IS-BAO Audit Support

Guiding You to Gold Standard Performance

What is IS-BAO?

IS-BAO stands for the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations. It’s the worldwide benchmark for keeping business flights safe and professional. It helps improve your safety system and makes daily operations smoother from checklists to handling emergencies.

Running a flight department is no easy job. You’re always juggling safety, rules, and nonstop work. IS-BAO might seem like just one more thing to deal with, but don’t worry because you don’t have to do it alone anymore.

At AvSource, we’ve been helping aviation teams get ready for IS-BAO audits for over 20 years. We know exactly what’s needed and how to get your operation ready without throwing off your busy routine.

Getting IS-BAO certified shows everyone including clients, regulators, and your team that you’re serious about safety and running your operation at the very best level.

What is IS-BAH

IS-BAH stands for International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling. It is a voluntary global code of best practices for ground handling service providers that support business and general aviation aircraft. It was developed by IBAC (International Business Aviation Council) in cooperation with NATA (National Air Transportation Association).It’s designed to promote safety, professionalism, and standardization in business aviation ground handling through a Safety Management System (SMS)-based approach. Meant for FBOs, Ground Handling Service Providers, MRO facilities with ramp operations, Airport-based business aviation service companies.

What We Offer AVSOURCE

Here’s how we help:

Hands-On IS-BAO Audit Support

We’re not the kind of team that hands you a manual and disappears. At AvSource, we work alongside you every step of the way to make sure you’re confident and ready when the auditor walks in.

Gap Analysis

We take a close look at your current Flight Operations Manual (FOM) and Safety Management System (SMS) to see how they stack up against IS-BAO standards. You’ll get a clear, easy-to-follow report showing where you’re strong, where improvements are needed, and whether it’s best to update or start fresh.

Pre-Audit Planning

We’ll work together to build a step-by-step plan that gets you audit-ready. This includes identifying tasks to complete, such as IS-BAO required training and documentation updates.

Manual Customization & Development

Forget cookie-cutter templates. We create FOM and SMS documents designed specifically for your operation. They’re fully IS-BAO compliant, scalable, and built to pass the audit with confidence.

Audit Preparation

We help you organize everything—from training and emergency response plans to recordkeeping. Together, we assign responsibilities and set timelines so that nothing gets missed, and you’re fully prepared for audit day.

Independent Audit Scheduling

When you’re ready, we’ll coordinate the availability of one of our qualified auditors. In accordance with our Auditing Group’s ethical standards, the team member who assists with your IS-BAO preparation WILL NOT SERVE AS YOUR AUDITOR. This required separation ensures true objectivity, transparency, and professional integrity.

Our Audit Approach: Focused on Real-World Performance

At the core of our audit process is a commitment to meaningful, real-world evaluation—not just paperwork.

Before we arrive onsite, our auditors conduct a thorough review of your submitted protocols, manuals, and supporting documents. This preparation allows us to focus on what truly matters during the audit—how your operation performs in practice.

Onsite, our team observes your day-to-day operations to ensure that documented policies and procedures are not only well understood but consistently applied. We engage directly with your team—management, flight crews, and other key personnel—to gain a full understanding of how your systems function in real operational settings.

This hands-on, people-focused approach helps ensure compliance, drive improvement, and strengthen safety culture across your organization.

Why Flight Departments Keep Calling Us Back

Here are just a few reasons (besides our undeniable charm):

What You Gain With IS-BAO

IS-BAO is more than just a certificate. It’s a powerful statement that your operation values safety, professionalism, and ongoing improvement.

Here’s what you can expect:

A stronger, safety-first culture across your team
Greater trust from clients, regulators, and insurers
Smoother, more consistent day-to-day operations
Global recognition as a top-tier flight department

With AvSource by your side, reaching IS-BAO certification isn’t just achievable—it’s a smart, streamlined step toward elevating your entire operation.

IS-BAO Not Your Cup of Jet-A?

That’s okay. It’s not for everyone.

Some teams want structure. Others want flexibility. And some just don’t want to be boxed in by a rigid framework.

We get it. That’s why, along with IS-BAO audits, we offer traditional flight department reviews, custom safety programs, and straight-talking solutions that actually fit the way you fly.

Different paths, same destination: safe, efficient, professional flying. Let’s find the one that fits you best.

I first met Az in the late 1980s when he was a check airman at FSI. As a young pilot, I was a bit intimidated—he typed me in both the G1159 and CL60—but what stood out was his unwavering commitment to aviation safety. Years later, as Aviation Manager at Apache Corp, I reached out to his company, AvSource, when we began pursuing IS-BAO certification. My goal wasn’t just compliance—it was to build the safest flight department possible. With Az’s guidance, we evolved from a “can-do” operation into a “can-do-it-safely” culture. Not everyone was on board at first—some questioned the value, others felt threatened. But by the time we achieved Stage III, there was no doubt: the process was not only worthwhile—it was essential. By the time I retired, the focus on safety was embedded in everything we did. Az played a key role in that transformation. If I were still leading the department, I’d continue bringing in AvSource for periodic mini-audits to maintain momentum. I’ve recommended Az to several operators and remain grateful for his deep dedication to improving every department he touches.

Frank Smesney

Former Aviation Manager, Apache Corporation

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re aiming for IS-BAO certification or just exploring the idea, we’re here to help. No pressure, no pressure tactics, just practical support to get you audit-ready and set your team up for lasting success.

Let’s Talk.

We’ll start with a conversation and take it from there.

IS-BAO Audit Support

What is IS-BAO?

What is IS-BAH

What We Offer AVSOURCE

Hands-On IS-BAO Audit Support

Gap Analysis

Pre-Audit Planning

Manual Customization & Development

Audit Preparation

Independent Audit Scheduling

Our Audit Approach: Focused on Real-World Performance

Why Flight Departments Keep Calling Us Back

We’ve been at this since flip phones.

We speak fluent "normal."

We don’t hijack your schedule.

We’re actually nice to work with.

What You Gain With IS-BAO

IS-BAO Not Your Cup of Jet-A?

Ready to Get Started?

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