Scottsdale-based Pinnacle Aviation has been awarded a Platinum Rating by ARGUS as well as IS-BAO Stage II Registration. Pinnacle Aviation was audited by the ARGUS CHEQ system, the most accurate and detailed third-party due diligence system for charter operators, buyers and passengers around the world and subsequently given their highest rating. They were also audited by the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) and were awarded their highly regarded Stage II Registration level.
“This accomplishment is the result of the safety culture we have established in our organization in every facet of our operation,” said Pinnacle Aviation Founder Curt Pavlicek. “Our dedicated safety team has worked hard to meticulously organize a system that continues to exceed the standards of our recent audit. Pinnacle Aviation’s goal has always been to be at the forefront of programs that will enhance our safety and operational standards for our clients,” he said.
ARGUS grants three levels of awards: Gold, Gold Plus, and Platinum. In order to achieve an ARGUS rating, historical information on the commercial certificate, pilots, aircraft serial numbers, ownership, and management are compiled, processed and scored. An operator’s composite score is compared against an aggregate group of operators with like exposures, and if found to meet or exceed the median score of those operators, the operator will be granted an ARGUS Gold Rating. In order to then achieve Platinum Rating, operators must complete the ARGUS Platinum on-site safety audit. A Platinum Rating requires a well-developed Safety Management System, a clear and workable Emergency Response Plan, effective policies and procedures, and documented records for all major aspects of Operations and Maintenance within a flight department or charter company.
ARGUS’ Platinum Rating is very prestigious, with only 108 Platinum Rated Operators as of July 10, 2013. During the audit process, 24 functional areas are evaluated including 12 in operations and 12 in maintenance. Areas such as pilot training, in-flight performance, operational control, and inspection programs are reviewed. Roughly 17% of operators who attempt Platinum Rating do not pass.
IS-BAO also awarded Pinnacle Aviation with a Stage II level of Safety Management System (SMS) maturity. This registration level is granted to organizations that not only demonstrate that they have the tools in place for their SMS, but also that those tools are being used. IS-BAO certified operators experience benefits such as enhanced operating safety, efficiency improvements in operations and/or achievements, and reduced insurance rates. Pinnacle Aviation is one of only two charter providers in Arizona that are IS-BAO certified.
Pinnacle Aviation works tirelessly to be the absolute best in aircraft services, which is now reflected in their ARGUS Platinum Rating and their Stage II IS-BAO Registration level. These awards reaffirm their position at the top of the aviation services market.
