---
title: Aviation Safety Blog | Expert Tips & Updates | SMS-Pro | Christopher Howell (10)
description: 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. (10)
---

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

## Christopher Howell

![](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/hubfs/images/HowellSmsPro145w.webp)

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.

Find me on:

<https://www.facebook.com/SMSPro.Safety.Management.System> <https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishowellaviationsms> <https://x.com/SMS_Pro>

### Recent Posts

## [What Is Aviation Incident and Accident Reporting Software?](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/what-is-aviation-incident-and-accident-reporting-software)

 Posted by [Christopher Howell](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/author/christopher-howell) on Sep 11, 2024, 4:05:00 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/hubfs/images/Blog_Images/WHAT-is-aviation-incident-and-accident-reporting-software.png)](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/what-is-aviation-incident-and-accident-reporting-software)

## Aviation Incident and Accident Reporting Software

**Aviation Incident and Accident Reporting Software** are specialized software systems that facilitate the collection, analysis, and reporting of aviation incidents and accidents.

[Read More](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/what-is-aviation-incident-and-accident-reporting-software)

 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/what-is-aviation-incident-and-accident-reporting-software#comments-listing)

 Topics: [2-Safety Risk Management](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/topic/2-safety-risk-management)

## [Despite Corruption, IATA Operational Safety Audits Enhance Aviation SMS](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/how-iata-operational-safety-audits-enhance-aviation-safety-process)

 Posted by [Christopher Howell](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/author/christopher-howell) on May 29, 2024, 6:00:00 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/hubfs/images/Blog_Images/HOW-IATA-operational-Safety-Audits-Enhance-Aviation-SMS.png)](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/how-iata-operational-safety-audits-enhance-aviation-safety-process)

## Aviation Safety Audits Are Not for Just Airlines

Aviation safety managers must be prepared for a never-ending chain of audits. This is a fact of life, whether you are working at:

- Airlines;
- Airports;
- Ground handling companies;

[Read More](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/how-iata-operational-safety-audits-enhance-aviation-safety-process)

 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/how-iata-operational-safety-audits-enhance-aviation-safety-process#comments-listing)

 Topics: [3-Safety Assurance](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/topic/3-safety-assurance)

## [5 Warning Signs and Symptoms of Aviation SMS Failures](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/5-warning-signs-and-symptoms-of-aviation-sms-failures)

 Posted by [Christopher Howell](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/author/christopher-howell) on Mar 20, 2024, 6:00:00 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/hubfs/images/Blog_Images/5-Warning-Signs-and-Symptoms-of-Aviation-SMS-Failures.png)](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/5-warning-signs-and-symptoms-of-aviation-sms-failures)

## Aviation Safety Management System Symptoms and Underlying Causes

An [aviation safety management system (SMS)](https://www.asms-pro.com/SMS/AviationSafetyManagementSystem.aspx) functions almost like a living, breathing entity. The SMS' required safety assurance processes facilitate improvements through continual verification and follow-up actions.

[Read More](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/5-warning-signs-and-symptoms-of-aviation-sms-failures)

 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/5-warning-signs-and-symptoms-of-aviation-sms-failures#comments-listing)

 Topics: [2-Safety Risk Management](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/topic/2-safety-risk-management)

## [8 Tips to Pass Aviation Safety Management System (SMS) Audits](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/4-tips-to-pass-aviation-sms-audits-like-the-professionals)

 Posted by [Christopher Howell](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/author/christopher-howell) on Feb 28, 2024, 6:30:00 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/hubfs/images/Blog_Images/8-TIPs-for-Passing-aviation-SMS-Audits.png)](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/4-tips-to-pass-aviation-sms-audits-like-the-professionals)

## Why Passing an Aviation SMS Audit Is Critical

Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) form the foundation of safe operations, and passing SMS audits is critical for demonstrating compliance with global safety standards while reinforcing an organization’s commitment to safety.

