Biggin Hill-based Zenith Aviation and Castle Air have adopted mobile management software Centrik, as part of preparations for EASA regulations which come into force in October. The team behind the app – Total AOC – assisted with updating the operations manual of both companies.

Zenith Aviation's director of quality assurance Barry Holloway remarks: “The new regulations mean significant changes to operations manuals and safety management systems.

“When updating our manuals it became apparent that Centrik would provide a fully integrated system. This means we can operate a paperless environment, which is particularly useful for our flight crews operating in remote locations. The software also saves us a significant amount of time in compiling operational reports for the CAA.”

Castle Air has also selected the iPad app, allowing it to increase efficiency in the management of over 25 aircraft and 50 staff. Three months after introducing the software, which includes modules on compliance, safety, training and documents, md Ross Bunyard says it has transformed the business: “When you are taking on a lot of pilots you need the right software in place that is intuitive and doesn't take too much to learn. Centrik is just that, and it's had an incredibly positive effect on our business.

“Everyone here has an iPad so it was quick and easy to implement. It has hugely reduced the amount of time our pilots spend on paperwork and enables us to connect with them easily whenever we need to. It saves us all a lot of time.”

Holloway believes that, because the app was built by 'aviation people,' it has been easier to implement. “Somebody hasn't tried to adapt something else to suit aviation, so that's what I was impressed with,” he comments.