What Are Aviation Safety Standards?
Aviation safety standards are universal requirements that create a shared benchmark used by aircraft manufacturers and airlines to ensure the safety of everyone in and around an aircraft. These standards govern everything from the durability of military aircraft wheels to pilot activity in business aviation.
All categories of aircraft must comply with aviation safety standards, though the specifics may differ between commercial, military, private, and business aviation. Aviation safety standards are developed based on the risks associated with each type of aviation or aircraft, with the goal of optimizing safety from as many angles as possible.
Regulatory Bodies
Aviation safety is governed by multiple regulatory bodies, from governmental bodies to global entities.
Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration, or FAA, is part of the United States Department of Transportation. The FAA manages a vast body of regulations, statutes, and rules, all of which are developed with the goal of protecting pilots, flight attendants, passengers, and the general public. FAA standards touch virtually every aspect of aviation, including:
- Aircraft design, manufacturing, and maintenance
- Pilot training
- Flight
- Ground activity
Some FAA standards apply to all types of flight, while others are specific to certain categories, such as military or business aviation.
International Civil Aviation Organization
The International Civil Aviation Organization, or ICAO, is an agency of the United Nations. The ICAO plays a critical role in overseeing and supporting the growth of the aviation industry on a global scale, with the goal of ensuring safety. The ICAO keeps updated information on member countries’ aviation standards and practices and manages its own library of standards on passports and infrastructure management.
How Safety Standards Drive the Manufacturing Process
Aviation safety standards and regulations apply to aerospace manufacturing as well as aircraft operations. Excellence in manufacturing is critical to ensuring safety in flight.
Material Selection
Many aircraft components are subjected to intense conditions during takeoff and landing and throughout the flight. Ensuring the reliable performance of these components begins with choosing a manufacturing material that can withstand the rigors of the aerospace environment and meet the safety standards put forth by the relevant governing bodies.
Quality Assurance and Control
Some aviation safety standards require specific quality control practices during the aerospace manufacturing process to ensure well-made components that will perform as designed. Conducting multiple quality checks increases the likelihood of detecting potential issues early, so they can be addressed, and improves consistency on the manufacturing floor.
The Impact of Safety Standards on Business Aviation
Aviation safety standards compel manufacturers to innovate reliable products and improve their own practices to support safe flight. In the world of business aviation, this has a few key impacts:
Enhance Passenger Safety
Aviation safety standards are developed with the goal of protecting all passengers. In the world of business aviation, this may include key leaders, valued employees, important clients, and other special guests aboard the aircraft.
Build Trust in the Industry
A strong track record of safe flights is critical for the success of business aviation. Business aviation safety standards ensure the highest likelihood of a safe journey from one destination to another.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement
The inherent constraints of aviation safety standards have inspired tremendous innovation over the years as aerospace manufacturers strive to develop better components that still meet requirements. Aviation safety standards drive continuous improvement in business aviation by compelling manufacturers to think creatively about innovation and safety together.
NMG’s Commitment to Quality and Safety
NMG Aerospace is proud to make top-quality business aviation components that adhere to the most stringent aviation safety standards. With rigorous quality control practices and our innovative methods of design, we take a multi-faceted approach to safety and quality in business aviation. From clean-sheet design to existing component updates and beyond, you can count on NMG for reliable manufacturing, exceptional quality, and excellent service.
To learn more about NMG’s business aviation expertise, talk to a member of our team >
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