Most of us grew up using good old-fashioned pen and paper for just about everything. In fact, for most things, I still prefer it over using my phone or computer.
It’s quick, it’s natural, it’s something we can touch and feel.
But frankly, comparing pen and paper methods to software for managing documentation requirements of formal aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) is the difference between driving a trusted old pickup and a Formula 1 racing car.
Topics: Risk Management Software
Like safety training, safety promotion in aviation safety management systems (SMS) is wrought with rigid material that screams in so many ways, “tune me out!”
Much of the safety promotion information doled out at workplaces looks more like an IKEA how-to manual than serving as a tool to make employees cheer for, and feel as if they are true contributors to their aviation SMS.
Safety promotion is among the most important elements in every aviation SMS implementation.
Topics: 4-Safety Promotion
Being an aviation safety officer is an often unrewarding and challenging job. In many ways, an aviation safety manager is like a professional plate spinner balancing delicate interests and priorities, such as:
Topics: 2-Safety Risk Management
Since November 2006, ICAO has mandated that aviation service providers implement formal aviation safety management systems (SMS). Among multiple operators that we have worked with, there has been confusion about:
Topics: Risk Management Training
Highly functioning aviation safety management systems (SMS) always have effective data acquisition and risk management practices. This is not the case for most nascent SMS implementations.
Monitoring SMS performance and spotting safety trends are not at the forefront of most safety managers' minds as they begin their SMS implementations.
Early in this SMS implementation marathon, managers are focused on tasks that don't rely heavily on data acquisition, storage, and organization. These managers rightfully begin educating themselves as to:
Topics: Aviation SMS Database
Unless you are new to aviation safety management systems (SMS), safety professionals recognize that the objective of aviation SMS is to:
Topics: Quality-Safety Management
A flight risk assessment tool, commonly known as FRAT, is a very important element of your SMS program.
Every flight has risks and hazards.
Using a FRAT tool helps airline SMS programs evaluate reviews and identify those risks. Based on this FRAT review process, safety programs can develop mitigation strategies.
A FRAT tool contains a list of various questions. Each question has a “risk level” attached to it. Counting up the risk level of each question will provide the total risk assessment score for the flight.
Topics: 2-Safety Risk Management
How much risk are you willing to accept?
This is one of the most critical questions that every aviation service provider needs to answer. The answer will influence every single risk management activity in the operator's aviation safety management system (SMS).
What is your risk appetite? Not surprisingly, our risk of appetite changes based on a variety of factors that require constant monitoring, including:
Topics: 2-Safety Risk Management
The Northern Hemisphere is blanketed in winter, which involves, cold, ice, many long nights, and grey days.
For human fatigue that means two things:
Winter fatigue is a real, medically proven problem that affects many people.
In every aviation safety management system (SMS), the accountable executive is responsible for ensuring the SMS is properly implemented and performing in all areas of the organization. The intent is not for the aviation SMS to reach some ideal "plateau of safety" and then maintain the "ideal safety level." Far from it!
Topics: 3-Safety Assurance, FAA Compliance
These two on-demand videos offer:
