appendices.

Contact us for any LOA support, and check out our free LOA Guide for more information.  

AviationManuals Receives MEL Preamble Pre-Approval from Isle of Man: What it means for you

You probably think our business is safety.

And it is. But we are also so much more than that.

We spend much of our time working with agencies, partners, and industry leaders to provide the best possible outcomes for operators, particularly when navigating complex compliance and safety landscapes.

We recently announced that the Isle of Man granted “pre-approval of our Minimum Equipment List preamble,” and you can read about it here:

We are proud of the Isle of Man announcement since it reflects the high standards the entire team at AviationManuals always strives for. We want to continue to be the trusted partner that helps make running an operation easier for our clients.

Developing strong relationships and partnerships with regulators worldwide as well as strategic associations in business aviation, has been instrumental in helping to streamline approvals and applications.

So, even if your aircraft is not registered with the Isle of Man, this achievement demonstrates how we continually strive to make all our services more accessible and valuable to our customers.

While we continue to talk to companies across the industry about integrations, you can always stay up to date on our latest partnerships and integrations here. Alternatively, feel free always to reach out and tell us directly what partnerships or integrations you might like to see us pursue.

One partner, association, authority, and application at a time, we’re building the future of safety and compliance support.

AviationManuals Earns IS-BAH PSA Recognition

AviationManuals broadens its long-standing relationship with IBAC by expanding support for FBOs seeking IS-BAH certification.  

ROCKVILLE, MD, August 23, 2022 – AviationManuals, the leading provider of procedure development services and Safety Management System (SMS) software, has received IS-BAH (International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling) PSA (Programme Support Affiliate) recognition. By becoming a PSA, AviationManuals has expanded its support solutions for FBOs to include those who wish to meet the IS-BAH standard or seek IS-BAH certification.

“FBOs are busy managing their own businesses and may have limited resources for figuring out SMS on their own,” said Mark Baier, CEO of AviationManuals. “ Many operators can benefit from our assistance to get them prepared for IS-BAH certification,” Baier said.

“While we have always helped FBOs with compliance and safety, we can now also support operators as a recognized PSA with IBAC,” said Kevin Honan, Senior Operations Advisor at AviationManuals. “We can assist FBOs in understanding, complying with, and maintaining the standards of the IS-BAH Program.”

Developed by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) in 2014, the IS-BAH standard uses SMS to help FBOs manage workplace safety and prevent aircraft handling incidents and workplace injuries.

“IS-BAH certification is quickly becoming a popular way for FBOs to demonstrate their quality and professionalism,” continued Baier. “We want to support our clients looking to achieve this endorsement by providing them with our years of extensive operational support and SMS experience.”

About AviationManuals: Founded in 1996 AviationManuals’ philosophy is to make operations manuals and Safety Management Systems (SMS) accessible to every business aviation flight department, FBO and commercial drone operation. Headquartered in the Washington DC metro area, they support over 4,500 operators worldwide and are the leading provider of manual development services and Safety Management System (SMS) software for business aviation flight departments, aircraft management companies, and independent owner / operators around the globe. For more information visit www.aviationmanuals.com 

How to take to the skies with the right LOA [+ Free LOA Guide]

The LOA development and application process may seem daunting, especially when you’re doing it alone. With our free LOA Guide (Download Here), we provide an overview of what LOAs are, when you need them, and how straightforward the application process can be.

 

Get Your LOA Guide

 

What is an FAA Letter of Authorization (LOA)?

A Letter of Authorization (LOA) in aviation is a formal document approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Part 91 operators (known as Operations Specifications (OpSpecs) for Part 135) authorizing them to engage in specific flight activity. For example, when an operator wishes to use data link when flying outside of the United States, they would need to apply for a Data Link Communications LOA – otherwise known as an LOA A056. Always check which LOAs are required when planning your trip, especially when flying abroad.

Here are a few useful LOA facts:

  • LOAs do not expire, unless under exceptional circumstances. You do not need to renew your LOA, unless significant operational information changes, since LOAs are tied to the aircraft and operator.
  • For an LOA to be in effect, the indicated operator should have operational control of the flight.
  • Once you receive your approved LOA, there’s not much else to do – no follow up is required with your Flight Standards District Office, unless you’re looking to add an authorization or revise the information on an LOA.

For an overview of all LOAs and when you need them, take a look at our LOA Guide.

Applying for an LOA

The FAA is responsible for issuing LOAs to the rightful operator, or the entity with operational control over the aircraft for a particular flight. However, the operator is not necessarily the manager or owner of the aircraft. Where multiple operators use the same aircraft, separate LOAs would be required for each operator. 

When applying for an LOA, there are a few steps to take to ensure you have all the required materials:

  1. Make sure you have the right manual for the right LOA ready and up-to-date. Prepare the necessary operations procedures by either creating a standalone manual, or adding an appendix to an existing one.
  2. Gather all supporting documentation required by the FAA, such as training certificates, or company procedures, as well as a cover letter, along with potential FAA checklists, forms, or job aids.
  3. Once you have all documentation in place and have looked over all FAA instructions, the final step is submitting the application. Each FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) is different though, so you can expect additional instructions or feedback. Be meticulous in preparing all documentation to avoid your application being delayed or even denied. Keep in mind that we can support you throughout the entire LOA application process.

