Bizav SOPs from NBAA, FSI, and CAE Seek To Raise Safety Bar

A standard operating procedures (SOPs) manual published today by NBAA marks the culmination of a long-standing effort aimed at helping business aircraft operators follow the same, proven standards. Developed jointly by the association and aviation training providers FlightSafety International and CAE, the new manual incorporates best practices developed with input from business aircraft operators of all sizes, manufacturers, and training experts.

“Widespread adoption and implementation of the SOPs will result in improved safety through standardization and ensure consistency among multi-fleet operators and dynamic crew and staffing situations,” NBAA said. The SOPs also will produce stronger data, enabling tailored and informed improvement to training programs, it added.

Crews can expect to see the SOPs during training events at FlightSafety International and CAE starting in mid-2026, giving operators time to become familiar with the new standards. Additionally, NBAA will offer opportunities for the industry to provide feedback on the manual as it continues to update the resource with best practices.

“We’re excited to introduce these SOPs with our partners after years of work with operators, aircraft manufacturers, and training experts,” said NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen. “These SOPs will ensure everyone is following proven best practices—creating a more predictable safety environment for all.”

“This is a defining collaborative step to enhance safety in business aviation,” said CAE senior director of global training solutions Timothy Schoenauer. FlightSafety International learning center operations executive v-p Ben Carter added, “Embedding the SOPs into training is a step toward greater consistency and directly supports safer operations.”