Setting Aviation Safety Goals for Compliance

Setting safety goals and objectives in an aviation Safety Management System (SMS) manual, as outlined in TOC 1.6, is essential for driving continuous improvement and ensuring compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) standards.

These goals guide organizations in measuring safety performance, reducing risks, and fostering a proactive safety culture.

For safety managers, consultants, and accountable executives, well-defined goals can lead to a 20% improvement in safety metrics, as demonstrated by client KPIs. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to developing ICAO-compliant safety goals, leveraging tools to streamline the process for operators ranging from small flight schools to global airlines.

Step 1: Understand the Role of Safety Goals and Objectives

Safety goals and objectives provide a measurable framework for achieving an organization’s safety vision. According to ICAO Doc 9859, goals are broad, strategic aims, while objectives are specific, actionable targets tied to key performance indicators (KPIs). SKYbrary’s SMS overview emphasizes that goals must align with the four SMS pillars: safety policy, safety risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion.

Review What are Safety Objectives in Aviation SMS Programs to understand how to structure goals. For example, a goal might be to “enhance runway safety,” while an objective could be to “reduce runway incursion incidents by 15% within 12 months.” This step ensures new safety managers at fixed-base operators (FBOs) or experienced professionals at airports set realistic, compliant targets.

Key actions:

• Study ICAO Annex 19 and FAA Part 5 for goal-setting requirements.
• Define the difference between goals (strategic) and objectives (tactical).
• Align goals with organizational priorities, such as reducing operational risks.

Step 2: Conduct a Risk-Based Assessment

Effective safety goals are grounded in a thorough assessment of operational risks. Use data from hazard reports, incident investigations, and audits to identify high-priority risks, such as fatigue-related errors for helicopter operators or equipment failures for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) organizations. FAA Advisory Circular 120-92B recommends using risk assessments to inform goal-setting, ensuring objectives are relevant and impactful.

Leverage tools like the Risk Matrix to prioritize risks based on severity and likelihood. For instance, a small flight school might identify student pilot errors as a key risk, setting a goal to improve training outcomes. A client airline reduced risks by 30% by using risk-based goals, highlighting the value of this approach. For guidance, see How to Create Safety Objectives in Aviation SMS.

Key actions:

• Analyze hazard and incident data to identify key risks.
• Use a risk matrix to prioritize areas for goal-setting.
• Involve department heads to validate risk assessments.

Step 3: Develop SMART Goals and Objectives

Safety goals and objectives must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). For example, a Part 135 operator might set a goal to “improve safety reporting culture” with an objective to “increase hazard report submissions by 25% within 6 months.” These SMART criteria ensure goals are actionable and trackable, supporting compliance with ICAO and FAA standards.

Use KPI templates to define measurable objectives, such as the number of safety training sessions completed or audit findings resolved. The What is a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) resource provides templates to streamline this process, saving time for busy safety managers. A client airport achieved a 20% improvement in safety metrics by using SMART KPIs, demonstrating their effectiveness.

Key actions:

• Draft goals that address strategic safety priorities.
• Create SMART objectives linked to specific KPIs.
• Secure accountable executive approval for proposed goals.

Step 4: Integrate Goals into the SMS Manual

Document safety goals and objectives in the SMS manual (TOC 1.6), ensuring they are accessible to all employees. Include a process for setting, reviewing, and updating goals, as well as an annual safety performance report to track progress. For example, a commercial operator might report on the percentage of resolved hazard reports to demonstrate compliance. How to Set Up and Monitor KPIs in Existing SMS offers practical steps for integration.

Use tools like the Auditing System to ensure goals are documented and aligned with regulatory requirements. Consultants supporting airports or utilities can use templates to standardize documentation, ensuring scalability across diverse operations. A client MRO saved 100 hours annually by automating goal tracking, underscoring the value of structured documentation.

Key actions:

• Document goals and objectives in the SMS manual.
• Define a process for annual goal review and reporting.
• Use software to automate goal tracking and documentation.

Step 5: Monitor and Review Goal Performance

Regular monitoring ensures safety goals remain relevant and effective. Use KPIs to track progress, such as the number of safety incidents or employee participation in safety surveys. Conduct annual reviews to assess goal achievement and identify areas for improvement, aligning with FAA and ICAO requirements for continuous improvement. For monitoring strategies, see How to Measure Safety Performance in Aviation SMS.

Internal audits, supported by the Auditing System, help verify goal alignment with operational outcomes. A client airline improved KPI tracking by 20% through regular audits, highlighting the importance of evaluation. Update goals based on audit findings, regulatory changes, or operational shifts to maintain compliance and effectiveness.

Key actions:

• Track goal progress using defined KPIs.
• Conduct annual audits to evaluate goal performance.
• Revise goals based on data analysis and feedback.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Setting safety goals can be challenging, especially for organizations with new SMS implementations, limited data or complex operations. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Unrealistic Objectives: Ensure goals are achievable within resource constraints.
• Lack of Data: Use hazard reports and audits to inform goal-setting.
• Ignoring Employee Input: Engage staff to ensure goals are relevant and actionable.

By addressing these challenges, organizations can develop effective safety goals, as evidenced by clients who achieved zero audit findings through data-driven goal-setting.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Setting safety goals and objectives is a critical step in building a compliant and effective SMS. By understanding their role, conducting risk assessments, developing SMART goals, integrating them into the manual, and monitoring performance, safety professionals can drive measurable improvements. Tools like SMS Pro’s KPI Trend Monitor and Auditing System simplify the process, ensuring success for operators of all sizes.

Ready to set your SMS safety goals? Download free KPI templates from Audit Resources or request a demo at asms-pro.com to enhance your SMS manual development. Start improving your safety metrics today.