IBAC Holds Annual IS-BAO Standards Board Meeting, Confirms 2025 Appointments and Reaffirms Current Standard

The International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) announces its board confirmed appointments for the coming year during the 2025 International Standards for Business Aircraft Operators (IS-BAO) board meeting held last month. It also determined the current 21st edition of the IS-BAO standard will remain without any modifications.

Stan Medved (BBGA) will continue as chairman of the IS-BAO Standards Board, and Len Beauchemin (NBAA) was reelected as vice chairman. Returning members representing NBAA are Max Grover, Christopher Bing, Dan Boedigheimer, Jad Donaldson, Shannon Hotchkin, Doug Carr and Mike Ott. Additionally, Randy Horsley represents CBAA; Franz Hornung, EBAA; Chris Tran, ABAA; and Jens Hennig, GAMA.

Dan Cerkan, IS-BAO auditor and president of Balefire Safety Systems, was also elected to represent fixed-wing, rotary-wing, and Remote Piloted Aerial Systems (RPAS) operations. He has extensive experience in aviation operations and safety oversight as a dual-rated pilot with over 3,600 hours of fixed- and rotary-wing flight time.

Following a review of operator and industry feedback, anticipated amendments to ICAO Annex 19, and developments from the 42nd ICAO Assembly, the IS-BAO Standards Board determined that no changes will be made to the current IS-BAO Standard. Members concluded that the existing edition continues to meet operational needs and remains aligned with international requirements.

Andrew Karas, IS-BAO program director, says, “We are grateful to all operators and industry professionals who provided thoughtful feedback throughout the year. Their input allows IS-BAO to remain the industry’s gold standard, recognized by ICAO and its member states. Thank you to our volunteers on the IS-BAO Standards Board and a special welcome to Dan Cerkan who brings representation from the rotor and RPAS sectors.”

The IS-BAO Standards Board remains committed to its ongoing work to ensure the IS-BAO program reflects international best practices and regulatory developments. Registered operators and subscribers may access the latest resources through their IBAC user portal and may contact isbao@ibac.org with any questions.

For more information, visit https://ibac.org/is-bao.