1. What is the Safety Barometer®?
2. What's the difference between SMS and a Safety Management Program?
3. What are aviation insurance companies looking for?
4. What is unique about Baldwin's Operations Manual & Emergency Response Plan?
5. Does Baldwin's Safety & Compliance Program meet Canadian POC requirements?
6. Is our company ready to support a flight department?
7. What is Baldwin's JetDesk®?
8. Do you have a SMS program designed for helicopters?
9. Is my flight organization required to implement a Safety Management System?
10. How are the Safety Gauge™ and safetysherpa® programs different?
11. What is Baldwin Aviation's Safety Management Program?
12. What are Baldwin Aviation Safety E-Forms?
13. What forms of payment do you accept?
14. What is IS-BAO and why do I need it?
15. What questions should you be asking of your flight organization?
1. What is the Safety Barometer®? The Safety Barometer® is a quickly-implemented web-based program that can be used by flight organizations of any size for immediate feedback on the organization's safety trends and environment. Don Baldwin explains, "We see the Safety Barometer® as an easy way for any flight organization to see how it anonymously compares to its peers. We also give any company using our tool full support in making adjustments and improvements to its safety management system." The Safety Barometer analyzes numerous data including: E-Surveys (5 different categories -- Peer; Self; Management Conformity; etc.) E-Safety forms (6 online forms -- Waiver; Risk Assessments; Operator Risk Profile; etc.) On-site assessments / reviews / audits (independent auditor)
2. What's the difference between SMS and a Safety Management Program? SMS is a necessary and key component of a larger, more comprehensive overarching safety program. A full safety program includes specific standards, policies, procedures and expectations for the flight organization as well as a means to monitor and measure flight organization performance and safety trends. SMS alone does not address all of these critical elements. The Baldwin program encompasses all of these components under one umbrella into one complete, technologically advanced system. A high-quality safety management program is time-consuming and expensive to develop, implement and maintain in-house. Baldwin clients benefit from the time, expense and effort that was expended in developing Baldwin’s software and safety program. Our SMS program can be implemented in less than 30 days and, if you so choose, a full Safety Management IS-BAO certifiable program can be implemented in 3-4 months. Instead of reinventing the wheel for each flight organization, we simply tweak our program to meet the specific needs of our clients. Makes a lot of sense, doesn’t it?
3. What are aviation insurance companies looking for? In June, 2006 Baldwin's safety programs were reviewed and are supported by three of the largest aviation insurance providers in the world. Insurance companies look favorably on flight organizations that maintain a robust, effective safety program including: An effective Safety Management Program, including SMS, that is accepted and operated by highly qualified and motivated personnel. Elements of such a program include: a. Ongoing safety surveys b. Safety meetings c. Methods for detecting hazards d. Use of best practices e. On-site reviews and/or audits f. Process of monitoring safety BEFORE an incident/accident occurs. An Operations Manual and Emergency Response Plan - complete, current, and approved by the company's executive management - establishing standards and parameters that meet or exceed FAA air carrier or industry criteria (the higher the standards, the safer the operation is assumed to be); A training program that's continuous, organized and documented to attain and maintain optimum pilot and maintenance proficiency; and An effective maintenance program that will ensure a safe, airworthy and problem-free aircraft for company use. Insurers advise owners and operators to “look harder” to reduce rates. Insurance rate spikes in 2001 struck fear in the hearts of flight departments everywhere. Although the rates seem to have stabilized, insurers continue to advise aircraft owners and operators to look harder to reduce insurance costs. “These may include maintenance of higher safety standards, including annual independent safety audits and a higher level of aircrew training. And while such steps might not qualify an applicant for a lower premium, they could make the difference in whether an insurer is even willing to quote a rate. In a hard market, insurers will be less likely even to offer a quote, or even to renew a policy, for insurance applicants who do not meet higher standards of safety and training, or who are deemed high risk.” - Aviation International News, November 2001
4. What is unique about Baldwin's Operations Manual & Emergency Response Plan? For the first time, flight organizations have all-inclusive, Web-based and customized manuals that utilize proprietary aviation compliance software, enabling them to readily access continually updated and compliant documents. You can be assured that your manuals will always be current, and you will be notified of any changes. Our Emergency Response Plan was developed by hands-on experience in emergency events and input from experts, including the National Transportation Safety Board and the insurance industry. We have a unique, more cost-effective approach to delivering operating manuals. Our proprietary software helps reduce the expense, time, and effort required to develop, implement, and maintain comprehensive documentation on best practices and industry standards.
