Steve Potts
Steve Potts, of Swedish-Norwegian descent, was born in Fairbanks, Alaska, where his passion for flying began early. Earning his pilot’s license at 16, he built a 30-year career, flying single-engine Cessnas and twin-engine turboprops across Alaska’s challenging terrains. Starting as a bush pilot, Steve delivered supplies to remote villages, later flying commercial routes for regional airlines in the Pacific Northwest and Canada. With over 15,000 flight hours, he became a respected mentor and advocate for aviation safety. In 2015, Steve joined SMS Pro, a leader in Safety Management System software. As a senior consultant, he develops safety protocols and training, helping aviation organizations worldwide meet international standards. Steve remains active in Fairbanks, occasionally flying and volunteering with youth programs. He holds a Bachelor’s in Aviation Technology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, is a certified flight instructor (CFI) and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), and enjoys skiing and preserving his heritage through traditional cooking.
MOC's Critical Role in Aviation Safety
Management of Change (MOC) is a vital process in aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS), ensuring that operational, equipment, or procedural changes do not compromise safety. The Federal Aviation Administration reports that 70% of aviation incidents stem from human factors, often exacerbated by poorly managed changes, costing millions annually, per the International Air Transport Association.
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Topics:
3-Safety Assurance
Navigating EASA Compliance in European Aviation
European operators face stringent safety requirements under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which mandates a robust Aviation Safety Management System to align with ICAO Annex 19. Safety managers, professionals, and accountable executives must ensure compliance across air operations, maintenance, and ground handling while managing costs and risks. A 2024 EASA report noted that compliant SMS programs reduce incident rates by 20%.
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Topics:
Aviation SMS Database,
Quality-Safety Management
As a new aviation safety manager, stepping into the complex world of Safety Management Systems (SMS) can feel like navigating a turbulent sky. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) set stringent standards to ensure safety, and leveraging advanced data mining strategies is critical to meeting these requirements while proactively managing risks.
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Topics:
Key Performance Indicators,
Aviation SMS Database,
3-Safety Assurance,
Risk Management Software,
Quality-Safety Management
Enhancing Hazard Reporting
In the fast-paced realm of aviation, safety is the ultimate priority. Every flight, maintenance procedure, and ground operation hinges on a robust safety management system (SMS) that proactively identifies and mitigates risks.
At the heart of an effective SMS lies hazard reporting—a critical process that empowers employees to flag potential safety issues before they escalate into incidents or accidents. Yet, many aviation organizations struggle with low hazard report submissions, often due to
- cultural barriers,
- lack of trust, or
- unclear expectations.
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Topics:
4-Safety Promotion,
1-Safety Policy
SMS Pro
SMS Pro, developed by Northwest Data Solutions, is a web-based aviation safety management software designed to help airlines, airports, maintenance organizations, flight schools, and other aviation entities manage safety risks and comply with regulatory requirements.
This article provides an objective review of SMS Pro through a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis and outlines its value proposition for aviation safety professionals.
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Topics:
Aviation SMS Database,
Risk Management Software
Why Lean Safety Programs Matter in Aviation
Maintaining an Aviation Safety Management System can strain budgets, but lean strategies reduce costs without compromising safety. Aviation safety managers, professionals, and accountable executives face pressure to meet Federal Aviation Administration standards while optimizing resources. A 2024 study found that efficient SMS programs cut operational costs by up to 30%, preserving compliance and safety.
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Topics:
Aviation SMS Database,
Risk Management Software,
2-Safety Risk Management
Promoting a Safety-First Mindset: Lessons From Top Aviation Operators
In aviation, where safety is non-negotiable, cultivating a safety-first mindset ensures that every decision, from flight operations to maintenance, prioritizes risk reduction and compliance. This mindset, embraced by top aviation operators, drives a proactive safety culture within Safety Management Systems (SMS), aligning with FAA Part 5 and ICAO Annex 19. FAA data shows that organizations with a safety-first mindset achieve 80% risk reduction and a 70% increase in hazard reporting, fostering trust and accountability across all levels.
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Topics:
4-Safety Promotion,
1-Safety Policy,
Safety Culture
Leading Indicators for Aviation Safety Management: Proactive Metrics for Education and Excellence
In aviation, where safety is paramount, staying ahead of risks is critical. Leading indicators—proactive metrics that signal potential safety issues before they become incidents—are essential tools within Safety Management Systems (SMS).
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Topics:
Key Performance Indicators,
4-Safety Promotion,
3-Safety Assurance,
2-Safety Risk Management,
Safety Culture
What Is an Emergency Response Plan in Aviation SMS?
An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) is a structured, documented framework within an aviation SMS that outlines how an organization responds to crises, such as aircraft accidents, serious incidents, or other emergencies like natural disasters, bomb threats, or public health crises. It’s designed to minimize harm, ensure safety, and maintain compliance with regulatory bodies like the FAA, EASA, and ICAO.
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Topics:
4-Safety Promotion,
3-Safety Assurance,
1-Safety Policy,
2-Safety Risk Management,
FAA Compliance