Aeronautical Auditing, A New Approach?
Those who have obtained an AOC (Air Operator's Certificate) are responsible for ensuring that its aeronautical operations, rules and procedures comply to the highest international standards, and are therefore subject to inspections like any other in the aviation industry. However, let's be honest, Nobody likes being audited. I can all but guarantee that in the annals of compliance inspections, no one has ever gleefully uttered the words: «We're being audited, let's uncork the champagne.» An audit can be a painful experience. You are faced with a regulatory requirement (whether international, state or operational) and the need to allocate part of your company's budget to pay people.
The mission of IAAFA is «to improve operational standards and flight safety by promoting audits throughout the corporate and commercial aviation sector».»
Most executives Senior tend to see auditors as the «secret police» of regulations. A clandestine group threatening their very existence by «looking for faults» in how they operate. Of course, I'm generalising, but This perception is real and widespread.. Unfortunately, with this type of mentality, there is little intention to change anything other than the bare minimum required to comply with regulations and audit observations. This leads to eventual compliance once the audit is concluded, but with very little added value as a result.Therefore, even though there are many issues affecting aviation audits today, there remains only one significant challenge, and that is the «Negative perception» of the audit, which can only be reversed through open debate and education. If executives can be shown Senior and to subordinates that the audit is immensely beneficial and should be welcomed, aeronautics in general would take a huge step towards becoming a safer and more productive environment.
Throughout the world, business and corporate audits are conducted all year round; however, The results, good or bad, generally never leave the board of directors.. Experienced aviation professionals gather large amounts of flight and ground operational data. Sharing information, solving mutual problems and improving processes can only benefit the entire aviation community.
The IAAFA (International Association of Aviation Auditors) was established as a non-profit association for professionals and experts in the commercial and corporate aviation auditing sector. The aim is To debate problems, common and specific, and find solutions generic for anonymous problems and include this information again in the broad spectrum of aeronautics.
Our mission is «to improve operational standards and flight safety by promoting audits across the corporate and commercial aviation sector.
We are looking for:
- Uniting commercial and corporate auditors through the knowledge and skills exchange and the development of auditing processes.
- improve flight operations through our unique opportunity to observe without judgment.
- Add value to operations on flight providing global data on audit observations.
- promote and develop Best auditing practices across the full scope of flight operations.
- improve techniques auditing aeronautics by comparing and improving procedures across various domains.
- to unite commercial and corporate aviation under a single umbrella of anonymous operational auditing.
- exchange information on the challenges and best practices experienced by auditors within their Internal Audit departments.
Auditors are a great resource and can help organisations by acting as a direct and neutral link before the regulatory authorities. We can advise you on upcoming regulatory changes and assist you with their early implementation, as well as evaluate the efficiency This helps avoid duplicated efforts. This should appeal to those who enjoy AOC as it will make their operations safer and, in the long run, will save them money.
Captain Colin Locke
International Association of Aeronautical Auditors / IAAFA
President
