SMS Pro Aviation Safety Software Blog 4 Airlines & Airports

4 Advantages Safety Managers Acquire Using Aviation SMS Software

Posted by Tyler Britton on Nov 3, 2020 6:00:00 AM

No Comparison to Pushing Paper by Hand

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.

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Topics: Risk Management Software

What Is Difference Between Hazard and Risk in Aviation SMS

Posted by Christopher Howell on Oct 28, 2020 6:00:00 AM

I Thought I Knew the Difference Between Hazard and Risk

Quickly, look at the picture at the right.

What is the "hazard?"

What is the "risk?"

I consider myself well-educated with a college education.

I understand English, as it is my first language.

Before I was dragged into the aviation safety management system world in early 2007, I really never considered hazards and risks very deeply. Back in my pre-SMS days, electrical hazard and electrical risk were synonymous.

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Topics: 2-Safety Risk Management

How to Identify Interfaces in Aviation SMS Scenarios

Posted by Christopher Howell on Sep 29, 2020 4:45:00 AM

ICAO Defines Interfaces in Aviation Operations

Safety risks faced by service providers are affected by interfaces.

Interfaces can be either internal (e.g. between departments) or external (e.g. other service providers or contracted services,).

By identifying and managing these interfaces the service provider will have more control over any safety risks related to the interfaces.

ICAO Safety Management Manual (SMM), Document 9859 4th edition

Interfaces' Importance in Aviation SMS

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Topics: 2-Safety Risk Management

Understanding Importance of Interfaces in Aviation SMS

Posted by Christopher Howell on Sep 22, 2020 6:00:00 AM

What Are Interfaces in Aviation Operations?

Besides the expected airlines and airport operations, the interacting relationships across modern airports encompass many aviation industry segments, including:

  • Ground handling companies;
  • Fixed based operators (FBOs);
  • AMOs;
  • Security operations;
  • Air traffic control;
  • Charter operators; and
  • Private operators.
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Topics: 2-Safety Risk Management

Why Safety Promotion Requires More Focus in Aviation SMS

Posted by Tyler Britton on Sep 14, 2020 6:15:00 AM

Adequate Safety Promotion Is Scarce in Most Aviation SMS

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.

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Topics: 4-Safety Promotion

What Are the Greatest Challenges for Aviation Safety Managers? - With Resources

Posted by Tyler Britton on Jul 7, 2020 6:45:00 AM

Why Being a Safety Manager Is Tough

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:

  • Gaining management support for safety programs
  • Overcoming resistance to change from management and general workforce
  • Upholding transparency and Just Culture
  • Maintaining objectivity
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Topics: 2-Safety Risk Management

Checklist for Proactive Safety Culture in Aviation SMS [With Free Resources]

Posted by Christopher Howell on Mar 16, 2020 5:46:00 AM

What Is Proactive Safety Culture in Aviation SMS

The purpose of an aviation safety management system (SMS) is to formally manage operational safety risk to as low as reasonably practical (ALARP). This objective will never be fully achieved unless aviation service providers maintain healthy safety reporting numbers.

In order to optimize safety reporting metrics, an operator must have a safety culture that continually promotes safety and encourages employees to report every potential safety issue, whether the issue is real or imagined.

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Topics: Quality-Safety Management

How to Automate Aviation SMS Training in 4 Simple Steps

Posted by Tyler Britton on Mar 11, 2020 5:45:00 AM

Common Confusion Regarding Aviation SMS Training

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:

  • Who should participate in the aviation SMS;
  • Who should receive SMS training;
  • When must this training be delivered to employees;
  • What topics must be covered in the SMS training;
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Topics: Risk Management Training

5 Best Practices for Data Management in Aviation SMS

Posted by Tyler Britton on Mar 4, 2020 6:30:00 AM

The Importance of Data in Aviation SMS

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:

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Topics: Aviation SMS Database

5 Core Rules for Risk Analysis Process in Aviation SMS Implementations

Posted by Tyler Britton on Feb 24, 2020 5:59:00 AM

What Is Risk Analysis in Aviation SMS?

Unless you are new to aviation safety management systems (SMS), safety professionals recognize that the objective of aviation SMS is to:

  • Proactively manage safety using documented risk management processes;
  • Identify potential operational safety hazards;
  • Evaluate risk;
  • Implement control measures that mitigate identified risk; and
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Topics: Quality-Safety Management

Site content provided by Northwest Data Solutions is meant for informational purposes only. Opinions presented here are not provided by any civil aviation authority or standards body.

 

 

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