Auditing & Evaluation Services

Pre-Audit Flight Operation & Maintenance Evaluation   

                                                                         
Aviation Regulatory Compliance and Safety Audit  

                                              
Fixed Base Operator Audit Service

Aircraft and Fleet Safety Inspections
 

Repair Station Audit

     Description of Services

Pre-Audit  Flight Operation & Maintenance Evaluation 

This service is available to any Part 135 Charter or Part 91 flight operation and is specifically recommended to operators who are new to the charter industry, commencing passenger operations, or will be required in the near future to undergo periodic audits.   Many times audits are performed on newer operations which are not, based upon the volume of credible deficiencies noted, adequately prepared for a full up multi standards audit.  These operations needlessly fail an audit that they were never realistically prepared  for.      In situations where a client has never undergone an outside audit or where they may not have been audited for a number of years, financial resources are better spent on  a comprehensive pre-audit evaluation.   This cost effective approach makes better sense and  is more affordable.   It identifies areas where operational deficiencies exist and offers direction on how to correct, comply, alleviate, or mitigate the problem area.

Our pre-audit evaluation is a comprehensive review of all operational areas examined during an actual audit but without the pass or fail status label attached.    This is a no consequences evaluation and is intended to identify all areas which will not pass muster on an actual audit.  During the evaluation auditors are free to offer opinions, recommendations, and suggestions on how to improve or meet standards, etc.   This service is intended specifically for use by internal management and serves as a guide on how to audit proof your operation.   This evaluation also carries the benefit of receiving unlimited consultation on how to achieve the correct practices and implement systems which will bear the scrutiny of an external audit program.      This Pre Audit Evaluation service can be performed on the flight operations side of the business only,  the maintenance side of the operation only,  or on the entire operation depending on client needs.        Back to Top

Aviation Regulatory Compliance and Safety  Audit 

This is our comprehensive flagship audit product.

This is a comprehensive audit and review of a certificate holder's entire flight and maintenance operation.  The audit is performed by trained American Air Sentinel auditors utilizing proprietary auditing techniques and procedures which follow established auditing and statistical principles when sampling operator data.  Upon completion of the audit,  the audit findings are shared with the audited operator and the audit sponsor.  Five audit criteria standards are used:  1.  civil aviation regulations of the regulating authority,  2.  operations specifications,   3. aviation industry best practices,  4. aviation safety practices,   5.  areas of special interest as(if) requested  by the client or the audit sponsor.  

Our audits are conducted in two phases.  The off-site phase and the on-site phase.  The duration of the off-site phase may take anywhere from three days up to two weeks in duration, depending upon the size and complexity of the operation.   The off-site phase is a document review phase and examines all processes and procedures as described in the General Operations Manual and other guidance documents.  The pilot training program as well as other mandatory programs are also examined in detail.  Document examination work is performed off-site at the American Air Sentinel office where it can be performed in a more efficient and timely manner.   This results in a more thorough examination of the operation, avoids unnecessary business disruption from auditors being onsite at the clients facility, and substantially reduces audit expenses to the audited client and American Air Sentinel.   

The on-site phase is normally scheduled for two days.     The on-site phase of the audit is performed at the clients home operational base and in some cases their satellite locations.  The on-site phase examines records, validates operational and maintenance processes and procedures, clarifies areas of ambiguity,  inspects facilities and performs safety inspections on fleet aircraft .   At  the conclusion of  the on-site phase of  the audit,   a very thorough and comprehensive debrief  is given along with detailed support documentation.   The documentation summarizes all areas examined during the audit and is formatted to act as a guidance list  to follow when making corrections or improvements as a result of the audit findings.

American Air Sentinel audits are comprehensive.   They are not the typical two day, hurry in - hurry out,  two auditor type of audit.   We've tried that approach and have found that it is simply not enough time to properly perform a thorough audit.  

Fees for our services are determined by our annual service fee schedules.   American Air Sentinel fees remain exactly as quoted regardless of the amount of time spent on the off-site and on-site phases of the audit.  All fees quoted are final with no additional surprises, add ons, or pop up fees.       Back to Top

Fixed Base Operator Audit  

Savvy Charter Customers and their clients alike have choices and buying power.  They decide which FBO to depart from, what their final destination will be, and who they wish to buy fuel from, catering, etc..  Frequent charter clients have favorite FBOs and FBO chains.   Is your FBO getting all the business that you should be getting?  The Fixed Base Operator audit focuses on the service and support side of the critical FBO function within the aviation services chain.  It measures an FBO against an established set of criteria.   The standard is based on customer convenience items, cleanliness of facilities, security, flight planning and pilot rest facilities, restrooms, customer service representative presentation and courtesy, customer parking availability, rental car and limousine service, etc.   This audit when performed as a stand alone audit normally is accomplished in one day, unless several locations are being examined.  This audit is best performed on a no notice basis to achieve maximum effectiveness.   This audit is an excellent  tool for owners and managers of FBO's  to get a clear look at their day to day operations through the eyes of their customers.    Nothing beats an honest outside opinion when in a customer service business.       Back to Top

Repair Station Audit  

 This audit focuses on a Part 145 repair station's regulatory compliance, maintenance best practices, safety practices and procedures in areas such as  tool control & calibration, inventory and parts control, drug and alcohol avoidance program, buy back procedures, etc. and is performed on site at  the repair station.    This audit is in-depth and comprehensive.  Typically a full day is planned with key personnel interviews and maintenance technicians spot interviews,  aircraft maintenance documentation practices review, maintenance manuals library,  technician training records validation and drug program participation validation, and more.  This audit can be sponsored by clients required to  audit  maintenance facilities to satisfy their vendor audit program requirements.   It is used to audit repair stations which they frequently use or anticipate using often, or repair stations they are having problems with.    An audit by an  independent  third party  can often validate deficiencies in  service problems and reestablish good client/vendor relations where friction exists.   Repair Stations can also request this audit to supplement their own quality program.      Back to Top

Aircraft and  Fleet Safety Inspection 

This inspection focuses on safety items and required equipment on board an operator's aircraft and is performed any time the aircraft is available for charter service.  This inspection is best performed  when at least three or more aircraft of an operator's fleet can be inspected.   Despite the operator's maintenance inspection criteria and interval on aircraft safety equipment, our field experience continues to see  required emergency equipment as missing, broken, placed in incorrect or unmarked locations, items in a non serviceable condition due to expired inspection status, or non serviceable due to incorrect type or capacity, etc..   Flying aircraft under these conditions can be unsafe in the event an emergency arises,  may  violate certain maintenance regulations and can exposes the operation to unnecessary liability in the event of a mishap.

Safety equipment discrepancies always point to negligence in the areas of maintenance inspection practices and procedures, improper or inadequate maintenance supervision, often a lack of proper training, negligent pilot preflight practices, SOP deficiencies and poor pilot oversight and management.   Annual Aircraft & Safety Inspections are a cost effective and efficient way to ensure your aircraft are truly safe should an emergency arise.    This audit is effective in keeping the entire organization on their toes in terms of the safety status of  fleet aircraft.   It is intended to be performed on a no notice basis for realistic results.        Back to Top