BARS for RPAS Audit Program
Our audits for operators of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and their subsequent registration in the BARS Program provide an efficient means of monitoring, assessing, and analyzing risks associated with RPAS operations.
Reasons for an RPAS Audit
The use of RPAS comes with risks. Accidents can happen and when they do, they can lead to expensive damage to property, major delays and interruptions, injury, and even death.
An RPAS audit using registered BARS audit companies and accredited RPAS auditors provides an evaluation of operations and technical management systems of an RPAS operator. The in–depth audit has the objective of clearly articulating and verifying what procedures, processes and systems the RPAS operator has in place to mitigate risk.
RPAS operators gain the following from becoming BARS audited and registered:
- Efficiency – A single audit satisfies multiple contracting companies.
- Fit for purpose – Ensures operators are fit for purpose for sometimes challenging, remote, and complex conditions.
- Safety assurance – Provides an extra level of safety for your assets, employees, operations, and reputation.
- Industry knowledge – Provides access to proven practices based off a global aviation knowledge base.
Operational Categories and Streams
Additional appendices for discrete operations using RPAS can be applied in addition to the main bowtie of threats and controls. These operational categories cover:
- Underground or confined spaces
- BVLOS
- Offshore/maritime environment
- RPAS with external/sling loads
Operators can choose between core and comprehensive streams for registration:
- The core stream is limited to more basic issues and thus limits the operator to achieving BARS registration with Green Status.
- The comprehensive stream goes deeper and opens up the possibility to achieve BARS registration with Silver and Gold Status.
| Audit Type | Onsite Audit | Green | Silver | Gold | Operational Categories Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Stream |  |
|
N/A | N/A | |
| Comprehensive Stream* | |
|
|
* |
|
*Monitoring audits are required for Gold RPAS operators on alternating years.
| Audit Type | Onsite Audit | Operational Categories Available |
|---|---|---|
| Core Stream | |
|
| Comprehensive Stream* | |
|
| Audit Type | Green | Silver | Gold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Stream | |
N/A | N/A |
| Comprehensive Stream* | |
|
* |
What to do now?
Download – Download the RPAS standard and implementation guidelines.
Apply  – The journey will really start from the point where you apply for an audit on our website.
Contact  – Speak to one of the BARS audit companies listed. The audit companies will assist you in the preparation leading up to the audit.
After the Audit
After the audit company review, the BARS Team will review the final audit report. Once published, BARS registration process is completed by the BARS Team, RPAS operators are listed on the BARS registry, and Member Organizations are notified.