ARGUS upgrades Gold level audit standards

Safety auditor ARGUS International, Inc. is changing the requirements for its ARGUS Gold Audit Standard.

According to the company, “This evolution marks a major step forward in ensuring that aircraft operators not only meet but exceed industry best practices in safety and operational excellence.”

The previous Gold requirements focused on foundational safety elements.

That included pilot background checks, accident and incident history, verification of pilot experience, operating certificates, and insurance.

The new Gold standard includes 14 new audit categories.

New requirements focus on several areas.

For flight operations, there is now an evaluation of Safety Management Systems (SMS), emergency response plans, organizational structure, training programs, fatigue management, and flight operations procedures.

Aircraft maintenance will now see an “in-depth review” of maintenance management, personnel qualifications, quality assurance, training, maintenance control and planning, recordkeeping, parts inventory and shelf life, and documentation systems.

President Mike McCready commented, “These enhancements ensure that ARGUS Gold-rated operators are aligned with industry-leading safety practices and are well-positioned to meet FAA Part 5 SMS regulations.

He added, “Achieving the Gold rating now represents a proactive commitment to safety and a clear pathway to the prestigious ARGUS Platinum and Platinum Elite ratings.”

Over 400 operators currently hold the Gold ratings.

The company says “many are already working to meet the new standard or progressing toward higher audit tiers.”

Thirty companies have already qualified for the new audit standards.