Application turnaround times vary according to which LOA you’ve applied for. Since it can take anywhere from three weeks to six months, plan your LOA application well before you plan to take to the skies.

Download your free LOA guide now to learn more about the application process, which LOAs are required when, as well as application turnaround times. Reach out to us for any questions you may have. Our LOA experts are here to help!

AviationManuals Releases Revamped Emergency Response Form

The updated form will better assist Emergency Operators in gathering the necessary information both quickly and seamlessly to prevent confusion when the seconds count most

AviationManuals, the leading provider of manual development services and Safety Management System (SMS) software, has released an updated version of their Emergency Response Form. The form’s new structure allows for a more seamless collection of information in the event of an accident, injury, or threat.

The Emergency Response Form’s updated configuration follows the order that emergency information is received. The failure to gather the correct and vital information could have damaging and long-term consequences. This reliable and easy-to-follow guide ensures all necessary details are correctly recorded and accounted for. This significant update also now includes emergencies for business aviation operators, FBOs, and drone operators.

“In the aviation industry your response to an emergency matters,” said Mark Baier, CEO of AviationManuals. “The updates we have made better encompass emergencies that can occur both on the ground, and in the air. At AviationManuals we are committed to the continued update and improvement of our services. Our mantra is ‘safety is in the small stuff.’ Following some internal research, we found that the form needed a revised structure. It was updated accordingly for optimal use during an emergency situation.”

About AviationManuals 

Products and services include SMS Software, FBO Manuals, Flight/Company Operations Manuals, International Operations and Procedures Manuals, Minimum Equipment Lists, Emergency Response Plans, and Internal Audit Programs, as well as Letters of Authorization (LOA) support for RVSM, Data Link (CPDLC / ADS-C), PBN (RNP-10 / -4, NAT HLA, B-/P-RNAV, and RNP-1), Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and EFBs.

AviationManuals is a member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). For more information on AviationManuals, go to www.aviationmanuals.com.

AviationManuals’ sister company ARC Safety Management is a modular online and app solution for managing safety, communications and overall aviation operations. The company offers customizable web and mobile Safety Management Systems for aircraft operations, FBOs, and commercial drone operators to submit, store and analyze SMS data. For more info go to www.arcsky.com.

AviationManuals Plays Integral Role in Development of an Updated Streamlined FAA Approval Process

AviationManuals’ procedural insights helped reduce letter of authorization process wait times from months to days

AviationManuals is the leading provider of manual development services and Safety Management System (SMS) software. Today the company announced that for the past year it has been working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as a key stakeholder in the development of a new, streamlined, letter of authorization process (LOA) for Part 91 operators. That process is expected to be available early next year to all Part 91 operators leveraging FAA approved vendors like AviationManuals to apply for LOAs with the FAA and have those applications reviewed (and approved) on a streamlined basis.

“We have been collaborating with industry leaders the past several months to develop a more optimized process for obtaining LOAs,” said Clement Meersseman, Senior Advisor – International Procedures, AviationManuals. “With our company’s deep knowledge and expertise in aviation safety, AviationManuals played an integral role in the direction of this project, and created the new standards and procedures for obtaining this essential document for operators.”

AviationManuals is the first aviation safety provider approved by the FAA provide this service. This event marks yet another long and distinguished step forward in the company’s history of promoting safety in the skies.

Up until now, the previous LOA process was cumbersome with disjointed approval procedures and wait times of several months. Utilizing AviationManuals’ proficiency in aviation safety practices, the company helped to create the new system that enables operators to continuously obtain the required authorizations from specific vendors.

It is a revolutionary approach that will ensure a more streamlined final LOA approval process. This saves both the FAA and operators considerable time and money in maintaining their authority to operate.

Currently in the testing phase, this new process (available for new aircraft only) reduces the LOA approval time from weeks or months to days.

“We are extremely proud to have played such an important role in developing this new streamlined process,” said Mark Baier, CEO of AviationManuals. “The fact that we were the very first safety provider approved to participate by the FAA is a strong testament to what we do as a company. We look forward to the official roll out later this year.”

About AviationManuals 

Products and services include SMS Software, FBO Manuals, Flight/Company Operations Manuals, International Operations and Procedures Manuals, Minimum Equipment Lists, Emergency Response Plans, and Internal Audit Programs, as well as Letters of Authorization (LOA) support for RVSM, Data Link (CPDLC / ADS-C), PBN (RNP-10 / -4, NAT HLA, B-/P-RNAV, and RNP-1), Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and EFBs.

AviationManuals is a member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). For more information on AviationManuals, go to www.aviationmanuals.com.

AviationManuals’ sister company ARC Safety Management is a modular online and app solution for managing safety, communications and overall aviation operations. The company offers customizable web and mobile Safety Management Systems for aircraft operations, FBOs, and commercial drone operators to submit, store and analyze SMS data. For more info go to www.arcsky.com.

