The FAA validation places Clay Lacy in the top 2% of Part 135 operators in the US that have completed this process and meet the International Civil Aviation Organization requirements.
Clay Lacy Aviation has achieved validation for its Safety Management System (SMS) from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in recognition of its organizational-wide approach and culture of safety promotion. The validation places Clay Lacy in the top 2% of Part 135 operators in the United States that have completed this process and meet the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) requirements.
The FAA SMS Voluntary Program (SMSVP) consists of four safety components: policy, risk management, assurance, and promotion. The company has aligned its processes, communications, and risk assessments to meet and exceed all components. The SMS implementation mandate gives operators 24 months to meet the requirements, but Clay Lacy has already exceeded these standards.
“Clay Lacy has a commitment and priority to safety, continuous improvement and enhancing our safety culture to be proactive and predictive to address problems before they occur. We know that this is something that’s more important than checking a box,” said David Lamb, Chief Operating Officer, Clay Lacy Aviation. “We are going above and beyond what the FAA is requiring because we recognize the importance and benefits of having a holistic, organizational approach to safety operations. Our culture is one of leadership and doing the right thing on a daily basis. While this is an important milestone, we know that our work to improve is never completed.” he further added.
One practical example of the new SMS was in identifying and assessing a potential hazard on thermal runaway events for batteries during flight. Clay Lacy airplanes are now equipped with thermal runaway bags and flight crews have been trained in case of this rare incident. Outside of equipment and materials, Clay Lacy has instituted a risk assessment and management process throughout its operations, including within accounting and computer systems.
Clay Lacy Aviation was 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, providing aircraft management, charter, maintenance, avionics, interiors, and fixed-based operator (FBO) services. The company has aircraft operations and regional offices across the U.S. and FAA Part 145 aircraft maintenance centers in Los Angeles and Oxford, Connecticut. Clay Lacy delivers superior safety, service, and value to aircraft owners and jet travelers worldwide. A third FBO will open at Waterbury-Oxford Airport in 2024.
