Equinox News

I am Garreth Horrocks, the Safety and Compliance Manager for Equinox Charter. Originally from South Africa, I discovered my passion for aviation early on, fueled by opportunities to travel extensively. Upon completing school, I embarked on my flying training and successfully obtained my Airline Transport Pilot License. Since then, I have consistently pursued a career in aviation, accumulating flight hours across various aircraft types around the globe. My experience includes working briefly with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations in conflict zones in Africa and the Middle East, followed by roles in the airline industry with both low-cost carriers and South African Airways, the national carrier. Most recently, I spent two years in Indonesia, leading efforts to implement training and standards improvements for an operator based in Jakarta. Upon relocating to the UK in 2019, I shifted my focus to business aviation, with a particular emphasis on enhancing safety in this vital sector.

In my role at Equinox Charter, I am committed to acting in the best interest of our clients by augmenting our established safety protocols and ensuring that our partner operators adhere to international best practices. This commitment includes prioritizing the expertise of our pilots and promoting a robust operational culture, alongside diligently assessing and mitigating any associated risks throughout flight operations. Building strong, trusting relationships with our partner operators is essential, as it facilitates open communication and collaboration in addressing operational challenges.

The importance of safety in aviation has never been more critical. As the volume of flights increases within finite airspace, the industry faces new safety challenges, making it essential to maintain high standards in operational safety. The focus on aviation safety has evolved significantly since the first commercial flight nearly a century ago. Initially, the emphasis was placed on the technology and inherent risks associated with aircraft design and operation. Today, the spotlight is on the human element—understanding our roles within the framework of advanced technology and the decision-making processes that surround it. This evolution necessitates the establishment of complex and robust safety barriers before and during each flight, equipping flight crews and the myriad of professionals involved with the necessary tools to effectively manage any situations that may arise.

Aviation safety management is guided by regulations that vary globally, often dependent on the size of the operator and the types of aircraft in use. In the UK and European regions, a Safety Management System (SMS) is mandated for all commercial operators, whereas this requirement is not yet fully established in the United States. The demand for formalized SMS in smaller US commercial operators is growing, indicating that regulatory changes may be on the horizon. Until then, it remains essential for operators to proactively enhance their safety measures and implement necessary barriers.

Many proactive operators, both large and small, in the US engage independent safety auditors to advise on their safety management practices. Notable firms like Wyvern and Argus provide invaluable guidance to operators wishing to establish or outsource their SMS. On the brokerage side, these firms also evaluate the safety audit levels of operators, employing various metrics—including business culture, operational ethos, and pilot training perspectives—to assess operational risk and the corresponding safety mitigations, ensuring that risks are managed to be As Low As Reasonably Practicable (ALARP). The desire for Wyvern and Argus certifications within the US sector reflects a commitment to maintaining rigorous safety management standards, granting brokers and clients confidence in the professionalism of the operators they engage. At Equinox, we have a strict policy of not working with US operators lacking Argus or Wyvern certification, ensuring that safety standards are upheld and that we have the necessary data for our assessments. Furthermore, Argus provides certification for brokers, and Equinox is proud to hold such certification, reinforcing our commitment to sound business practices and safety in our dealings with operators.

As part of my role at Equinox, I will also be training employees in safety awareness and operational procedures pivotal to aircraft operations as mandated by regulations. This initiative will enhance our team's understanding, empowering us to clarify any questions or concerns clients may have.

I eagerly anticipate collaborating with operators in the business aviation sector to foster transparency in safety for clients, brokers, and operators alike.