Navigating the Maze of IS-BAO Training Requirements

The International Standards for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) is a global framework designed to enhance safety and operational efficiency in business aviation. Developed by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), IS-BAO provides a set of best practices and guidelines for operational management, safety management systems, and compliance with regulatory requirements.  

IBAC established a standardized, benchmarked approach to safety and professionalism in business aviation, promoting continuous improvement and risk management among operators. By adhering to IS-BAO, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to safety and operational excellence…and because of that, it can be challenging to understand the training requirements! 

Advanced Aircrew Academy just published the 21^st edition of IS-BAO Training Explained based on feedback from our Business Aviation community. Among the challenges, these are the primary topics and reasons for confusion that we have clarified: 

1. Complexity of Regulations: IS-BAO incorporates various regulatory standards and best practices. Understanding how these elements interact can be overwhelming, and it can be confusing where to find the training requirements since there are multiple sources.  

2. Diverse Operational Environments: One size doesn’t fit all! The IS-BAO framework applies to various operations, from a one-aircraft operator to larger fleets of mixed aircraft types and even operations with Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). Each operation may have different training needs, making it hard to pinpoint specific requirements. That’s why Advanced Aircrew Academy can guide you through the best practices based on your specific operation, explaining who needs to be trained and when. 

3. Evolving Standards and Topics: The training requirements under IS-BAO (required or recommended) can change as industry standards and practices evolve. Keeping up with these changes requires ongoing education and awareness. Unlike other eLearning providers, Advanced Aircrew Academy’s subject matter experts update and create courseware weekly to keep up with the changing environment. New topics include Recommended Practices for Mental Health Awareness and Runway Incursion Prevention.  

4. Customizable Approaches: IS-BAO allows for tailored training programs based on the specific needs of an organization, which can lead to confusion for those looking for standardized or uniform training requirements. Many aviation eLearning companies say they will customize content for you, but when you get to the details, you quickly find out it is either too expensive or too limited. We include, at no additional cost, Total Customization with our FAST+ and Air Carrier packages. 

5. Testing, Documentation, and Interpretation: Quiz-only approaches and standards of training competence can be gray areas, but there are definite restrictions. The IS-BAO documentation can also be vague and subject to interpretation, leading to different understandings of what training is necessary or how to implement it effectively. Advanced Aircrew Academy can put your training program on autopilot. Our eLearning program is easy to manage with clear, easily accessible documentation. With our FAST+ and Air Carrier packages, you can access a robust reporting and record-keeping system designed for aviation.  

6. Integration with Other Standards: Organizations may also be subject to other regulatory frameworks (e.g., FAA, EASA), complicating how IS-BAO training requirements fit into a broader compliance landscape (i.e. if you operate an aircraft under both Part 135 and 91 and have UAS operations). 

Understanding these factors can help flight departments better navigate the training requirements under IS-BAO and ensure they meet the necessary standards.  

You can download a copy of our IS-BAO Training Guide on our Modules Page: IS-BAO Training Guide, our IS-BAO/Part 91 Training Programs, or contact support@aircrewacademy.com. We’ll guide you through the process.