Private Aviation Safety Standards: What Every First-Time Flyer Should Know
Safety is the non-negotiable foundation of private aviation. Yet for first-time flyers, the landscape of certifications, ratings, and standards can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how the industry keeps you safe — and how VOLO goes even further.
The Safety Certification Landscape
Private aviation operators are regulated by national aviation authorities (the FAA in the US, EASA in Europe, CAAC in China). But beyond regulatory compliance, the industry has developed voluntary safety auditing programs that distinguish the best operators from the rest.
ARGUS Ratings
ARGUS International is one of the two leading safety auditing organizations. Their three-tier rating system evaluates operators on safety management, maintenance practices, pilot qualifications, and operational history:
- ARGUS Gold: Comprehensive on-site audit verifying safety management systems, maintenance programs, and pilot training standards
- ARGUS Platinum: The highest level, requiring demonstrated excellence in safety culture, proactive risk management, and continuous improvement programs
- ARGUS Registered: Basic registration with no on-site audit — this is the minimum level and does not indicate third-party safety verification
Wyvern Wingman
Wyvern is the other major safety auditor. Their Wingman standard requires operators to pass rigorous audits covering crew qualifications, maintenance standards, safety management systems, and financial stability. Wyvern Wingman certification is widely regarded as the gold standard in charter safety.
Air Operator Certificate (AOC)
Every legitimate charter operator must hold a valid AOC from their national aviation authority. This certificate confirms the operator meets minimum regulatory requirements for aircraft maintenance, crew training, and operational procedures. Never fly with an operator that cannot produce a current AOC.
How VOLO Vets Operators
VOLO's operator vetting process goes beyond industry minimums. Every operator in our network must meet all of the following:
- Valid Air Operator Certificate from the relevant national authority
- ARGUS Gold or Platinum rating, or Wyvern Wingman certification
- Minimum $100 million liability insurance coverage
- Pilots with minimum 3,000 total flight hours and 1,500 hours as pilot-in-command
- Current type rating for the specific aircraft being operated
- Recurrent training completion within the last 12 months
- Clean regulatory compliance history (no unresolved safety findings)
What to Look For
When evaluating any private aviation provider, ask these questions:
- Does the operator hold ARGUS Gold/Platinum or Wyvern Wingman certification?
- What are the minimum pilot qualification requirements?
- How is maintenance managed, and who performs inspections?
- What insurance coverage levels are maintained?
- Is there a formal safety management system (SMS) in place?
At VOLO, we believe transparency builds trust. Every aircraft option presented to you includes the operator's safety certifications, pilot qualifications, and maintenance status. You should never have to guess whether your flight meets the highest safety standards.