RPAS Operators wanting to supply RPAS services to mining companies generally require accreditation under the Flight Safety Foundation’s Basic Aviation Risk Standard (BARS).
As an accredited and practicing BARS Auditor, Steve Griffin is well placed to provide advice and consultancy services to assist operators gain BARS accreditation. Consultancy services can be provided can be at whatever level is required by the operator.
BARS Program History
The BARS standard was developed by, and is maintained by, the BARS Member Organisations (BMOs). This group consists of most of the large mining companies globally. The Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) administers the program and accredits Audit Companies and Auditors under the program. A quality control service is also provided across the program by the Flight Safety Foundation.
The program has been in operation since 2010 and came about because of inconsistencies between the aviation regulatory systems. BARS program requirements are complimentary, and at least as stringent, as local regulatory requirements.
Initial Accreditation
RPAS Operators wanting to obtain accreditation under the BARS program should be aware that it will take some time and effort to prepare for the initial accreditation audit. They should also be aware that the program has ongoing compliance requirements that are over and above CASA’s requirements and that each audit involves paying fees to both the FSF and the company which provides the audit service.
Only BARS accredited audit companies are able to conduct audits for the purpose of BARS registration.
Prior to having an initial BARS audit, operators will need to ensure that they have a number of management systems and protocols which are compliant with the BARS system requirements. The main areas for effort are:
- Implementation of an ICAO Doc. 9859 Aviation Safety Management System
- Establishment of formal contracts with all 3rd party maintenance providers
- Adoption of the BARS Operational Risk Assessment
- Establishment of formal Drug and Alcohol, and Fatigue Management policies
- Establishment of a primary Risk Register
- Establishment of a system for setting safety performance target, and monitoring and analysing actual performance performance.
- Establishment of an Emergency Response Plan
- Development of a Public Relations strategy
- Establishment and adoption of a formal Management of Change process
Larger organisations will have existing policy and process under their existing Workplace Health and Safety program which may already meet the requirements for some of these elements.
The Flight Safety Foundation has produced a document which details the requirements of the BARS Standard and a companion BARS Implementation Guide.
Maintaining Accreditation
To maintain BARS accreditation operators must be audited annually until they obtain ‘Gold’ status under the program. Once ‘Gold’ is achieved a less rigorous audit program comes into effect. Maintenance audits must be completed between 90 and 30 days of the anniversary of the operator’s initial accreditation audit.
Accreditation Fees
Operators are required to pay the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) a flat fee for each audit. Audit companies must also be reimbursed for travel costs (airfares, accommodation and meals) associated with the conduct of the audit. Alternatively, operators can organise and pay travel and accommodation themselves. The FSF fees are detailed on the website.