What is the ARGUS?
Established in 1995, the Aviation Research Group/ US (ARGUS) promotes safety throughout the private jet charter industry. Its ARGUS rating is widely considered the most comprehensive unbiased, independent safety rating system. ARGUS-rated operators meet the highest safety guidelines, adhering to an internationally recognized standard that exceeds the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.
Why was ARGUS introduced?
ARGUS evaluates the safety and operational standards of private jet charter operators to help flyers choose those with the highest safety practices.
How is an ARGUS-rating achieved?
To achieve an ARGUS rating a jet charter operator’s safety and operation standards are carefully assessed – vis-à-vis their peers – including the quality of documented processes and the strength of the safety management system (SMS) implemented. As part of the safety audit, rigorous pilot background checks are conducted and operational history and aircraft maintenance are scrutinized. ARGUS employs a proprietary algorithm to assign one of three “grades” to an operator:
Gold: The operator meets and/or exceeds the minimum ARGUS safety criteria:
- Operating certificate for a minimum of one year
- At least one turbine aircraft on certificate
- In-depth Historical Safety Analysis
- Pilot Background Check
- Complete a one-day remote audit to validate SMS, Training, Operational Control and Maintenance practices.
Platinum: In addition to meeting the criteria for the GOLD rating, Platinum operators must pass the on-site safety audit and have:
- Safety Management System (SMS)
- Emergency Response Plan
- Organizational Controls
- Standard Operating Procedures
- Operational Control
- Training
- Maintenance Programs
Schubach Aviation earned a Platinum ARGUS rating in 2024.
Platinum Elite: The highest level rating, operators must have completed consecutive Platinum audits and participate in a rigorous continuous monitoring program to ensure they adhere to the highest aviation industry standards and best practices:
- Maintenance and Operations Reviews performed every six months
- On-site company-wide reviews performed every two years
Charter operators that have achieved an ARGUS rating are listed in the Operator Registry.