5. Does Baldwin's Safety & Compliance Program meet Canadian POC requirements? Yes. As of March 1, 2007 Baldwin's Safety & Compliance Program was the first and only safety program of its kind to earn IS-BAO registration. IS-BAO (International Standards Business Aviation Organization) is a CBAA recognized code of best practices and complies with Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).
6. Is our company ready to support a flight department? CEOs, often overwhelmed by regulations and operations standards, may defer or cancel plans to buy or lease aircraft. Don’t let the red tape stifle your growth! As lifelong aviation executives, pilots and managers, we know the joy of aircraft ownership and travel, and the unlimited possibilities and conveniences it provides. That's why we're here. A company that has just purchased or leased an aircraft and is starting from scratch can spend almost a year making their new flight department fully operational. Baldwin can get you there, typically in 3-4 months. Putting our century of combined aviation experience to use, Baldwin will support and mentor your flight department - and create a program that clearly maps out every step in buying an aircraft and establishing a safe and efficient flight department. Our SafetyGauge™ program helps establish new flight departments by focusing on a solid safety foundation.
7. What is Baldwin's JetDesk®? Baldwin Aviation created a 24/7 Help Desk for our clients called JetDesk®. This service offers clients a one-phone call (designated Toll Free#) or e-mail resource for any operational or business questions. Baldwin's experienced team coupled with our support services and resources provide timely, factual answers.
8. Do you have a SMS program designed for helicopters? In April, 2008 the United States Forest Service reviewed and accepted our safety program as one of two recommended SMS providers to their list of recommended resources for their helicopter service providers. “It is apparent that your company provides the level of safety that we would like for our service providers to implement. With that in mind…our operators will be encouraged to contact you directly for further information,” wrote R.G. “Ron” Hanks, Chief of the US Forest Service’s Aviation Risk Management and Training Systems in a letter acknowledging his review of the Baldwin SMS.The Forest Service has implemented an SMS approach to accident prevention and currently requires each contractor to develop and implement a safety system program. Our RotorSMS™ program incorporates tools similar to those we use in our basic program, tailored to rotary wing operators. Subscribers to RotorSMS™ enjoy the benefits of saving time and money, including favorable consideration for insurance premium reductions and resource discounts…and you’re able to meet contractor requirements like those of the US Forest Service. The RotorSMS™ program is a comprehensive, cutting-edge safety program with online delivery that includes a tailored Emergency Response Plan (ERP) and Operations Manual, forms and reports, safety tracking system, and e-Surveys. It provides timely delivery of Operational Messages, automatic notification of changes and updates to Operations Manual and the ERP, and advanced notice of regulatory changes. It also simplifies compliance to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and IS-BAO regulations, standards, and practices.
9. Is my flight organization required to implement a Safety Management System? Not yet. However, the FAA released AC 120-92 in October 2006 notifying operators of pending legislation that will make SMS mandatory. Today, Canada, Australia, Europe, and New Zealand already mandate or are in the process of mandating SMS. Internally developing a comprehensive safety management program can be costly, time-consuming and overwhelming for flight organizations. Our programs were specifically designed with budgets constraints in mind and ease of implementation. We've done the work. You save time and money.
