Aviation Safety Blog | Expert Tips & Updates | SMS-Pro

Top Aviation SMS Emergency Notification Practices for New Safety Managers

Posted by Jamie Adams on Jun 30, 2025 6:00:00 AM

Understanding Emergency Response Notifications in Aviation SMS

In the context of an aviation SMS, Emergency Response Notifications refer to the structured communication processes used to inform internal stakeholders, regulatory authorities, emergency services, and the public about a crisis, such as an aircraft accident, serious incident, or operational disruption.

These notifications are a key part of the Emergency Response Plan (ERP), which integrates with the four pillars of an SMS—Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion—to ensure a proactive, systematic approach to crisis management.

0 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Topics: Aviation SMS Implementation, 4-Safety Promotion, 3-Safety Assurance, 1-Safety Policy, 2-Safety Risk Management, FAA Compliance

How Top-Down Leadership and Just Culture Drive Effective Aviation Safety Management System

Posted by Jamie Adams on Jun 28, 2025 6:00:00 AM

Top-Down Leadership and Just Culture

In the high-pressure domain of aviation, safety must be unwavering. Aviation safety managers and accountable executives bear the critical responsibility of ensuring that Safety Management Systems (SMS) are not only implemented but also thrive within their organizations.

0 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Topics: 4-Safety Promotion, 1-Safety Policy

How Resource Allocation Supports SMS Pillars for Aviation Executives

Posted by Stu Martin on Jun 27, 2025 6:00:00 AM

For new aviation safety managers, training staff on Safety Management System (SMS) concepts can feel like navigating uncharted skies. The complexity of SMS, combined with the need to engage accountable executives—senior leaders responsible for SMS oversight—often leaves managers unsure of where to begin.

A critical aspect of SMS success is resource allocation, which ensures the system has the financial, human, and technological support needed to function effectively. By understanding how resources bolster each SMS pillar, safety managers can guide executives to make informed decisions and demonstrate compliance with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and national civil aviation authorities like the FAA or EASA.

0 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Topics: 4-Safety Promotion, 3-Safety Assurance, 1-Safety Policy, 2-Safety Risk Management, Risk Management Training, FAA Compliance, Safety Culture

Identifying and Overcoming Resistance to Change in Aviation SMS Implementation

Posted by Steve Potts on Jun 26, 2025 6:00:00 AM

Identifying and Overcoming Resistance to Change

In aviation, safety is the absolute priority. To manage safety risks systematically, organizations implement Safety Management Systems (SMS), a structured top-down approach integrating safety into all operational facets.

0 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Topics: 4-Safety Promotion, 1-Safety Policy

How SMS Pro Complies With FAA Part 5 Safety Policy Pillar: A Guide for Aviation Safety Managers

Posted by Jamie Adams on Jun 23, 2025 6:00:00 AM

FAA Part 5 Safety Policy Pillar

We've all heard the cliche: "In the high-stakes world of aviation, safety is non-negotiable." Yet this is not reality.

To combat unsafe aviation operations, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates robust Safety Management Systems (SMS) under Part 5 to ensure operators proactively manage risks and foster a culture of safety.

At the heart of this framework lies the Safety Policy pillar, a foundational component that sets the tone for an organization’s safety commitment. For aviation safety managers and accountable executives, implementing a compliant Safety Policy can be daunting—but tools like SMS Pro simplify the process, ensuring alignment with FAA Part 5 requirements while streamlining safety management.

0 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Topics: Aviation SMS Database, Risk Management Software, 1-Safety Policy

How to Create a Lessons Learned Library for Aviation SMS

Posted by Christopher Howell on Jun 22, 2025 6:00:00 AM

Creating a Lessons Learned Library for Aviation SMS

In aviation, where safety is paramount, every incident, near-miss, or hazard offers a valuable opportunity to learn and improve. A lessons learned library is a structured, accessible repository that captures, organizes, and disseminates critical safety insights from past events.