International Operations Proves to be a Key Topic of NBAA Webinar

NBAA Webinar Attended by over 900 Aviation Professionals as AviationManuals assembles robust panel to answer post-covid international operations’ questions.

On June 23rd, AviationManuals, the leading provider of manual development services and Safety Management System (SMS) software, hosted an exceptionally well attended webinar as part of the NBAA News Hour entitled “Flying Internationally in the New Norm Is Anything But Routine – Are you Prepared?”

Coinciding with the NBAA’s Safety Month, the webinar featured information on what flight departments and pilots need to know about flying internationally today, as well as upcoming changes. The panel discussion included members of the FAA, Gulfstream, Scott IPC, and AviationManuals, and Q&A continued well beyond the end of the webinar.

“Operators really do need to be proactive in today’s operating environment,” said Kevin Honan, Senior Advisor of Operations Manuals. “As the world continues to reopen, this webinar hopefully addressed some of the lingering unknowns by providing up-to-date information for pilots, flight departments, and individuals responsible for safe operations.”

“The webinar was a great opportunity to get various industry partners together to provide operators with valuable insights on current and upcoming matters and requirements.” added Clément Meersseman, Senior Advisor, International Procedures. “By having different stakeholders together in one forum it provided an opportunity to cover essential topics during one value packed hour.”

A recording of the webinar is now available. For access, please visit https://bit.ly/36cv7Ro.

For more information on AviationManuals, please also visit www.aviationmanuals.com.

About AviationManuals 

Products and services include SMS Software, FBO Manuals, Flight/Company Operations Manuals, International Operations and Procedures Manuals, Minimum Equipment Lists, Emergency Response Plans, and Internal Audit Programs, as well as Letters of Authorization (LOA) support for RVSM, Data Link (CPDLC / ADS-C), PBN (RNP-10 / -4, NAT HLA, B-/P-RNAV, and RNP-1), Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and EFBs.

AviationManuals is a member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). For more information on AviationManuals, go to www.aviationmanuals.com.

AviationManuals’ sister company ARC Safety Management is a modular online and app solution for managing safety, communications and overall aviation operations. The company offers customizable web and mobile Safety Management Systems for aircraft operations, FBOs, and commercial drone operators to submit, store and analyze SMS data. For more info go to www.arcsky.com.

AviationManuals Launches Innovative Membership Service Integrating Manuals and SMS for Enhanced Aviation Safety

The new one-of-a-kind offering combines the company’s renowned content with its Safety Management System software creating a single platform for manuals, updates, and SMS.

AviationManuals, the leading provider of manual development services and Safety Management System (SMS) software, announces the launch of an entirely new and unique membership experience www.aviationmanuals.com.

The exciting new offering pairs AviationManuals’ valuable operations manual development and update services with an online tool that includes document hosting, verification, distribution, industry news, and ready access to safety metrics data.

The combination of ARC, AviationManuals’ SMS Software, with its coveted manuals provides a more wholistic approach to managing operational improvement and safety.

Moving forward, all manuals and LOA services will be paired with software, enabling the company to provide regular content updates as well as valuable industry and regulatory information, helping its 4,000-strong and growing customer base continually become better and safer. The goal is to create a central platform for business aviation operators and FBOs to manage the resources they need to operate safely.

The new package includes:

  • A single online location to manage all manuals, updates and distribution
  • Unlimited storage and file formats
  • Read and Initial Tracking
  • News, resources, updates, and member only content and expert topics
  • Real time safety metrics

Operators can save time and money by replacing paid document hosting and management tools with this all-in-one content and software solution. Operators can read and initial documents, automate notifications, develop customized file structures, get news and updates, and easily see the latest global safety metrics.

The company believes this improved approach helps bring together all the tools and information that aircraft operators and FBOs need to operate better and safer. “This isn’t just a tweak – but a fundamental change in how we will be delivering our content, our expertise, and software access to our customers moving forward.” said Mark Baier, CEO of AviationManuals.

“We now offer the most holistic continual improvement and safety system available anywhere on the market.” says Baier. “I’m truly excited about this, because SMS combined with continual operational improvement is the future of our industry, so the more we can help to get users to participate the better. As a company, we care about making it easy for every aviation operator to be better and safer. This really is a one-of-a-kind offering.”

About AviationManuals 

Products and services include SMS Software, FBO Manuals, Flight/Company Operations Manuals, International Operations and Procedures Manuals, Minimum Equipment Lists, Emergency Response Plans, and Internal Audit Programs, as well as Letters of Authorization (LOA) support for RVSM, Data Link (CPDLC / ADS-C), PBN (RNP-10 / -4, NAT HLA, B-/P-RNAV, and RNP-1), Enhanced Flight Vision Systems (EFVS), Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and EFBs.

AviationManuals is a member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA). For more information on AviationManuals, go to www.aviationmanuals.com.

AviationManuals’ sister company ARC Safety Management is a modular online and app solution for managing safety, communications and overall aviation operations. The company offers customizable web and mobile Safety Management Systems for aircraft operations, FBOs, and commercial drone operators to submit, store and analyze SMS data. For more info go to www.arcsky.com.