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

Why Compare Trends in Aviation SMS KPI Data?

Curiosity and upper management may frequently demand that safety managers create reports from safety data that compare their operations with their competitors or with a national, regional, or global "average."

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.

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:

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).

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,

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

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. However, management's decision-making power is only as strong as its underlying data.

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.

Ignorance Is No Excuse for Regulatory SMS Noncompliance

Imagine you come to Anchorage to play ping pong at NorthWest Data Solutions' headquarters. You fancy yourself as a pretty good ping pong player, so you are confident that you will not be skunked by NWDS' professional software engineers.