BLADE / JOBY Operating Standards, Flight & Passenger Safety.
Absolutely everything we do at Blade Air Mobility, in partnership with Joby Aviation, is grounded in our principal value of safety. We believe that new technology must be held to a higher standard than what has come before.
Dedicated to Innovation and Safety Excellence, Blade / Joby is committed to advancing aviation through a structured, proactive, and data-driven Safety Management System (SMS). We continuously collaborate with our operators and stakeholders to strengthen safety principles, processes, and performance.
Our Safety Principles
All activities are conducted with safety as the first consideration.
Safety is a shared responsibility across our teams, partners, and operators.
We promote a Just Culture that encourages open and confidential safety reporting.
No punitive action will be taken for reporting safety concerns except in cases involving illegal acts, intentional regulatory violations, or willful disregard for safety.
Personnel are trained and equipped to carry out safety responsibilities competently.
Safety data is protected and used to support continuous improvement.
All third-party operators and externally supplied services must meet or exceed Blade / Joby safety expectations.
Operator Oversight & SMS Integration
All flights are conducted by FAA-certificated operators under 14 CFR Part 135, with oversight aligned to Blade / Joby SMS principles and industry best practices, including FAA SMS, IS-BAO, ARGUS, and Wyvern frameworks.
- Integration of operator programs with Joby SMS principles
- Annual onsite audits and periodic reviews
- Evaluation of manuals, training, maintenance, and compliance records
- Enhanced operational controls where appropriate
- Insurance verification and risk management review
- Continuous monitoring of safety trends and corrective actions
- Dedicated Safety and Flier Experience teams
- Standardized ground and ramp safety procedures
- Passenger verification and load coordination
- Fit-to-fly assessments
- Security coordination with operators and airport authorities
Passenger Safety & Security
Blade / Joby extends safety beyond the aircraft through standardized procedures, trained personnel, and coordination with operators and airport stakeholders.
Setting the Industry Standard.
Blade / Joby is advancing a unified safety model that integrates SMS across third-party operators, promotes a strong Just Culture, uses data to proactively manage risk, and supports the development of consistent safety standards across the helicopter industry.
Our commitment is to lead with a safety-first approach that builds trust, supports operational excellence, and delivers a safe and reliable passenger experience.
Meet Our Safety Leadership Team
Michael Crook
Leads Safety Management System integration, third-party operator oversight, and safety program development to strengthen operational controls and establish industry-leading safety standards.
Edward Schulze
Provides leadership in rotorcraft safety, operational oversight, and aviation best practices developed across decades of military, law enforcement, and corporate aviation experience.