[Read More](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/4-tips-to-pass-aviation-sms-audits-like-the-professionals)

 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/4-tips-to-pass-aviation-sms-audits-like-the-professionals#comments-listing)

 Topics: [3-Safety Assurance](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/topic/3-safety-assurance)

## [5 Simple Tips to Improve Aviation Safety Reporting Cultures](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/5-simple-ways-to-enhance-aviation-safety-reporting-cultures)

 Posted by [Christopher Howell](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/author/christopher-howell) on Jan 3, 2024, 1:59:00 PM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/hubfs/images/Blog_Images/5-Simple-TIPs-TO-Improve-aviation-Safety-Reporting-Cultures.png)](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/5-simple-ways-to-enhance-aviation-safety-reporting-cultures)

## Safety Managers Can Only Manage Hazards That Are Reported

Healthy [aviation safety management systems (SMS)](https://www.asms-pro.com/SMS/AviationSafetyManagementSystem.aspx) rely upon hazard reporting to reduce operational risk. High-performing safety reporting cultures receive approximately one report for every ten employees each month.

[Read More](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/5-simple-ways-to-enhance-aviation-safety-reporting-cultures)

 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/5-simple-ways-to-enhance-aviation-safety-reporting-cultures#comments-listing)

 Topics: [1-Safety Policy](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/topic/1-safety-policy)

## [What Are Differences of Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) and QMS Programs](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/comparing-aviation-safety-management-systems-sms-to-qms-programs)

 Posted by [Christopher Howell](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/author/christopher-howell) on Nov 22, 2023, 6:00:00 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/hubfs/images/Blog_Images/What-are-Differences-OF-aviation-safety-management-systems-SMS-and-QMS-programs.png)](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/comparing-aviation-safety-management-systems-sms-to-qms-programs)

## What Is an Aviation Safety Management System (SMS)?

An [aviation safety management system (SMS)](https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/sms/) has been repeatedly defined as a formal, systematic approach to managing safety, including necessary

[Read More](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/comparing-aviation-safety-management-systems-sms-to-qms-programs)

 3 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/comparing-aviation-safety-management-systems-sms-to-qms-programs#comments-listing)

 Topics: [Aviation SMS Implementation](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/topic/aviation-sms-implementation)

## [Understanding Management of Change in Aviation SMS](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/understanding-management-of-change-in-aviation-sms-programs)

 Posted by [Christopher Howell](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/author/christopher-howell) on Nov 15, 2023, 10:00:00 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/hubfs/images/Blog_Images/Understanding-management-of-CHANGE-In-Aviation-SMS.png)](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/understanding-management-of-change-in-aviation-sms-programs)

## What Is the Fuss About Management of Change?

Management of change in [aviation safety management systems (SMS)](https://www.asms-pro.com/SMS/AviationSafetyManagementSystem.aspx) is essential for managing operational or organizational change.

[Read More](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/understanding-management-of-change-in-aviation-sms-programs)

 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/understanding-management-of-change-in-aviation-sms-programs#comments-listing)

 Topics: [2-Safety Risk Management](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/topic/2-safety-risk-management)

## [Choosing Key Performance Indicators in Aviation SMS - With Free KPI Resources](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/choosing-key-performance-indicators-airlines-and-airports)

 Posted by [Christopher Howell](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/author/christopher-howell) on Nov 8, 2023, 3:52:00 PM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/hubfs/images/Blog_Images/Choosing-Key-Performance-Indicators-IN-aviation-sms.png)](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/choosing-key-performance-indicators-airlines-and-airports)

## Using Safety Key Performance Indicators in Your Aviation SMS

Most aviation safety professionals today are managing their[aviation safety management systems (SMS)](https://www.asms-pro.com/SMS/AviationSafetyManagementSystem.aspx) using automated tools. These full-featured SMS database tools allow safety managers to easily classify issues according to many criteria.

