SMS Pro Aviation Safety Software Blog 4 Airlines & Airports

Are Your Key Performance Indicators Out of Control?

Most aviation safety managers never went to business school. Otherwise, there would be fewer problems and mistakes relating to key performance indicators (KPI) management.

After spending over a dozen years providing SMS implementation support to aviation service providers around the world,

Realizing Value From Key Performance Indicators

KPIs allow managers to focus on activities that are important to their operations. Understandably, many of these activities may also be important to their civil aviation authority.

Safety managers today are expected to come up with a list of their company's KPIs. After creating their list, they need to track them religiously with the objective of identifying trends and focusing risk management efforts on identified problem areas.

Better Alternatives to Spreadsheet-Based SMS

Spreadsheet-based safety programs are incredibly common. Many of you reading this use spreadsheets to manage your SMS activities, such as documenting:

• Gap analysis;
• Hazard reporting activity;
• Training and qualifications tracking;
• Hazard and risk register;
• Audit management; and
• Key performance indicators.

All Aviation Safety Managers Need Tips Using Hazard Registers

A hazard register is a common requirement that aviation regulatory authorities review when they audit a Phase 3 or Phase 4 aviation safety management system (SMS).

I frequently talk to aviation service providers that keep their Hazard Register in Excel format. They say they "review" it every year, but other than the obligatory once-over, I seriously doubt they are capitalizing on the value a hazard register can offer.

FAA Orders 14 CFR Part 5 for Part 121 Operators

In January 2016, SMS legal requirements went into effect for Part 121 operators. These requirements stem from the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) mandate:

"As of November 23, 2006 States shall require, as part of their safety program, that an [operator, maintenance organization,

Recurrent SMS Training Can Be Expensive

Aviation safety management systems (SMS) require both initial and recurrent SMS training for all employees. Safety professionals recognize this requirement once they reach Phase 2 of the SMS implementation.

For small companies with 20 to 100 employees, it is not feasible to send all employees to aviation SMS training courses. Nor is it feasible to regularly hire an SMS consultant to deliver training to all employees. Not only do you have costs relating to consultants' time and expenses, but also lost revenue due to employees not performing billable services.

Thoughtfully Conduct Bowtie Analysis in Aviation SMS

Aviation safety management systems (SMS) focus strongly on:

• hazard identification,
• risk analysis and assessment;
• development and monitoring of risk controls; and
• continuous improvement of the SMS.

Saving Money Implementing Aviation SMS

Not all aviation service providers are created equal.

• Charter operators;
• Airlines and airports;
• Aviation maintenance organizations (AMO);
• Flight schools; or
• FBOs.

Managers' Challenge to Realize Meaningful Change

The value of any aviation service provider rests on its ability to adapt quickly by making informed and effective decisions. But management's decision-making power is only as strong as its underlying data.

Weak data erodes confidence, creates delays, or worse – it could lead to misguided judgments and fatal accidents.

Alternatively, a robust LOSA data management program provides a foundation for:

• Accountability;
• Transparency,

Daily SMS Activities May Preclude Routine Review

The new year has started. Business activities are beginning to return to full speed. At full speed, aviation safety managers may be putting out fires. These fires may cause safety teams to look continuously ahead when they should occasionally be looking back.