Safety ratings, and what they can't tell you
We do not vet or guarantee safety. No operator, rating or insurance level makes a flight safe. Good information lowers your risk of a bad surprise, and the decision stays with you.
The four names you will hear
All four are private programs. None is an FAA finding. Each one is a snapshot of an operator at one point in time.
ARGUS. A private rating firm. Gold is a records check. Platinum adds an onsite audit, and Platinum Elite adds continuous monitoring.
Wyvern. Its Wingman standard involves an onsite audit. Its PASS report looks at the operator, aircraft and crew for a specific trip.
IS-BAO. A safety management standard for business aviation, run by IBAC, in three stages. It covers an organization's systems, not your aircraft or crew on your date.
ACSF. The Air Charter Safety Foundation runs an Industry Audit Standard. The result is "ACSF Audit Registered" status.
Ask which rating, which level, when it was last audited and whether you can see the report. Then compare the current Cabo flights and what a private jet to Cabo costs.
Six questions to ask any operator
- Which company holds the certificate for my flight, and is this exact aircraft on it?
- Will that company be in operational control, and can you confirm it in writing?
- Are you the operator or a broker?
- Will two pilots fly us, and how much time do they have in this aircraft type?
- What are the insurance limits per seat and per aircraft, and can I see the certificate?
- What is the total price with every fee and tax, and what happens if the flight is cancelled?
The full guide
The free guide explains each of these, covers crew rest, insurance floors, Mexican paperwork and hurricane season, and ends with a 15-question checklist.
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