For new aviation safety managers, preparing for a Safety Management System (SMS) audit is a daunting task. One of the most challenging aspects is coaching accountable executives—senior leaders like CEOs, directors, or operations managers—to play their part in demonstrating SMS compliance.
These executives often lack the time or technical expertise to fully grasp SMS concepts, yet regulators from the FAA, EASA, or ICAO expect them to articulate their role in overseeing safety.
Topics: Aviation SMS Implementation, 3-Safety Assurance, Risk Management Training, FAA Compliance, Safety Culture
In commercial aviation, a robust Safety Management System (SMS) is critical for mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, such as those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and national civil aviation authorities like the FAA or EASA.
SMS audits, conducted internally or by regulators, evaluate the effectiveness of an organization’s SMS, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. For aviation safety managers and accountable executives—senior leaders responsible for SMS oversight—addressing audit findings promptly and effectively is essential to maintain compliance, enhance safety performance, and demonstrate leadership.
New safety managers often find the process of handling audit findings daunting, as it involves analyzing gaps, developing corrective actions, and engaging stakeholders.
Selecting the right Safety Management System (SMS) software is critical for aviation organizations aiming to meet regulatory requirements, enhance safety, and streamline operations. With the aviation industry’s increasing focus on proactive risk management, as mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), choosing the best SMS software can make or break your safety program. This comprehensive SMS Pro buyer’s guide outlines key criteria, compares top solutions, and explains why SMS Pro stands out as the ideal choice for airlines, airports, MROs, UAS and flight schools.
Topics: Aviation SMS Database, Risk Management Software, Risk Management Training, Quality-Safety Management
Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) are reshaping aviation, enabling tasks from infrastructure inspections to emergency deliveries. However, their safe integration into airspace hinges on robust risk management.
The Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA), developed by the Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems (JARUS), is a cornerstone framework for UAS safety, particularly in EASA’s Specific category. Central to SORA are its 24 Operational Safety Objectives (OSOs), which define the safety measures operators must implement to mitigate risks.
Topics: 3-Safety Assurance, 2-Safety Risk Management, Risk Management Training
For new aviation safety managers, documenting a safety management system (SMS) is a critical yet daunting task, especially when it comes to the risk matrix. The risk matrix is a cornerstone of aviation safety risk management, categorizing risks by severity and likelihood to guide decision-making.
To meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliance requirements under 14 CFR Part 5, safety managers must document specific actions for each risk level (e.g., low, medium, high) to ensure hazards are mitigated effectively.
This evergreen guide provides a step-by-step approach to documenting these actions, helping new safety managers create clear, FAA-compliant SMS documentation that enhances safety and streamlines audits.
Topics: Aviation SMS Implementation, 2-Safety Risk Management, Risk Management Training, FAA Compliance
For small fixed-base operators (FBOs), charter operators, UAS, MROs, and airports, managing safety has become a non-negotiable priority. With increasing regulatory demands from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Safety Management Systems (SMS) are no longer optional—they’re essential. But for small operators with limited budgets and lean teams, the question remains: Is investing in SMS software for small aviation operators worth it compared to sticking with manual processes?
Topics: Aviation SMS Implementation, Aviation SMS Database, Risk Management Software, Risk Management Training
For new aviation safety managers, preparing for Safety Management System (SMS) audits is a daunting task, particularly when it involves coaching accountable executives.
These senior leaders, often preoccupied with operational and financial priorities, may struggle to grasp the specifics of 14 CFR Part 5, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) regulation governing SMS for many aviation operators. Yet, their clear understanding of Part 5 requirements is critical for ensuring compliance, fostering a robust safety culture, and passing audits.
Topics: 4-Safety Promotion, 3-Safety Assurance, 1-Safety Policy, Risk Management Training, FAA Compliance, Safety Culture
In the high-stakes world of aviation, a robust Safety Management System (SMS) is the backbone of risk management. For aviation safety managers and accountable executives—senior leaders responsible for SMS oversight—managing hazards effectively is critical to preventing incidents and ensuring compliance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and national civil aviation authorities like the FAA or EASA.
A Hazard Register is a key tool in this process, serving as a centralized record of identified hazards, their risks, and mitigation measures within an aviation SMS.
Utility aviation, encompassing power line inspections, wildfire patrols, and infrastructure surveys, relies on helicopters and drones operating in high-risk, low-altitude environments. Pilot fatigue is a critical concern, with the Federal Aviation Administration attributing 70% of utility aviation incidents to human factors, costing millions annually, per the International Air Transport Association. Fatigue impairs decision-making, reaction times, and situational awareness, posing risks during complex missions.
Topics: Aviation SMS Database, 3-Safety Assurance, Risk Management Software, 2-Safety Risk Management, Risk Management Training
For new aviation safety managers, creating effective safety management system (SMS) documentation can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to residual risk.
Residual risk—the risk that remains after mitigation measures are applied—is a critical component of aviation safety risk management. Properly identifying and documenting residual risk ensures compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, enhances operational safety, and prepares organizations for audits.
This evergreen guide provides a step-by-step approach to help aviation safety managers master this process, even if they’re starting from scratch.
Topics: Aviation SMS Implementation, 2-Safety Risk Management, Risk Management Training, FAA Compliance
These two on-demand videos offer:
