NBAA is launching a safety manager certificate program that is designed to elevate education on safety in business aircraft operations. The association collaborated with Advanced Aircrew Academy, Convergent Performance, and Fireside Partners to develop the certificate initiative as an entry-level or mid-level path to expanding and demonstrating knowledge of safety management.
Program participants will complete course modules covering leadership, safety policy, safety risk management, safety assurance, safety promotion, and emergency response. These areas are all elements of safety management system programs.
Once participants complete the program and pass a final exam, they will receive a certificate and digital badge validating their knowledge. Beginning in January, the program will be offered in two eight-week periods each year, including several hours of weekly asynchronous learning modules, self-study reading references, webinar interaction, “ask the experts” elements, and test preparation.
NBAA believes the program will benefit flight department personnel who are responsible for safety management responsibilities, as well as professionals looking to work in business aircraft operations. The program is designed to establish baseline knowledge and enable safety managers to identify the resources that can enhance their efforts.
“NBAA saw a need to develop an entry- to mid-level certificate designed for new and existing safety managers,” said Tyler Austin, NBAA director of certification. “This certificate will educate and validate what these safety professionals need to know to effectively manage a business aviation organization’s safety management efforts.”
“The primary objective of the assessment-based certificate program is to help flight department personnel who have been assigned safety management responsibilities, typically as an ancillary duty, so they can effectively manage a business aviation organization’s safety management efforts, including its safety management system,” noted Mark Larsen, NBAA director of safety and flight operations.