Aviation insurance group USAIG’s Performance Vector safety initiative, launched in 2011, marks its 13th year of supporting business and on-demand aviation policyholders in enhancing their safety programs. Initially offering access to just five e-learning courses, the program has since expanded to provide 18 different options that address a wide range of safety concerns.
The program continues to evolve based on feedback from policyholders and industry trends, ensuring that it meets the specific needs of operators. One of the latest additions, introduced recently, is a contribution toward fees for the operational risk and resiliency accreditation program offered by Vertical Aviation International (formerly known as Helicopter Association International) for helicopter operators.
Corporate Aviation Security International (CASI) also became a participating provider, offering services like site security assessments and aviation staff training on security topics. USAIG subsidizes a portion of these services for policyholders who opt for CASI.
“Several policyholders advised us they were experiencing increased security concerns for their people and aircraft,” said Paul Ratté, USAIG’s aviation safety programs director. “They sought interventions to improve their posture in an increasingly volatile security environment worldwide.”
Other key safety tools that are part of Vector, such as Argus Prism SMS and the Air Charter Safety Foundation’s Aviation Safety Action Program, additionally have evolved over time to incorporate new features and industry advancements.
Upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT), introduced in 2015, remains a popular choice among policyholders, USAIG said. Aviation Performance Solutions added a one-hour simulator session after the three-hour flights offered through Performance Vector’s basic UPRT course.
“Trainees better visualize transferring the skills gained through in-aircraft training in the aerobatic Extra 300 to the class of aircraft they fly operationally,” according to USAIG.