“Mandated SMS programs are becoming the rule rather than the exception for flight departments conducting international flight operations in today’s global business environment,” noted Don Baldwin, chief executive and founder of Baldwin Aviation, “but demonstrating the reasons for investing in an SMS to non-aviation related executives within a company can still be an issue, so this ROI calculator is a simple way to shorten that conversation.”
“We have a lot of business aviation sector clients examining and implementing rigorous and formalized SMS programs, and others who needed a tool just to help them start the discussion with the folks in finance and accounting,” explained Jim Lara, Principal at Gray Stone Advisors. “When we didn’t find a tool on the web that was specific to Business Aviation, easy to use and didn’t require a purchase, we decided to create one so we got together with the ‘Best-in-Class-Leader’ in SMS, Baldwin Aviation and developed this calculator. It’s designed to start the value quantification process and it’s also intended to stimulate the budget discussions, facilitate the beginning of the journey down the ‘investigative road’ that will, undoubtedly, lead to getting something started! It’s our experience that when you attempt to start a level of sophistication that’s a long way from one’s comfort zone, a barrier is often created and nothing happens! This tool will, hopefully, overcome that barrier,” he added.
Baldwin Aviation, the only IS-BAO registered SMS implementor, is a recognized leader in developing and implementing customized safety management and monitoring programs that comply with the stringent standards required for International Standard for Business Aviation Operations (IS-BAO) certification. “The practical benefits of proactive safety management and consistent, up-to-date training can be measured in dollars as well as in time savings and increased operational efficiency,” Baldwin added. “In addition, insurance companies usually recognize the benefits of a well-defined program by reducing their rates for operators. Consistent monitoring of procedures and overall management of operations usually translate into competitive advantages, too,” he added.
“Both Gray Stone Advisors and Baldwin Aviation are committed to the health, growth and prosperity of the Business Aviation industry,” Lara explained. “Consistent with that focus, we are offering this tool for use. We believe the SMS ROI Calculator to be unique and hope that it is a ‘value add’ for flight operations and the aviation industry at large. We are constantly promoting the financial and operational paybacks that are byproducts of well-conceived and well-led Safety Management Systems, Practices and Philosophies. Of course, we welcome questions and requests for assistance pertaining to SMS’s as well as “The Business of Business Aviation,’” he concluded.
Gray Stone Advisors is a "hands-on, reality-based" business advisory firm that helps its clients achieve "next level" operating performance with sustainable results. Innovators of "The Seven Keys of Success in Business AviationTM," Gray Stone Advisors helps organizational leaders successfully leverage the forces of change. Drawing upon decades of operating and executive experience, Gray Stone Advisors guides the development of successful business practices at all levels of the organization. Business Aviation clients range from start-ups to Fortune 20 companies operating under FAR Part 91, 91K and 135.
Baldwin Aviation is comprised of a highly-experienced staff of experts who have combined their expertise to develop online, affordable Safety Management Systems (SMS) that are based on IS-BAO standards, the internationally recognized standard of safety. Headquartered in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Baldwin Aviation is the only IS-BAO registered SMS implementor, receiving certification in February 2007 and their renewal in January 2009. IS-BAO is a code of best practices which essentially structures ISO9000 principles to apply to aviation safety.
