The airline standard, sized for a smaller operation.

FAA

An Internal Evaluation Program (IEP) in FAA regulations is a voluntary, self-auditing quality and safety monitoring system used by aviation organizations to check how well their internal processes comply with company policies and federal regulations.

The FOPS Manual Suite, is developed for operators to conduct IEPs, and extend beyond regulatory compliance.

There is no direct federal regulatory requirement to have an IEP. However, it is strongly encouraged by the FAA.

IEP Core Purpose: It helps operators monitor process effectiveness, detect safety or regulatory gaps early, and maintain management control over critical aviation systems.

Connection to Voluntary Programs: If an IEP uncovers a potential regulatory violation, the operator can voluntarily disclose it to the FAA under the Voluntary Disclosure Reporting Program (VDRP) to receive administrative/corrective actions rather than punitive enforcement.

Integration with SMS: An IEP serves as a vital tool for the Safety Assurance component of a Safety Management System (SMS), aligning with programs like the FAA’s Air Transportation Oversight System (ATOS).

FAA Advisory Circular 120-59A

ISSA

ISSA utilizes a risk-based audit model that tailors evaluations to an airline’s specific risk profile and safety maturity rather than applying a uniform checklist.

The IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA) is a voluntary evaluation program created by the International Air Transport Association to bring formal safety management and operational standards to smaller aircraft operators that are not eligible for the larger IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) program.

Why ISSA Matters for GA Operators

The IATA Standard Safety Assessment (ISSA) extends globally recognized safety standards to smaller commercial operators and private charters that are not eligible for the flagship IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). Its importance lies in several key areas:

• Bridges the Safety Gap: It gives operators of smaller aircraft (typically those with a Maximum Take-Off Weight below 5,700 kg) the opportunity to conform to worldwide safety standards.
• ICAO Alignment: ISSA standards are based directly on International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) provisions and strictly evaluate a carrier’s conformity with relevant ICAO requirements.
• Safety Management Systems (SMS): The assessment evaluates both documentation and operational implementation, ensuring organizations incorporate critical SMS elements even with smaller operational scopes.
• Business & Operational Benefits: Passing the assessment secures a listing on the ISSA Registry, which can lead to commercial advantages, improved operational efficiency, and better conditions for reducing insurance premiums.

IS-BAO

As the globally recognized voluntary safety standard, IS-BAO helps operators apply industry best practices by challenging them to review and compare their safety-related policies, processes and procedures, and then make improvements, elevating them to the worldwide standard for business aviation.

Participation in IS-BAO reflects an operator’s commitment to internationally recognized safety practices and distinguishes them within the industry.

IS-BAO

IS-BAO brochure (PDF)

More than an SMS

Launched in 2002, the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) was developed by the business aviation community and is designed to promote use of high quality operating practices by:

• Establishing a framework for effective safety and operational processes
• Providing tools to facilitate the implementation of best practices
• Delivering a Safety Management System (SMS) appropriate to all operational profiles

Why IS-BAO

Its scalable framework is the most comprehensive standard available for large to small business aircraft operations today. IBAC encourages widespread adoption of IS-BAO to promote highly professional and standardized flight operations worldwide through an auditing process that results in an IBAC certificate of registration.

As the only ICAO-recognized industry standards program developed specifically for business aviation, IS-BAO stands apart from commercial, for-profit alternatives. It is part of IBAC’s non-profit mission to serve the industry. IS-BAO participation promotes a strong safety culture and enhances organizational and client confidence, and directly supports IBAC’s global advocacy to improve aviation safety and ensure business aviation has a voice on the international stage.

Building a safety culture

The ultimate goal in implementing IS-BAO is to build a culture that continuously strives for a better, safer way of operating by identifying areas where better risk management will improve safety.

Conformity to IS-BAO raises the confidence of operations personnel, customers, and insurance carriers, and demonstrates the company’s commitment to operational excellence.

IS-BAO works for all operators

Performance-based, IS-BAO is scalable to the small operator with just one aircraft conducting domestic operations, or to a fleet of aircraft involved in intercontinental operations. Helicopter operators also benefit from IS-BAO implementation, and it has been compatible with rotary-wing operations since 2012.

IS-BAO does not dictate the method to be used to achieve conformity. Rather, it guides the process and allows each organization the freedom to realize its own best practice for most operational and technical concerns. To assist operators with their IS-BAO implementation, the system includes an Implementation Guide, the SMS tool kit, and several generic company operations manuals (GCOM), available for free through Nimbl. IS-BAO recognized Programme Support Affiliates (PSA) are available to assist operators with implementation.

IS-BAO stages

The IS-BAO auditing process concentrates on SMS development through a gradual process of advancing maturity:

• Stage 1 confirms that the SMS infrastructure is established and that safety management activities are appropriately targeted.
• Stage 2 ensures that safety risks are being effectively managed.
• Stage 3 verifies that safety management activities are fully integrated into the operator’s business and that a positive safety culture is being sustained.

A dynamic standard

The IS-BAO is updated as needed to reflect safety developments in business aviation operations and technology around the world. The IS-BAO Standards Board, comprised of volunteer industry operators and experts, reviews the standard for improvement and ensures that the document continues to be a dynamic tool appropriate to business aviation.

Efficiency

IS-BAO registered operators also experience improved operational efficiencies as well as access to preferred rates from leading insurance carriers such as Global and USAIG.

Benefits

The benefits of this voluntary standard go well beyond its global recognition as the benchmark for safety and efficiency in business aircraft operations. Hundreds of operators on all continents around the world have adopted IS-BAO as the definitive standard for flight operations.