When you charter a private aircraft, you are trusting an operator you may never have heard of. Third-party safety ratings exist to help with that. Two of the best known in business aviation come from ARGUS and WYVERN. This page explains what an "Argus Platinum" or "Wyvern Wingman" rated operator is, how the two compare, and how to use the ratings when you book.
What is Argus Platinum?
ARGUS International is an aviation audit company founded in 1995 and now part of SGS. It provides audits, inspections, assessments, safety management system (SMS) software and aviation data to commercial, business and helicopter operators.
ARGUS offers three levels of operator audit:
- Gold Certified
- Platinum
- Platinum Elite
An "Argus Platinum" operator is one that has passed the ARGUS Platinum audit. Platinum Elite is the top level. ARGUS also runs other programs, including IS-BAO audits, SMS assessments and a Certified Charter Broker Audit, so check which rating an operator is actually citing.
What is Wyvern Wingman rated operator?
WYVERN is an aviation safety company founded in 1991. It created the Wingman Standard, which it uses to evaluate operators.
WYVERN's operator certifications come in two levels:
- Wingman Certified Operator
- Wingman PRO Certified Operator
Operators renew these designations over time, and WYVERN publishes announcements when operators earn or renew them. WYVERN also certifies charter brokers (Wingman Broker) and runs a Registered Operator network, in which operators voluntarily share SMS and emergency response information. A Registered Operator is not the same as a Wingman-certified operator, so read the exact designation.
Comparison between Argus Platinum and Wyvern Wingman operators
Both ratings answer the same basic question: has an independent auditor reviewed this operator's safety practices? The differences are in the structure:
| Feature | ARGUS | WYVERN |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1995 | 1991 |
| Operator rating levels | Gold Certified, Platinum, Platinum Elite | Wingman, Wingman PRO |
| Top operator level | Platinum Elite | Wingman PRO |
| Other programs | IS-BAO audits, SMS assessments, charter broker audits | Broker certification, Registered Operator network |
Neither rating replaces the other. Many operators hold one, some hold both, and some hold neither. Audit methods and renewal schedules are set by each company, so check ARGUS and WYVERN directly for current details on what each audit covers.
How to use safety ratings when you book
- Ask who will operate the flight. In the United States, an air charter broker must disclose the direct air carrier in operational control of your flight before you sign a contract.
- Check the FAA certificate. On-demand charter flights for hire in the United States are operated under FAA Part 135.
- Ask for the rating and its level. "ARGUS rated" can mean Gold Certified, Platinum or Platinum Elite. "WYVERN" can mean Wingman, Wingman PRO or Registered Operator.
- Confirm it is current. Ratings are renewed over time, so ask when the last audit took place.
BLADE arranges charter and by-the-seat flights as an air charter broker and indirect air carrier. All BLADE flights in the United States are operated by DOT/FAA licensed direct air carriers.
FAQs about What Is Argus Platinum And Wyvern Wingeman Rated Operators?
What is Argus Platinum and Wyvern Wingeman rated operators?
They are charter operators that have passed a safety audit from ARGUS (at the Platinum level) or earned a WYVERN Wingman certification. Both are third-party ratings that help customers compare operators on safety.
How are private aviation operators rated by Argus Platinum and Wyvern Wingman?
Each company audits operators against its own standard. ARGUS rates operators at Gold Certified, Platinum or Platinum Elite. WYVERN certifies operators to its Wingman Standard at the Wingman or Wingman PRO level. Check each company's site for what its audits cover.
What are the benefits of choosing an Argus Platinum or Wyvern Wingman rated operator?
A rating shows that an independent auditor has reviewed the operator's safety practices. That gives you one more data point beyond the operator's FAA certificate when you choose a charter.
How can I find an Argus Platinum or Wyvern Wingman rated operator?
Ask your charter broker or operator which rating it holds, at which level, and when it was last renewed. ARGUS and WYVERN also publish information about their programs on their own websites.
Do all private aviation operators have an Argus Platinum or Wyvern Wingman rating?
No. These ratings are voluntary, and many operators hold neither. Every on-demand charter operator in the United States still needs FAA Part 135 certification.
Are there any drawbacks to choosing a non-rated private aviation operator?
An operator without a third-party rating is not necessarily less safe, but you have less independent information to go on. Check the operator's FAA certificate, ask about its safety management system, and confirm any rating it claims with the company that issued it.