Years-Long Effort Boosts Safety, Consistency Across Operators

The National Business Aviation Association, together with FlightSafety International and CAE, announced the publication of business aviation aircraft standard operating procedures that has been a long-time effort and represents a milestone in business aviation safety and consistency.

The publication, Airplane Standard Operating Procedures Manual, is the culmination of a years-long project aimed at assisting aircraft operators to follow the same proven standards in single- and multi-pilot operations. It incorporates best practices gleaned from business aircraft operators of all sizes, manufacturers, and training experts.

The adoption and implementation of the SOPs will bring benefits in improved safety through both standardization and consistency among fleet operators with dynamic crew and staffing circumstances. The utilization of common SOPs across the industry will also generate stronger data to enable informed and tailored improvements in training programs.

Ed Bolen, President and CEO of NBAA said, “We’re excited to introduce these SOPs with our partners after years of work with operators, aircraft manufacturers and training experts. These SOPs will ensure everyone is following proven best practices – creating a more predictable safety environment for all.”

Timothy Schoenauer, Senior Director of Global Training Solutions for CAE said, “This is a defining collaborative step to enhance safety in business aviation. With these SOPs rooted in our training programs, we’re equipping pilots with the knowledge and skill for today’s operational environment.”

Ben Carter, Executive Vice President of Learning Center Operations at FlightSafety International said, “This effort reflects years of collaboration across the business aviation industry. Embedding the SOPs into training is a step toward greater consistency and directly supports safer operations.”

The new SOPs will be made available to crews during training events at FlightSafety International and CAE beginning in the summer of 2026. This will give operators time to familiarize themselves with the standards.

Pilots, operators, and other interested parties will have ample opportunity to provide feedback on the Airplane Standard Operating Procedures Manual as NBAA will continue to update the resource with best practices.

FMI:  nbaa.org/