Flight Safety

Safety
Your safety is of paramount importance to us.

Le Bas International is an Air Charter Broker
On February 14, 2019, the Department of Transportation (DOT) recognised Air Charter Brokers for the first time, publishing new regulations, 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 295, Air Charter Brokers, and revising regulations 14 CFR Part 298, Exemptions for Air Taxi and Commuter Air Carrier Operations. A large part of the regulatory change is mandating the full disclosure to customers of a Broker’s relationships with Part 135 and 121 operators, on contracts, websites, and other marketing materials. That includes letting customers know a Broker is only arranging, not operating, a charter flight.

We’re proud to have been part of the movement bringing this regulation to pass. For almost three decades we’ve operated transparently, meeting the criteria of the new regulations long before the process to regulate our industry began. You can view information on the regulations here.

Le Bas International is a Wyvern Broker, and a registered ARG/US Broker
We work tirelessly to meet the standards these reputable Flight Safety Audit entities demand. We use their extensive databases as part of our due diligence process. You can confirm our accreditations here: Wyvern / ARG/US.

Control & Authorization
We book trips with carriers who have direct operational control of their aircraft. Every Carrier is licensed by its local / regional / national governmental Aviation Authority. We hold copies of a Carrier’s Operating Certificate and specifications on file. Occasionally, a reputable Carrier will employ an exclusive sales agent for its fleet, or a specific aircraft. In this instance, we’ll confirm there’s a properly documented trail, and the Carrier is party to any agreement.

Insurance
Good Carriers carry correct, and adequate insurance! In Europe, this is regulated by EU regulation 785/2004. In the US Carriers typically insure aircraft as follows; turboprop $3m per seat, light or mid-size jet $5m per seat, large cabin jet $100m ++ and airliners $500m ++. If we see an exception to these norms we we’ll inform you. (Insurance amounts tend to be less in developing countries, we’ll disclose and discuss those amounts of part of the booking process.) Every Carrier we work with must provide proof of adequate insurance. We hold copies of these insurance documents on file. As a reputable Broker, we also carry insurance, in the form of a non-owned aircraft liability policy.

Flight Crew
Good Carriers employ qualified, experienced crews. For passenger flights vested with US based Carriers we look to the Wyvern & ARG/US industry standards. In Europe EASA is the benchmark. Outside these markets we look to Carriers to meet the Wyvern & ARG/US standards, but like insurance, these can be lower in developing countries. Once again, we’ll disclose this information as part of the booking process. Pilot information is available upon request.

Audits
In addition to governmental authority to operate, many Carriers carry third party Carrier / aircraft / crew audit ratings with companies such as Wyvern and ARG/US. If it’s available for a Carrier, we’re happy to share this information at no additional cost upon request. If a full Carrier safety audit is required, an additional cost may incurred.