audits & inspectionsfor zip lines and aerial adventure course
Third-Party Operation Review/Program Audits & Technical Inspections for Zip Lines, Challenge Courses & Aerial Adventure Parks
AdventureSmith, Inc. provides independent, third-party operations audits and technical inspections for zip lines, challenge courses, and aerial adventure courses throughout the United States and Canada.
Our approach is comprehensive, combining hands-on (“wrench-on”) field inspection with detailed document review to evaluate structural integrity, operational procedures, training programs, and compliance with ANSI/ACCT, ASTM F2959, and applicable jurisdictional requirements.
Each audit or inspection concludes with a clear, organized report outlining required corrective actions, recommendations for improvement, or confirmation of substantial compliance. Our goal is to help operators strengthen safety systems, demonstrate due diligence, and maintain confidence with insurers, regulators, and guests, while improving efficiencies in operations and delivery outstanding services.
Operation Reviews & Program Audits
Independent Operations Reviews for Compliance, Risk Management & Performance Improvement
- A professional operation review or program audit conducted by an independent, qualified reviewer is one of the most effective ways to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations.
- Our reviewers are experienced operators, designers, trainers, and managers with decades of field experience developing and running zip lines, canopy tours, and aerial adventure parks. Each review assesses operational and administrative compliance with ANSI/ACCT or ASTM F2959/F770, and applicable jurisdictional requirements, while identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, staff competency, and revenue generation.
- For organizations seeking ACCT Operation Accreditation, our principal consultant is an ACCT Approved Operation Reviewer and can assist with both pre-accreditation consultation and official reviews.
- Operation reviews and audits may include:
Review marketing materials, participant preparatory materials, course signage, and messaging
- Accuracy of representation
- Communication of participant requirements and risk
Review of Operating Documents and Manuals
- Manufacturer & equipment manuals
- Design specifications
- Policy & procedure manuals
- Incident reports, near-miss reports & risk assessments
- Emergency action / evacuation plan
- Training program & certificates
- Staff qualifications
- Inspection reports – pre-use, periodic, & third-party
- Operation review reports
- Maintenance & equipment logs
- Participant agreements
Review / Demonstration of operating procedures to determine compliance with documentation
- Course opening/pre-use procedures
- Participant intake/check-in and screening
- Introductions and participant expectations
- Instructions to participants
- Participant skill training
- General operating procedures
- Unusual conditions or interruptions – weather-related, behavioral, emotional, mechanic, failure of communication devices
- Emergency action plan including rescues
- Inspection and preventative maintenance
- Use of work-at-height and personal safety equipment
Why Invest in Operation Review or Program Audit?
Benefits of Third-Party Reviews for Zip Lines, Challenge Courses, and Adventure Parks
An external operations review or program audit is more than a compliance exercise—it’s a proactive investment in safety, quality, and operational excellence.
Independent audits can help operators:
- Meet insurance and jurisdictional requirements for documented third-party review.
- Comply with industry standards, including:
- ANSI/ACCT 03-2019, Chapter 2, B.2.7 (external review of operations by a qualified person required every five years).
- ASTM F2959 (Aerial Adventure Courses) and relevant sections of ASTM F770, F1193, and F2974.
- Reduce risk to participants, staff, and the organization.
- Improve program quality and staff awareness of standards and best practices.
- Identify trends and areas for improvement before they become incidents.
Routine independent audits help document your organization’s commitment to safety and continuous improvement—key elements in risk management and liability defense.
Course Inspections
Independent Course Inspections for Structural, Equipment & Standards Compliance
AdventureSmith, Inc. provides independent structural and operational inspections of zip line and aerial adventure course elements to verify compliance with applicable industry standards and jurisdictional regulations.
Our qualified inspectors possess backgrounds in course construction, staff training, and adventure-park operations, ensuring a well-rounded assessment of both technical and procedural performance. Inspections include a hands-on / wrench-on examination of structures, components, and personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as a review of operational documentation, maintenance logs, and inspection records.
Inspections are designed to:
- Assess and document the physical condition of course elements and life-safety systems.
- Verify compliance with ANSI/ACCT, ASTM, and jurisdictional standards.
- Evaluate whether internal maintenance and inspection programs meet manufacturer and qualified-designer specifications.
Depending on the size and complexity of your operation, inspections typically require one or more days on site.
To determine the scope of work, timing, and deliverables, please contact our office to discuss your project and receive a proposal.
Schedule an Operations Review or Course Inspection Today
Contact us to set up a time to discuss your needs and determine the scope of the audit or inspection.
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248.481.2568
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Challenge Courses, Zip Lines, and Aerial Adventure Parks: A Historic Primer and Examination of Current Trends and Statistics