Rely on Preparation and Protocol, Not Luck

Why a Flight Manual Is Essential to Your Operation

Golfing legend Ben Hogan is credited for wryly remarking that the more he practiced, the luckier he got. His formula for success was to put in the hard work and follow a diligent regimen to improve and perfect. This certainly applies to aviation, as well.

Operators with the best safety records have formalized processes in order to be prepared for any eventuality and keep passengers and crews safe. They actively pursue risk identification, mitigation and elimination as systematically as top airlines and military flight organizations.

“There is just no substitute for sound, thorough preparation to avoid or cope with foreseeable misfortune,” says author Stephen Coonts in “The Philosophy of Luck,” published in the July/August 1995 issue of Approach magazine.

Playbook for Success

That’s why a Flight Operations Manual is essential for any business aviation operation, whether consisting of 50 pilots or just a two-person outfit. While not mandatory in the U.S., there are countless benefits to having a manual. Like a playbook or employee handbook, a Flight Operations Manual consistently describes internal processes, policies, and standard operating procedures, to keep your team’s eye on the ball.

The Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) systematically cover crew duties and responsibilities, mission planning requirements and managing passenger expectations. They also detail minimum crew rest and off-duty periods, among other operational elements. This is fundamental to ensure all team members are aligned. It is also essential for legacy, as a manual helps the organization to carry on the same high standards when someone leaves the company and new hires are onboarded.

Tailored for Compliance

Our Flight Operations Manuals are continuously kept up to date in an ever-changing aviation environment, based on best practices and operator/auditor feedback. We work with our customers to develop tailored manuals that reflect their specific operation. Each manual is compliant with all appropriate regulations. We support Part 91, Part NCC, Bermuda, Cayman, Isle of Man and other regulatory authorities. And, to ensure continued compliance, we also support updated IS-BAO protocols every year.

We provide affordable, customized packages for private aircraft operators to comply with new European regulations. Our personalized solutions include a unique International Procedures Manuals update service and General Operations Policies and Procedures. We also tailor our manuals to maintain similarity with our customers’ U.S. operations for improved compatibility and safety.

Isn’t it time to formalize your processes and procedures with a playbook that ensures your entire team is on the same page? We can help equip your organization with a tailored Flight Operations Manual. Get in touch with AviationManuals today.