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

What Is a Gap Analysis?

As I researched SMS and what it means and how to implement one, the gap analysis kept coming up as something I needed more information on.

At first it seemed intimidating, but it's exactly what it sounds like; a tool to identify:

• What already exists
• What’s missing

Do We Need an Aviation Safety Database Yet?

Not every aviation safety manager has a budget. Let's face it. Some safety managers don't know how to ask for a budget.

Many safety managers are part-time safety managers. These are line employees with full-time duties in the position they were formally hired to fill.

Practicing vs Verifying SMS Continuous Improvement

It’s important to make the distinction between the

• practicing of continuous improvement and
• verifying that continuous improvement is happening.

Communication to the Right Person Is Good Communication

It’s no secret that many if not a majority of all aviation accidents are a direct result of a lack of communication. Generally, we think of lack of communication as

How Risk Management Depends on Managers and Employees

As the former Commander of the International Space Station, it is not surprising that in interviews, Chris Hadfield often stresses the importance of effective risk management.

If the Shoe Fits, Wear It - Which Cronies Do You See?

This is a delicate topic, yet must be approached. After reading this article, if you have any solutions or even part solutions that I'm unable to address, please comment. Your help will be appreciated.

Do I Have What It Takes to Be an Aviation Safety Manager?

One of the most difficult tasks for new and aspiring safety managers is to acquire their first job.

This is especially true for those fresh out of schools, such as Embry-Riddle or Florida's Institute of Technology. If you are on the other side of the Atlantic, you may have gone to Cranfield's safety program.

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has established a comprehensive Safety Management System (SMS) framework to ensure safety is systematically managed across the global aviation industry. Central to this framework is the Safety Policy pillar, which serves as the foundation for an organization’s commitment to safety.

For aviation safety managers, mastering the Safety Policy pillar is essential for fostering a proactive safety culture, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting lives.

Brief Definition of Aviation SMS for the Layman

Some of you are well acquainted with the ins and outs of aviation safety management systems and SMS software.

If you are in the other group, like me, and are only barely acquainted with what aviation SMS is and who uses it, then this article is for you.

Why Compare Trends in Aviation SMS KPI Data?

Curiosity and upper management may frequently demand that safety managers create reports from safety data that compare their operations with their competitors or with a national, regional, or global "average."