Aero-News learned this week that management and pilots of fractional ownership program NetJets Aviation signed a Memorandum of Understanding to join the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), solidifying a long-term safety partnership between NetJets, the pilots and the FAA.

NetJets pilots are represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), Local 1108.

The FAA Aviation Safety Action Program demonstrates the commitment of the FAA, NetJets and IBT to continuously improving flight safety. The program establishes a systematic approach for pilots to promptly identify and correct potential safety hazards. All three parties are committed to fostering a voluntary cooperative, non-punitive environment for the reporting of safety of flight concerns.

The agreement, which was signed at NetJets Aviation in Columbus, Ohio has an initial duration of 18 months, but is intended by all parties to be a continuing program. Present at the signing ceremony were NetJets Aviation Chairman, Richard T. Santulli, Manager FAA CHDO, Verene Miller and Bill Olsen, president of IBT, Local 1108.

"As the leader in the fractional jet industry, NetJets has always taken the lead in flight safety. This agreement with the FAA and our pilots, will serve as an industry standard," said Santulli.

NetJets Aviation is a wholly owned subsidiary of NetJets Inc. The operations center is located in Columbus, OH. The company states all aircraft offered fractionally in the United States -- with the exception of the Gulfstream large-cabin and Boeing Business Jet fleets -- are operated by NetJets Aviation.

FMI: www.netjets.com, www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/aircraft_aviation/asap/