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The APSA discussion area is reserved for APSA members.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA), its Board of Directors, staff or membership; nor shall their publication imply endorsement on the part of APSA of any content or claims made therein. APSA disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and makes no judgment regarding the accuracy of posted information. In no event will APSA be liable to any party for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from the publication or any subsequent public distribution thereof...

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The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA), its Board of Directors, staff or membership; nor shall their publication imply endorsement on the part of APSA of any content or claims made therein. APSA disclaims all warranties, express or implied, and makes no judgment regarding the accuracy of posted information. In no event will APSA be liable to any party for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from the publication or any subsequent public distribution thereof.

 

About APSAC

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The AIRBORNE PUBLIC SAFETY ACCREDITATION COMMISSION (APSAC) is an entity within The Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) that provides, develops and maintains standards of accreditation for operations performed by public safety aviation units and offers auditing, consulting and accreditation services to public safety aviation operations in accordance with those standards.

The Commission authored professional standards for public safety aviation operations that are applicable to all airborne public safety units regardless of size or branch of government.

These standards are designed to provide units a foundation of safe operating practices in the performance of their agency’s mission. The standards were formulated on what have been identified as the two highest priorities of an airborne public safety unit; “Safety First” in all aspects of the operation and providing effective aviation support services in the furtherance of the agency’s public safety mission.

APSAC’s commitment to these priorities forms the foundation of the standards and the ensuing Accreditation Program. Each standard is supported by and evaluated against measurable objectives. Recommendations and guidelines are also offered as further explanation of the standard’s intent.

The Standards encompass all aspects of airborne public safety and have been divided into five major areas of consideration: Administration, Flight Operations, Safety, Training and Maintenance. The subsections within each area are intended to encompass the primary aspects of public safety aviation unit operations for both fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft.

THE COMMISSION’S MISSION

As dedicated public safety aviation experts and professionals, our mission is to increase the safety and efficiency of all public safety aviation practices and participants. From law enforcement, fire and search and rescue units to individuals and outside agencies, we are dedicated to furthering our cause and the safety procedures many people depend upon.

ACCREDITATION SERVICES

By enhancing safety procedures and standards, APSAC helps bring flight units into full compliance with established industry standards. We are the premier public safety aviation compliance agency in the world and work with units throughout the US and Canada.

STANDARDS & BENEFITS

The benefits of accreditation are nearly too numerous to list. From helping increase safety standards to cutting liability costs and increasing support from government agencies, meeting our aviation safety standards sets your agency apart from the rest.

 

Executive Summary

The AIRBORNE PUBLIC SAFETY ACCREDITATION COMMISSION (APSAC) is an entity within The Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA) that provides, develops, and maintains standards of accreditation for operations performed by public safety aviation units and offers auditing, consulting, and accreditation services to public safety aviation operations in accordance with those standards.

The Commission authored professional standards for public safety aviation operations that are applicable to all airborne public safety units regardless of size or branch of government.

These standards are designed to provide units a foundation of safe operating practices in the performance of their agency’s mission. The standards were formulated on what have been identified as the two highest priorities of an airborne public safety unit; “Safety First” in all aspects of the operation and providing effective aviation support services in the furtherance of the agency’s public safety mission.

APSAC’s commitment to these priorities forms the foundation of the standards and the ensuing Accreditation Program. Each standard is supported by and evaluated against measurable objectives. Recommendations and guidelines are also offered as further explanation of the standard’s intent.

The Standards encompass all aspects of airborne public safety and have been divided into five major areas of consideration: Administration, Flight Operations, Safety, Training and Maintenance. The subsections within each area are intended to encompass the primary aspects of public safety aviation unit operations for both fixed and rotary wing aircraft.

Accreditation Services

By enhancing safety procedures and standards, APSAC helps bring flight units into full compliance with established industry standards. We are the premier public safety aviation compliance agency in the world and work with units throughout the US and Canada.

