Guardian Helicopters Inc. Achieves IS-BAO Registration

Guardian Helicopters Inc (GHI) announced its operation has achieved Stage 1 registration for the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO). 

The IS-BAO is developed by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and its member associations and is a recommended voluntary code of best practices designed to help flight operations (fixed- and rotor-wing) achieve high levels of safety and professionalism in their operations around the world. IS-BAO is a safety standard recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Doc 10004, Global Safety Plan. The Stage 1 confirms that the Safety Management System (SMA) infrastructure is established and that safety management activities are appropriately targeted.

Robert Satz, Director of Safety, Guardian Helicopters said, “We are pleased to have successfully attained IS-BAO Stage 1. It is truly a testament to our team’s commitment to safety and risk mitigation. This achievement will help us to grow and expand our business with vital safety processes in place. It will certainly reduce our risks, especially when back filling positions and training new members of the team.” 

“The entire Guardian operation should be very proud of this achievement,” commented Andrew Karas, IS-BAO Program Director.  “As a voluntary internationally recognized standard, it represents their commitment to safety and professionalism, and we look forward to working with them on their journey to the next stage.”

Guardian is owned by entrepreneur, Phillip DiFiore and is located in Ventura County. It operates ten Bell and Airbus helicopters. GHI continues to expand its diversity of work in construction, utility, surveys, patrols, firefighting, and personnel transport.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.