[Last updated: 2/7/2007]

The appropriate use of the ARG/US Rating

Generally, the ARG/US rating may be communicated verbally to a customer on a one-to-one basis. Any reference to an ARG/US rating should include proper Attribution and effective date. For example: “Our current ARG/US rating is Gold”.

Companies rated by ARG/US

• May communicate the ARG/US rating verbally or via individual emails as stipulated above.
• May display the ARG/US Rating on its web site only in the form of the ARG/US Click-Through Web Banner.
• May not use the ARG/US Name, ARG/US Logo, or ARG/US Rating in any form of print media or electronic media without specific written permission from ARG/US.
• A company rated by ARG/US may not give permission to third parties to use its ARG/US rating in any way, including print, electronic, or any compiled list format.
• ARG/US encourages reporting of any misuse or misrepresentation of the ARG/US ratings and logos. Please report these cases to ARG/US via our website.

The ARG/US Operator Data Maintenance Program (ODMP) is provided to certificated part 135 operators as a means to accurately and completely update the pilot, aircraft, and company data required by ARG/US CHEQ subscribers. Use of this program, and submission of data is voluntary, but failure to provide the required information will result in an ARG/US “Red” TripCHEQ report indicating that the information is not provided by the operator.. If an operator does use the ODMP system, all data must be current and accurate, and the users hereby acknowledges the following ARG/US policies and standards:

• Pilot flight times must be at least 90 days current, and for some subscribers, more so.. Operators that allow pilot record updates to exceed 90 days may have their ARG/US rating revoked at any time.
• Flight times must be accurate to maintain a Gold or Platinum rating status in the ARG/US system. “Block” flight times (ie 5000 total time, 4000 total PIC, 1500 PIC time in type) will be interpreted as inaccurate, and may be subject to an ARG/US Desk Audit of pilot logbooks and official company records.
• A pilot may not log “PIC time in type” unless they are actually type rated as “PIC” in that aircraft. Total jet time or SIC time may NOT be included in that “PIC time in type” number. PIC time in type should only be that time when the pilot is the sole commander and decision maker responsible for the safety of the aircraft.
• All flight times must be updated in a consistent fashion. If “PIC time in type” is increased, then it is logical that “total time” as well as “total PIC time” will increase as well. ALL applicable flight times should be updated together.
• Approval of all new pilots entered into the ARG/US system will be subject to a background check performed exclusively by ARG/US. This process takes approximately 3 to 4 weeks and may not be expedited in any way.
• ARG/US standard minimums require the Captain to have at least an ATP license, 3000 hours total time, and 1500 hours total PIC time. Specific subscriber minimums may be higher.
• ARG/US standard minimums require the First Officer to have a Commercial license, 1000 hours total time, and 500 hours total PIC time. Specific subscriber minimums may be higher.
• ARG/US standard minimums require that the crew have a combined total of 250 hours PIC time in type. This may be met by the PIC having at least 100 hours PIC time in type of the combined total of 250 PIC time in type. The SIC must be an ATP for his/her PIC time in type to qualify.
• Some ARG/US subscribers have custom requirements beyond the ARG/US standard minimums. Be sure to ask them what their requirements are so you may provide them with an appropriately experienced crew.
• All date fields, including the medical date fields, are for when the event was performed, not when it will expire.
• Any updates to your CHEQ report in regards to business contact information must be done through your POI. ARG/US retrieves this data from the “FAA National Vitals Database”, and your POI has the ability to update those records.
• Your computer's address will be recorded and logged for security and auditing purposes.
• There will be one (1) username and password assigned per operator account. This information will be initially assigned to a single key contact at that operator. If the key contact leaves the company, please let us know immediately so we may update your username and password. If you wish to change your username and password at any time for any reason, please contact us directly at (215) 345-6782.
• All uploaded aircraft photos should be dated if possible, and at least one photo must clearly show the tail number of the aircraft for authenticity. Other aircraft amenity and safety information must be current and accurate. Subscribers use this information for trip selection. Operators who provide false or misleading information may be subject to a desk audit, and repeat offenders may have their ARG/US rating revoked.
• ARG/US strives to ensure that the data contained and presented in the CHEQ system is current, accurate, and complete. If you have any questions, issues, or concern regarding the data, please contact ARG/US directly at (215)345-6782.
• All ARG/US names, trademarks, products, and logos are the exclusive property of Aviation Research Group/US, Inc., and may not be used in any form without prior permission. Misuse or misrepresentation of ARG/US intellectual property will result in revocation of ratings, and may result in expulsion from the ODMP system and legal action.