Enhancing Aviation Safety: Expert Insights, Tips, and Updates from SMS-Pro

Paperwork Is More Than Tedious

Let’s be real – documentation is really just a fancy word for paperwork (digital or hard copy). It can be extremely tedious.

Introduction: The Foundation of Risk Analysis in Aviation SMS

Risk analysis is a vital component of aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS), enabling safety managers to systematically identify, assess, and mitigate issues that could compromise safety.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, unaddressed risks contribute to 70% of aviation incidents, resulting in $1.2 billion in annual losses industry-wide, as reported by IATA.

Quality Leadership Stimulates Teamwork

A mature, effective aviation safety management system (SMS) will always incorporate imaginative ways to stimulate teamwork and good communication between employees.

It’s a tricky area though because teamwork and communication are beset by:

Regulatory Phrases May Pack an Incredible Punch

When I was in school, both high school and college, English composition professors would frequently remark on my ability to use very few words to say a lot.

It Only Takes One

You know the old expression: it only takes one to poison the well.

We end up writing a lot about resistance to change in aviation safety management systems (SMS) because it’s something many aviation safety managers consistently deal with.

Managers Drive Employee Actions Toward Aviation SMS

I am guessing that every accountable executive you speak to will honestly profess to support their aviation safety management system (SMS). After all, the alternative would be that top management only cares about making money and not doing everything reasonably practical to improve safety.

Proactive Risk Management a Dream for Many Aviation Safety Programs

Historically, aviation safety management strategies relied predominantly upon reactive risk management principles. For example, a critical part would break or an accident occurred, and managers would then attempt to determine the root cause and fix the issue.

Safety Assurance Monitoring Activities - Third ICAO SMS Pillar

Most safety managers immediately recognize ICAO's four pillars:

• Safety Policy;
• Risk Management;
• Safety Assurance; and

Why Knowing Who Is Reporting Hazards Is Important

Hazard identification and subsequent hazard mitigation strategies are critical for successful, continued operations. Monitoring which groups of employees are reporting safety issues in your aviation safety management system (SMS) allows management to stay abreast of who is involved in the SMS.

Using Trending Charts in Aviation SMS

There are several times each year when managers are interested in trending charts coming from their aviation safety management systems (SMS). These times include during:

• Safety performance monitoring; and