[Read More](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/choosing-key-performance-indicators-airlines-and-airports)

 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/choosing-key-performance-indicators-airlines-and-airports#comments-listing)

 Topics: [Key Performance Indicators](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/topic/key-performance-indicators)

## [SRM-SA Aviation SMS Audit Preparation - 4 Free Checklist Templates](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/aviation-safety-audit-preparation-4-free-sms-audit-checklist-templates)

 Posted by [Christopher Howell](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/author/christopher-howell) on Oct 25, 2023, 4:26:00 AM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/hubfs/images/Blog_Images/SRM-SA-Aviation-SMS-AUDIT-Preparation.png)](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/aviation-safety-audit-preparation-4-free-sms-audit-checklist-templates)

## The SMS Auditors Are Coming!

Aviation SMS audits are necessary to ensure aviation service providers comply with established guidelines. These established guidelines may come from:

[Read More](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/aviation-safety-audit-preparation-4-free-sms-audit-checklist-templates)

 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/aviation-safety-audit-preparation-4-free-sms-audit-checklist-templates#comments-listing)

 Topics: [3-Safety Assurance](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/topic/3-safety-assurance)

## [How to Identify Hazards and Assess Risks in Aviation SMS - With Free Resources](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/how-to-identify-hazards-and-assess-risks-in-aviation-sms-programs)

 Posted by [Christopher Howell](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/author/christopher-howell) on Oct 4, 2023, 3:45:00 PM

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

[![](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/hubfs/images/Blog_Images/How-TO-Identify-Hazards-and-Assess-Risks-IN-aviation-SMS.png)](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/how-to-identify-hazards-and-assess-risks-in-aviation-sms-programs)

## Reactive and Proactive Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

Aviation safety managers are tasked to ensure that the safety risks encountered at their operations are controlled to [as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ALARP).

Modern aviation safety risk management includes:

[Read More](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/how-to-identify-hazards-and-assess-risks-in-aviation-sms-programs)

 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/how-to-identify-hazards-and-assess-risks-in-aviation-sms-programs#comments-listing)

 Topics: [2-Safety Risk Management](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/topic/2-safety-risk-management)

[Previous](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/author/christopher-howell/page/9) [All posts](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/all) [Next](https://aviationsafetyblog.asms-pro.com/blog/author/christopher-howell/page/11)

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.

 

 

### [Benefits of SMS Pro Database](https://www.asms-pro.com/benefits.aspx)

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## [Best Practices for Aviation SMS](http://www.asms-pro.com/SMS.aspx)

### [Safety Policy](http://www.asms-pro.com/SMSPro/SMSICAOPillarSafetyPolicy.aspx)

- [Management commitment & responsibility](http://www.asms-pro.com/SMSPro/ManagementCommitmentandResponsibility.aspx)
- [Safety Accountabilities](http://www.asms-pro.com/SMSPro/SafetyAccountabilities.aspx)
- [Appointment of key safety personnel](http://www.asms-pro.com/SMSPro/AppointmentofKeySafetyPersonnel.aspx)
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- [SMS documentation](http://www.asms-pro.com/SMSPro/SMSDocumentation.aspx)

### [Safety Risk Management](http://www.asms-pro.com/SMSPro/SMSICAOPillarSafetyRiskManagement.aspx)

- [Hazard identification](http://www.asms-pro.com/SMSPro/HazardIdentification.aspx)
- [Risk assessment & mitigation](http://www.asms-pro.com/SMSPro/RiskAssessmentMitigation.aspx)

### [Safety Assurance](http://www.asms-pro.com/SMSPro/SMSICAOPillarSafetyAssurance.aspx)

- [Safety performance monitoring & measurement](http://www.asms-pro.com/SMSPro/SafetyPerformanceMonitoringandMeasurement.aspx)
- [Management of change](http://www.asms-pro.com/SMSPro/ManagementofChange.aspx)
- [Continuous improvement of the SMS](http://www.asms-pro.com/SMSPro/ContinuousimprovementofSMS.aspx)

### [Safety Promotion](http://www.asms-pro.com/SMSPro/SMSICAOPillarSafetyPromotion.aspx)

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- [Safety communication](http://www.asms-pro.com/SMSPro/SafetyCommunication.aspx)

[Free Aviation SMS Downloads](https://aviationsmsinfo.asms-pro.com/download-free-aviation-sms-software-checklists-templates-resources)

 

## Watch SMS Pro Demo Videos

These two on-demand videos offer:

- High-level overview of SMS Pro;
- Hazard Reporting & Risk Management walk-through.

[![Watch SMS Pro Demo Videos](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/543594/82c72449-f8e4-4687-864c-0d7b020a226a.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/543594/82c72449-f8e4-4687-864c-0d7b020a226a)

 

 

 

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