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.
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
What Is Risk Matrix?
For new aviation safety managers, preparing for a Safety Management System (SMS) audit can feel overwhelming. One of the most critical components of SMS compliance is ensuring that staff and accountable executives understand the risk matrix,
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Topics:
4-Safety Promotion,
2-Safety Risk Management,
FAA Compliance,
Safety Culture
Why Lean Safety Programs Matter in Aviation
Maintaining an Aviation Safety Management System can strain budgets, but lean strategies reduce costs without compromising 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
Ensuring Compliance and Safety Through Robust Aviation SMS
In the high-stakes world of aviation, a robust Safety Management System (SMS) is critical for mitigating risks and ensuring safety. For aviation safety managers and accountable executives—senior leaders responsible for SMS oversight—demonstrating compliance with regulatory standards,
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Topics:
4-Safety Promotion,
3-Safety Assurance,
1-Safety Policy,
2-Safety Risk Management,
FAA Compliance,
Safety Culture
Leading Indicators for Aviation SMS
Leading indicators in aviation safety management are proactive metrics that help predict and prevent safety issues before they result in incidents or accidents. These indicators focus on organizational, operational, and human factors within the aviation system.
Below is a comprehensive list of leading indicators that can be analyzed for educational purposes in aviation safety management. Each indicator is accompanied by a brief explanation of its relevance and potential data sources for analysis.
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Topics:
Key Performance Indicators,
4-Safety Promotion,
3-Safety Assurance,
Risk Management Software,
2-Safety Risk Management,
Risk Management Training,
Safety Culture
Identifying and Overcoming Resistance to Change
In aviation, safety is the absolute priority. To manage safety risks systematically, organizations implement Safety Management Systems (SMS), a structured top-down approach integrating safety into all operational facets.
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Topics:
4-Safety Promotion,
1-Safety Policy
