FutureFlight
Business Aviation Group Creates Safety Certification for eVTOL Aircraft Operations
New IS-BAO safety standards could be available for unmanned aircraft by January 2022, and for piloted and passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft around 12 months later.
Joby Aviation
Joanne Wong, head of safety with eVTOL aircraft developer Joby Aviation, is chairing IBAC's advanced air mobility working group. (Photo: Joby Aviation)

The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) is preparing to introduce a version of its International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) audit and certification process for operators of unmanned aircraft, including remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). Phase one of the program is expected to be available in January 2022, and in a second phase, IS-BAO certification will be offered to operators of manned eVTOL aircraft as part of IBAC’s efforts to support the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector.

First established in 2002, IS-BAO provides operators of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters with a path to validating a strong safety culture covering all aspects of operations. It is based on the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs) of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), in which IBAC is represented.