Baines Simmons and MOD extend partnership for enhanced aviation safety standards in UK military

Leading aviation safety training and consulting company, Baines Simmons, has renewed a five-year contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to provide the highest levels of specialist aviation safety training to the Defence Aviation Community.

The renewed contract, commencing in April 2024, spans an initial five years with the possibility of extending for an additional two years.

As part of the renewed partnership, Baines Simmons will deliver the Safety Training for Error Prevention (STEP) II, a programme designed to improve skills and awareness of air safety and enhance the effectiveness of the Aviation Safety Management System within UK military aviation on behalf of the Defence Safety Authority (DSA).

(L to R): Donald Smith, Business Development Support Executive, Baines Simmons | Alex Johnson, STEP II Programme Manager, Military Aviation Authority | Pete Hibbert, STEP II Programme Manager and Senior Consultant, Baines Simmons | Air Vice-Marshal Alan Gillespie, CBE MA BSc RAF, Director, Military Aviation Authority | Ian Holder, Managing Director, Baines Simmons | Kristel Dazely, Head of Business Development & Sales, Baines Simmons | Cdr Andy Drodge, FRAeS, FInstLM, RN, Air Safety Training Team Leader, Military Aviation Authority.

The STEP II programme consists of a range of specialist training courses spanning risk management to air safety data analysis. Aligned with the DSA Charter, the contract enables continuous improvements to operating efficiency, helps to reduce loss of airframes and personnel through enhanced training and improves understanding of regulations contributing to elevated safety standards in military aviation.

Baines Simmons has been working closely with the MOD for over a decade, supporting with specialist expertise and consultancy on aviation regulation and risk management. This includes the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) which forms part of the DSA and is accountable for overseeing, ensuring, and enforcing regulations within Defence air operations and technical realms.

Ian Holder, Managing Director, Baines Simmons, commented: “With numerous ex-military personnel at Baines Simmons who understand the critical importance of rigorous safety protocols, we are honoured to be working with the UK military, providing the highest standards in aviation safety training.”

Air Vice-Marshall Al Gillespie, Head of the Military Aviation Authority commented: “We are committed to ensuring the highest standards of aviation safety across the UK military and the STEP II programme plays an integral role in delivering this. Through our longstanding partnership with Baines Simmons, we continue to equip aircrew and support personnel from all three services with the critical skills and behaviours to operate safely in today's dynamic air environment.”

BlueSky Business Aviation News | 28th March 2024 | Issue #741