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

Safety Manager Dilemma: Deciding Which SMS Software Solution?

Aviation safety is non-negotiable. Aviation safety managers and accountable executives bear the critical responsibility of ensuring

• compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards,
• mitigating risks, and
• fostering a proactive safety culture.

A robust Safety Management System (SMS) software is the backbone of these efforts, streamlining hazard identification, incident reporting, risk management, and compliance tracking. But with a crowded market of SMS solutions, how do you choose the best aviation SMS software for your organization?

Pros and Cons of Technology in Aviation

Technology for a lot of organizations is a key asset, as it is seen as an advantage in the competitive environment; however, from a safety point of view technology is not only an advantage, it also bears possible negative aspects.

What Is Predictive Risk Management?

Proactive and predictive risk management are difficult to separate. Proactive risk management identifies safety concerns before events occur. Predictive risk management aims to predict future risk based on past performance data.

What Is a Risk Matrix

A risk matrix is a tool you will use to assess safety concerns. The matrix allows you to rank risk and provide visual cues on safety acceptability.

What Are KPIs?

KPIs, or key performance indicators, track performance in business, quality, and safety. Understanding and using KPIs is a crucial part of SMS.

What Are ICAO Hazard Identification Compliance Requirements

ICAO’s hazard identification compliance requirements are twofold:

• (2.1.1) Develop formal process for hazard identification; and
• (2.1.2) Use reactive, proactive, and predictive to identify hazards.

Being compliant with these requirements involves, like anything else in SMS, doing and documenting. You need to document your process and how you use various risk management techniques for hazard identification, and you need to follow through.

Safety Risk Management Is the SMS Star

In November 2006, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) required the implementation of an aviation safety management system (SMS) by the following aviation service provider organizations:

• Aircraft operators;
• Aircraft maintenance organizations;
• Air navigation services providers; and

Understanding Vendor Safety Assessments in Aviation SMS

Vendors and contractors play a large role in today's aviation industry. It is common for aviation service providers to employ the services of a dozen or more vendors to help the operator fulfill their mission. There are some companies with literally hundreds of suppliers.

Management’s Role in SMS

Managers must take an active role in SMS to consistently improve their knowledge and experience of operations.

I believe managers need to be trained in SMS to ensure their effective participation and contribution to the SMS.

Origin of Formal Aviation SMS Requirements

Aviation safety is not a new concept. Unless you have been living under a rock for the past dozen years, you will know that the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) mandated formal aviation safety management systems in November 2006.