Baines Simmons has renewed a five- year contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) to provide 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).

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.”