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.
Aviation Safety Performance Begins at the Lowest Level
80% of aviation service providers have trouble getting employees to participate in aviation safety management systems (SMS).
Most safety managers accept this challenge and strive to implement consistent safety promotion activities, such as
- Safety newsletters;
- Safety surveys; and
- Safety meetings.
Read More
Topics:
3-Safety Assurance
What Is an Organizational Chart's Purpose in Aviation SMS?
A professional, task-driven safety manager has been assigned to implement an airline or airport's safety program. Under "safety policy" one section of the safety manual requires an Organizational Chart.
Most professionals know an org chart when they see it, but what goes into the org chart for the safety program? What is the easiest way to create this org chart? Why do we have an org chart in the safety management program?
Read More
Topics:
1-Safety Policy
Problem of Aviation SMS Entirely Left to Safety Managers
For many aviation service providers, implementing and sustaining aviation safety management system (SMS) remains the sole province of the safety managers. This is true whether you are an:
- Airline
- Airport;
- Aviation maintenance organization (AMO or MRO);
- FBO;
- ANSP; or
Read More
Topics:
2-Safety Risk Management
Safety Performance Monitoring in Aviation SMS
Most safety professionals have a common-sense perception about how to monitor the safety performance of their aviation safety management system (SMS). After all, isn't safety performance monitoring just a fancy phrase for setting goals and tracking them?
Read More
Topics:
3-Safety Assurance
SMS Trend Developing Aimed at Smaller Operations
Some countries (Australia and soon Canada) now require even the smaller aviation service providers to participate in safety management system (SMS) activities. This creates multiple challenges for these non-complex operators.
For starters, there is high resistance to change in the cultures of these non-complex operations, most of which never experienced severe losses, such as fatalities or complete loss of aircraft.
Read More
Topics:
Risk Management Software
Recurrent SMS Training Expenses Outweigh Benefits?
Aviation service providers investing in aviation safety management systems (SMS) can expect to reduce
- fatalities,
- injuries, and
- illnesses.
These reductions save providers in a variety of ways, such as
Read More
Topics:
Risk Management Training
Aviation SMS Implementations Follow Forked Path
Since November 2006, operators inadvertently followed a forked path while implementing required aviation safety management systems (SMS). In some cases, they made conscious choices, but in most cases, the path they chose was forced upon them due to imperfect information.
I prefer to believe that most who started the SMS journey had hoped that they would succeed and reap the expected rewards while simultaneously improving global transportation system safety.
Read More
Topics:
Aviation SMS Database,
1-Safety Policy
Duties & Responsibilities Shape Behaviors
This is an exciting article. We share concrete tips and tricks to modify your aviation safety management system (SMS) in this Advanced Aviation SMS series. To date, this advanced series has been focused on a financial business theory supported by science and technology.
In this article, we discuss modifying employees' expected safety duties and responsibilities. Shifting from a pure safety focus has benefits.
Read More
Topics:
Aviation SMS Implementation,
1-Safety Policy
Powerful Aviation SMS When Implemented Properly
Aviation safety management systems (SMS) are not simply regulatory requirements but a "new way of doing business."
"Yeah, we've all heard these ambiguous praises before," I hear you saying.
- What else is new?
- Where is the proof?
- Why aren't we seeing the benefits? or
- Only large companies with high volumes benefit.
Read More
Topics:
Aviation SMS Implementation,
1-Safety Policy
Passing Audits but Failing Financial Performance
Smaller aviation service providers have adopted a not-so-secret weapon that can provide financial benefits, but they are not using it effectively.
Aviation SMS possesses extremely powerful risk management workflows that can level the playing field for smaller operators with business acumen. Before the SMS mandate, smaller operators lacked both the size and sophistication required to benefit financially from implementing quality management systems that facilitate continuous improvement. This has changed!
Read More
Topics:
Aviation SMS Implementation,
1-Safety Policy