10. How are the Safety Gauge™ and safetysherpa® programs different? Baldwin offers a turnkey flight organization start-up program based on the Baldwin safety programs. By establishing a sound safety foundation, our Safety Gauge™ program focuses on getting safe and staying safe in a new flight department. Our extended mentoring program, safetysherpa®, is designed for new or changing flight departments - going beyond the basics of a "start-up" program. By serving as mentors, we use our extensive aviation experience to help you start out safe and - just as important - stay that way. Working with flight organization managers and existing personnel, our objective is to teach them to fish rather than providing a "single fish dinner". Key areas that are included in these programs are: * Company Management and the Flight Organization * Aviation Personnel / Staff * Aircraft Acquisition / Fleet Planning * Safety Management Program (SMS) * Aviation Security Program * Flight Operations * Regulatory / Government / Airport Authority * Aircraft Maintenance * Training Programs * Airports, Facilities and Office * Administration / Fiscal (Budgets, Processes etc.) * Tax Issues * Aviation Insurance * Supplemental Lift * Contract / Temporary Employees * Subscriptions & Memberships * Baldwin Program Implementation * Establish Support Resources (temp crew, charter backup, trip support services) * Additional Services as Requested by Client (additional rates may apply)
11. What is Baldwin Aviation's Safety Management Program? Baldwin Aviation's comprehensive Safety Management Program consists of the following: Operations Manuals (SMS; Standards; etc.); Emergency Response Plan; Safety Barometer®; E-Surveys; Safety related e-forms (flight risk assessment, maintenance risk, operator profile, waiver, etc.); Support Services Program; JetDesk®; and web-site resources. If you wish to use YOUR operations manuals, we are able to upload them as part of the all-inclusive Baldwin Aviation Safety Management Program. The only company of its kind to have earned IS-BAO registration for its Safety Management and Compliance Program, Baldwin helps you adopt IS-BAO best practices and then, if you so choose, earn IS-BAO certification under the Baldwin umbrella within just 3 to 4 months. Our clients enjoy the benefits and security of a tailored, high-quality safety management program without breaking the bank. Aviation International News Operational Alert on October 12, 2006 stated the following: "Having made the recommendation that all types of aircraft operators adopt a safety management system, the FAA is now considering a rule mandating SMS. James Ballough, FAA director of Flight Standards Service, revealed at the Bombardier Safety Standdown in Wichita, Kans., last week that the agency would like to make SMS mandatory but offered no details on the timing of a potential rulemaking. To get an idea of what may be required if SMS becomes law, see SMS advisory circular, AC 120-92."
12. What are Baldwin Aviation Safety E-Forms? Clients have the convenience and ease of use of our critical safety E-forms online. These forms include flight risk assessment, maintenance risk assessment, policy waivers, safety reporting and operator safety risk profiles. These forms may be accessed anywhere/anytime via the internet and may be modified according to our clients needs and location. Data collected from these forms is part of the input to our cutting-edge Safety Barometer that monitors safety trends in flight organizations. This new, cutting-edge tool has been recognized by the insurance industry as a vital component of the Baldwin Aviation Safety Management Program.
13. What forms of payment do you accept? Services may be invoiced on a quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis via American Express, Visa, M/C or direct billing.
14. What is IS-BAO and why do I need it? The business aviation industry, auditors, insurance companies, and some international regulators recognize IS-BAO (International Standards for Business Aviation Operations) to be the minimum standard for a flight organization. It is recognized worldwide by ICAO and many other state aviation authorities. Baldwin can help your flight department gain IS-BAO registration in just 3-4 months, versus the typical 18-24 months, and at a fraction of the cost. We are the first company of its kind to receive IS-BAO registration for our program, which took more than two years to develop.
15. What questions should you be asking of your flight organization? 1. What are the qualifications and experience of the Chief Pilot / Aviation Director? 2. Does the Chief Pilot have management and leadership experience? 3. What are the qualifications and experience of the Maintenance Manager? 4. Does the flight organization have a current and recently revised operations manual? 5. Does the flight organization have a current and recently revised emergency response plan? 6. Does the flight organization have a complete Safety Management Program (SMS)? 7. What training program is in place for ALL aviation personnel? 8. Is the personnel turnover rate stable? 9. Does the flight organization have all the necessary resources to be efficient and safe?