11.01.22-Press Releases-Corporate
11.01.22-Press Releases-Corporate

Independent Auditing Firms IS-BAO and ARGUS Extend Clay Lacy Aviation’s Industry-Leading Safety Certifications

Clay Lacy is awarded the ARGUS Platinum rating for 13th consecutive year, IS-BAO Stage III certification for 5th

(Los Angeles—November 1, 2022) Clay Lacy Aviation, the world’s most experienced operator of private jets, has been recognized again for its safety and operational processes. The aircraft management, charter, maintenance and FBO services provider has recently been awarded the prestigious ARGUS Platinum rating by the third-party safety auditor for the 13th consecutive year. It also achieved the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) Stage III certification, the highest level, for the fifth consecutive year.

“Clay Lacy’s reputation, culture, and processes to mitigate risks and improve safety is outstanding,” said Dondi Pangalangan, Vice President of Flight Operations, Clay Lacy. “Our highest priority is keeping our clients and employees safe, while gaining efficiencies and driving continuous improvement. The ARGUS Platinum rating and IS-BAO Stage III certification validate our approach to aircraft maintenance, pilot training, and comprehensive safety management system.”

Clay Lacy SVP, Flight Operations, Dondi Pangalangan

The ARGUS Platinum rating is only awarded after a thorough review of flight operations, checking through maintenance documentation, pilot information and company operational control validations. Auditors conduct on-site inspections and review flight and pilot records, where an operator must have a robust standard of quality and excellence to be eligible for the Platinum rating.

“Clay Lacy has consistently demonstrated a culture of safety and excellence,” said Ed Wandall, ARGUS Vice President, Business Aviation. “To reach and maintain an ARGUS Platinum rating for nearly a decade and a half shows that Clay Lacy continues to prioritize their safety management systems. Passengers should have the highest level of confidence in flying on Clay Lacy aircraft.”

The IS-BAO auditing process concentrates on Safety Management System (SMS) development through a gradual process, progressing from Stage I to Stage III. In this highest stage, the IS-BAO Standards Board audits operators to verify that safety management activities are fully integrated into their business and that a positive safety culture is being sustained.

These renewals build on Clay Lacy’s legacy of highly rated operations. It has been awarded the Wyvern Wingman safety accreditation for 16 years, the longest continuously certified operator in the world. Clay Lacy recently was also awarded the National Air Transportation Association’s (NATA) Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Five-Star Award, an accolade first given to the company in 2014. It has also been recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration with its Diamond Award for Excellence in Maintenance Training/Proficiency.

About Clay Lacy Aviation

Founded in 1968 by legendary aviator and industry pioneer Clay Lacy. Today, Clay Lacy Aviation is the world’s most experienced operator of private jets. Prominent individuals and leading corporations trust Clay Lacy for aircraft management, charter, maintenance, avionics, interiors and FBO services. The company has aircraft operations and regional offices across the U.S., including full-service FBOs at Van Nuys Airport in Los Angeles, and Orange County’s John Wayne Airport, with a third FBO opening at Waterbury-Oxford Airport in 2023. Clay Lacy also has FAA Part 145 aircraft maintenance centers in Los Angeles, San Diego and Oxford, Connecticut. With the most knowledgeable team in the industry, Clay Lacy delivers superior safety, service and value to aircraft owners and jet travelers worldwide. Visit claylacy.com