The Flight Safety Foundation said there are “big changes” ahead for its Basic Aviation Risk Standard (BARS) aircraft operator audit program. “Based on industry feedback and lessons learned during more than 495 BARS program audits for more than 150 aircraft operators, we have identified a number of areas where we can help enhance global aviation safety for contracted operators,” said program managing director David Anderson.
Starting this year, the eighth of the program, BARS will offer two audit streams leading to registration: comprehensive and core audits. “The comprehensive audit stream, which covers Gold- and Silver-designated aircraft operators, will provide an enhanced level of recognition and evaluation for the operator,” Anderson said. “The core audit stream will allow Green operators to remain in the program at a reduced level of commitment.”
Operators will be able to move between the two streams. According to Anderson, “Offering the two audit streams will extend the evaluation of implementation and deliver greater flexibility on audit fees and requirements.”
Other changes to the program include introducing negotiable fees for audits, revising audit checklists, and instituting a limit on the number of extensions to audit and closeout deadlines. For many customers, the cost of their audits is “likely to fall because we are allowing audit companies and their auditors to charge flexible fees,” Anderson said. “In addition, the portion of audit fees that usually comes back to FSF [from its auditing contractors] has been reduced.”
Anderson said he is “confident that our three major stakeholder groups—BARS member organizations, audit companies, and aircraft operators—will see significant benefits” from the changes.
