The IBAC Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) Auditor Training Will Be Based On USI’s Education, Training and Certification Program

AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2022 -- Orlando, FL – The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and the Unmanned Safety Institute have announced plans to develop and implement the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) auditor training programme. Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems are quickly becoming part of existing business aviation operations, or as completely new aviation programmes for many companies around the world. In recognition of this growing segment within the business aviation marketplace, IBAC is adapting its safety standard and audit programme to ensure that it will be relevant and applicable to RPAS operations now and in the future. Professionally trained and credentialed auditors will be critical to internal and external assessments of RPAS programmes.

“The business aviation industry is filled with highly experienced and knowledgeable operations and maintenance personnel coming from traditional piloted aircraft backgrounds. However, the RPAS operational environment is relatively new with fewer industry experts,” commented IS-BAO Programme Director Andrew Karas. “As with any successful safety program, well trained and qualified auditors are essential. We chose to partner with the Unmanned Safety Institute because of their experience of educating, training, and certifying RPAS operators for 6 years, with a recognized and respected programme that has achieved over 11,000 USI certifications.”

Josh Olds, USI’s President and CEO added, “IBAC’s globally recognized IS-BAO and IS-BAH standards and audit programs are highly regarded by the business aviation community as they focus on building a culture that promotes continuous improvement in safety practices and risk mitigation. USI is proud to have been selected by IBAC to develop and implement a RPAS auditor training programme that will ensure that the auditor’s existing aviation background and expertise will be augmented with knowledge and awareness consistent with the evolving global RPAS marketplace.”

Under the terms of this agreement, IBAC will require the RPAS auditor training as part of its auditor credentialing programmes and provide oversight of the development and implementation of the training programme. USI will create the training programme content including coursework materials and online learning management system that will allow a global implementation resulting in newly created co-branded digital credentials for successful participants. The programme is scheduled for development and launch later in 2022.

About International Business Aviation Council (IBAC)

IBAC represents the interests of business aviation worldwide. IBAC is a non-profit, international trade association with official observer status at the International Civil Aviation Organization, the UN Specialized Agency for aviation matters, in Montreal, Canada. IBAC promotes and manages the industry-leading standards for best safety practices through its International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAOTM); International Standard for Business Aviation Handling (IS-BAHTM); Safety Management Tool Kit; SMS eLearning training; and Aircrew Identification Card. Recently introduced in partnership with CTX, the IBAC Carbon Credit Exchange provides the business aviation community a reliable resource for real-time offsetting to reduce its carbon footprint. More details at www.ibac.org

Contact: Marj Rose comms@ibac.org

About the Unmanned Safety Institute

The Unmanned Safety Institute (USI) is the industry’s most widely recognized leader in flight safety solutions for individuals, academia and organizations focused on integrating and operating UAS for civil or commercial purposes. The Unmanned Safety Institute provides UAS flight safety training and certification to operational standards based on the adoption and modification of time-honored aviation safety practices. With more than 300 instructors and over 11,000 USI Certifications awarded around the world, USI works with large commercial enterprises and nearly 300 schools in all 50 states. USI is the global leader in commercial and academic UAS training and certification, delivering the most highly regarded training program of its kind. Programs include the Small UAS & Advanced Safety Certifications, Visual Line of Sight Systems Operations™ (VSO) and Professional Remote Operator™ (PRO) certifications and Unmanned Connect™ workforce development initiative. USI’s training and certification programs are endorsed by major aviation insurance providers and incorporated into aviation association professional development programs and have been evaluated and recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education. Discover more at www.UnmannedSafetyInstitute.org.

Contact: Stephanie Holland Stephanie.Holland@unmanned-safety.org