Standards & Benefits

The benefits of accreditation are nearly too numerous to list. From helping increase safety standards to cutting liability costs and increasing support from government agencies, meeting our aviation safety standards sets your agency apart from the rest.

The Commission’s Mission

As dedicated public safety aviation experts and professionals, our mission is to increase the safety and efficiency of all public safety aviation practices and participants. From law enforcement, fire, and search and rescue units to individuals and outside agencies, we are dedicated to furthering our cause and the safety procedures many people depend upon.

APSAC Board of Commissioners

Dan Schwarzbach Acting Chair (Law Enforcement); Executive Director/CEO, Airborne Public Safety Association (APSA); Senior Pilot, Houston (TX) Police Department | Air Support Division (Ret.) 
Don Roby Secretary; Commissioner (Law Enforcement); Captain, Baltimore County (MD) Police Department (Ret); Former APSA Training Program Manager
Anthony DeMolina Commissioner (UAS/Law Enforcement); Los Angeles (CA) Police Department | Air Support Division (Ret.)
Ethan Jensen Commissioner (Fire & SAR); Senior Pilot, Fire Services, Los Angeles County Fire Department
Charles MacFarland Commissioner (Fire & SAR); Chief of Air Operations, City of San Diego (CA) Fire-Rescue Department
Mike Rogers Commissioner (UAS); FBI UAS Program Manager (Ret.)
Bryan Smith Commissioner (Law Enforcement); Chief Pilot, Pinellas County (FL) Sheriff's Office; Former APSA Safety Program Manager
Paul J. Marino Esq.

Legal Counsel; Chief Legal Counsel and Executive Staff Officer, Hillsborough County (FL) Sheriff’s Office (Ret.)
 
 

The cornerstone of APSAC’s Safety Standards is the principal of Safety Management Systems (SMS). To apply for accreditation, a unit must show evidence of an established and functioning SMS program. APSAC sets the standard for aviation safety and works with units and flight crews to enhance their overall effectiveness and SMS program.

Why SMS?

SMS facilitates the proactive identification of hazards, promotes the development of an improved safety culture, modifies the attitudes and behavior of personnel in order to prevent damage to aircraft or equipment, as well as makes for a safer workplace. An SMS program provides an organization with the capacity to anticipate and address safety issues before they lead to an incident or accident. An SMS program also provides management with the ability to deal effectively with accidents and near misses so that valuable lessons are applied to improve safety and efficiency. The SMS approach reduces loss and improves productivity.

Safety & Compliance Standards

Our standards for safety provide a guidepost for establishing and operating a functional SMS program which is designed to become an integral part of the unit’s entire operation, especially in the areas of unit administration, flight operations, safety, air crew training and aircraft maintenance.

Safe & Efficient Public Safety Aviation Operation

Compliance with accreditation standards provides agencies with the foundation for safe operating practices, formulating markers of excellence and establishing further developmental enhancements. Additionally, it provides enhanced professionalism, economic efficiency and overall greater mission effectiveness.

The FAA’s view on SMS

“The purpose of SMS is to provide a systematic approach to controlling risk and to provide assurance that those controls are effective. SMS will provide operators a formal means of meeting statutory safety requirements (Title 49) and the FAA a means of evaluating management capability.” Don Arendt, PhD, FAA SMS Program Manager.

Establishing Safety as a Core Value

Everyone in the organization must buy into making safety a core value, with top management as the guiding light. A positive safety culture is invaluable in encouraging behavior that will enhance safety. Positively reinforcing safety-conscious actions through SMS sends the message that management cares about safety. The best way to establish safety as an integral part of the unit’s operation is to incorporate it into the management plan and hold management accountable.

Learn more about our aviation safety service and benefits of accreditation by contacting us directly.

VIEW ALL EVENTS

Safety Stand To 2023 09.06.23

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION

FEATURED EVENTS

 

Rescue Summit 

Safety Seminars 

UAS Training 

APSCON / APSCON Unmanned 

Safety Stand-Tos 

Webinar Training Series 

On-The-Road Courses 

Online Meeting Groups 

 

 

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