Enhancing Aviation Safety: Expert Insights, Tips, and Updates from SMS-Pro

Christopher Howell

Manage global operations for aviation safety management systems (SMS) software that facilitates regulatory compliance, such as ICAO, FAA, Transport Canada, IS-BAO. Manage software engineering support efforts to local Alaska businesses. Assist in design, implementation, testing and documentation of complex, three-tier Windows applications relying heavily upon secure Web services technology.
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Recent Posts

The Origin of Aviation SMS: The Human Story Behind SMS Pro’s Rise to Global Success

Posted by Christopher Howell on May 25, 2025 6:15:00 AM

Introduction: A Vision for Safer Skies

Safety Management Systems (SMS) are the cornerstone of modern aviation safety, transforming how airlines, airports, and other operators manage risks. Born from the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) November 2006 mandate, SMS required a structured approach to hazard identification and risk management. But for many operators, early solutions were clunky, generic, or unscalable. This is the story of how SMS Pro, a leading aviation SMS software, emerged from a vision to create a user-friendly, scalable tool tailored for the aviation industry. From its challenging beginnings to its global adoption by airlines, airports, biz jet operators, maintenance organizations, flight schools, and fixed-base operators (FBOs), SMS Pro’s journey is one of perseverance, innovation, and loss. Written from the perspective of the SMS Pro development team, led by Chris Howell, this account offers full disclosure while honoring the contributions—and tragedies—that shaped its path.

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Topics: Aviation SMS Implementation, Risk Management Software, 1-Safety Policy, 2-Safety Risk Management, Safety Culture

FAA Part 5 Compliance: 10 Easy Steps to Document Risk Matrix

Posted by Christopher Howell on May 25, 2025 6:00:00 AM

 

For new aviation safety managers, documenting the risk matrix process within a Safety Management System (SMS) can be a challenging task. The risk matrix is a cornerstone of aviation safety risk management, enabling organizations to assess and prioritize hazards based on their severity and likelihood.

For U.S.-based operators, ensuring that the risk matrix process complies with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) requirements under 14 CFR Part 5 is critical for regulatory adherence and effective safety management. A well-documented process not only satisfies FAA audits but also supports consistent risk assessments and fosters a proactive safety culture.

This article provides aviation safety managers with clear, actionable steps to document the risk matrix process, ensuring compliance with FAA standards while simplifying the task for newcomers.

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Topics: Aviation SMS Implementation, 2-Safety Risk Management, Risk Management Training, FAA Compliance

What Is an Aviation SMS? A Beginner’s Guide to Safety Management

Posted by Christopher Howell on May 22, 2025 8:00:00 AM

Why Safety Management Systems Matter

Aviation requires safety. Every flight, maintenance task, and ground operation demands precision. A Safety Management System (SMS) is the framework that ensures risks are managed proactively. It’s a structured approach to identifying hazards and preventing incidents. For beginners, understanding SMS is the first step to safer skies.

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Topics: Aviation SMS Implementation, 4-Safety Promotion, 3-Safety Assurance, Risk Management Software, 1-Safety Policy, 2-Safety Risk Management

Regulatory Compliance: Staying Aligned With FAA, EASA, ICAO, and Local Regulations

Posted by Christopher Howell on May 22, 2025 6:00:00 AM

Staying Aligned With FAA, EASA, ICAO, and Local Regulations

Aviation safety managers operate in a highly regulated environment where compliance with global and local standards is non-negotiable.

Regulatory bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and local authorities set stringent guidelines to ensure

  • safety,
  • operational efficiency, and
  • public trust.
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Topics: 3-Safety Assurance

6 Ways to Secure Top Management Support for Aviation SMS Implementation

Posted by Christopher Howell on May 21, 2025 5:45:00 AM

Top Management Support for Aviation SMS Implementation

Securing top management support is a critical step in successfully implementing a Safety Management System (SMS) in aviation.

Without leadership buy-in, SMS initiatives often stall due to

  • lack of resources,
  • poor organizational alignment, or
  • inadequate prioritization.
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8 Reasons to Review Aviation SMS Implementation for Aviation Safety Managers

Posted by Christopher Howell on May 20, 2025 6:00:00 AM

Reasons to Review Aviation SMS Implementation

Aviation safety managers operate in a high-stakes environment where the margin for error is slim.

A robust Safety Management System (SMS) is the backbone for ensuring operational safety, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation. However, an SMS is not a "set it and forget it" solution. Regular reviews and updates are critical to maintaining its effectiveness.

This article explores the key reasons why aviation safety managers should prioritize reviewing their SMS implementation, offering actionable insights to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

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Topics: 3-Safety Assurance

Avoid FAA Penalties: Build a Compliant Risk Matrix in Aviation SMS

Posted by Christopher Howell on May 19, 2025 6:00:00 AM

 

In aviation safety risk management, the risk matrix is a critical tool for assessing and prioritizing hazards, enabling organizations to maintain a robust Safety Management System (SMS). For U.S.-based aviation operators, ensuring that the risk matrix aligns with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) risk assessment requirements, as outlined in 14 CFR Part 5 and associated guidance, is essential for regulatory compliance and effective safety management.

A compliant risk matrix not only satisfies FAA audits but also enhances decision-making and fosters a proactive safety culture.

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Topics: Aviation SMS Implementation, 2-Safety Risk Management, Quality-Safety Management

FAA April 2024 Final Rulemaking With SMS Pro Alignment Analysis

Posted by Christopher Howell on May 17, 2025 6:00:00 AM

SMS Pro Aligns With FAA April 2024 Final Rulemaking

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has updated the Safety Management System (SMS) requirements for Part 121 operators under 14 CFR Part 5, as outlined in the April 2024 final rulemaking.

These updates introduce specific requirements aimed at enhancing safety through improved

  • ethical standards,
  • system interfaces,
  • hazard reporting, and
  • recordkeeping.
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Topics: 4-Safety Promotion, 3-Safety Assurance, 1-Safety Policy, 2-Safety Risk Management

Why Aviation Safety Managers Should Customize Severity and Likelihood Criteria on Their Risk Matrix

Posted by Christopher Howell on May 16, 2025 6:00:00 AM

 

In aviation safety risk management, the risk matrix is a cornerstone tool for identifying, assessing, and prioritizing hazards. It provides a visual framework to evaluate risks based on two key dimensions: severity (the potential impact of a hazard) and likelihood (the probability of occurrence).

While standard risk matrices offer a solid starting point, customizing the severity and likelihood criteria to align with your organization’s unique operational context is critical for effective Safety Management Systems (SMS).

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Topics: Aviation SMS Implementation, 3-Safety Assurance, 2-Safety Risk Management

Sample Business Case for MROs Implementing SMS Pro for Aviation Safety Management System (SMS)

Posted by Christopher Howell on May 15, 2025 3:23:34 PM

Executive Summary

As a Canadian Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organization with 100 employees, serving both Canadian and U.S. customers, we operate in a highly regulated aviation industry where safety is paramount. Transport Canada and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandate Safety Management Systems (SMS) for MROs to ensure compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, as outlined in Annex 19.

To meet these requirements efficiently, enhance safety performance, and strengthen our competitive position, we propose adopting SMS Pro, a web-based aviation SMS software designed for MROs. This business case evaluates the benefits, costs, and implementation strategy for SMS Pro, demonstrating its alignment with regulatory needs and business objectives.

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Topics: Aviation SMS Implementation, Aviation SMS Database, Risk Management Software, FAA Compliance

Site content provided by Northwest Data Solutions is meant for informational purposes only. Opinions presented here are not provided by any civil aviation authority or standards body.

 

 

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