For aviation safety managers and accountable executives, building such a library is a cornerstone of a proactive Safety Management System (SMS), aligning with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

0 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Topics: Aviation SMS Database, 3-Safety Assurance, Risk Management Software, 1-Safety Policy

How Aviation Safety Managers Find SMS Implementation Guides and Templates

Posted by Jamie Adams on Jun 21, 2025 6:00:00 AM

SMS Implementation Guides and Templates

Aviation safety managers face the critical task of ensuring compliance with Safety Management Systems (SMS) to maintain operational safety and regulatory adherence. Implementing an effective SMS requires structured guidance, and finding reliable SMS implementation guides and templates can streamline the process.

This guide outlines actionable steps for aviation safety managers to locate high-quality SMS resources, enhancing safety protocols and operational efficiency.

0 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Topics: Aviation SMS Implementation, 1-Safety Policy

Complete Guide to FAA SMS Implementation for Single-Pilot Operations

Posted by Jamie Adams on Jun 14, 2025 6:00:00 AM

Introduction to Aviation SMS for Single-Pilot Operators

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates Safety Management Systems (SMS) for various aviation operations, including single-pilot operators under 14 CFR § 5.3(c). This regulation, effective May 28, 2024, requires single-pilot operators under Part 135 (on-demand and commuter operations) and Part 91.147 (air tour operators) to develop and submit an SMS implementation plan by November 28, 2024. For single-pilot operations, the FAA allows simplified processes to make compliance manageable, recognizing the unique challenges of small-scale operations.

0 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Topics: Aviation SMS Implementation, 4-Safety Promotion, 3-Safety Assurance, 1-Safety Policy, 2-Safety Risk Management

Mastering SORA: A Comprehensive Guide to UAS Risk Assessment

Posted by Jamie Adams on Jun 13, 2025 6:00:00 AM

Introduction: Navigating SORA for UAS Safety

The rapid rise of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) has transformed aviation, with drone operations projected to contribute $63 billion to the global economy by 2025, per IATA. However, advanced operations like Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) or Operations Over People (OOP) carry significant risks, requiring robust safety frameworks.

The Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA), developed by JARUS and adopted by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency as an Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) for Regulation (EU) 2019/947, provides a structured methodology to assess and mitigate these risks. SORA ensures UAS operations in the Specific Category meet safety standards comparable to manned aviation, aligning with ICAO Annex 19.

0 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Topics: 3-Safety Assurance, 1-Safety Policy, 2-Safety Risk Management

Acing FAA Part 5 SMS Compliance with SMS Pro

Posted by Jamie Adams on Jun 10, 2025 6:00:00 AM

FAA Part 5 Compliance as a Top Priority

FAA Part 5, expanded in April 2024, mandates Safety Management Systems (SMS) for Part 121 airlines, Part 135 operators, and Part 145 MROs, making compliance a top concern for aviation safety managers and accountable executives.

Non-compliance risks penalties, operational disruptions, and reputational damage, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reporting over 90% of operators scrambling to meet deadlines. SMS Pro, a leading aviation SMS software, streamlines compliance with its 77+ modules, including offline auditing, custom reporting, and gamified engagement.

0 Comments Click here to read/write comments

Topics: 4-Safety Promotion, 3-Safety Assurance, 1-Safety Policy, 2-Safety Risk Management, FAA Compliance

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

Top Aviation SMS Emergency Notification Practices for New Safety Managers

Understanding Emergency Response Notifications in Aviation SMS

How Top-Down Leadership and Just Culture Drive Effective Aviation Safety Management System

Top-Down Leadership and Just Culture

How Resource Allocation Supports SMS Pillars for Aviation Executives

Identifying and Overcoming Resistance to Change in Aviation SMS Implementation

Identifying and Overcoming Resistance to Change

How SMS Pro Complies With FAA Part 5 Safety Policy Pillar: A Guide for Aviation Safety Managers

FAA Part 5 Safety Policy Pillar

How to Create a Lessons Learned Library for Aviation SMS

Creating a Lessons Learned Library for Aviation SMS

How Aviation Safety Managers Find SMS Implementation Guides and Templates

SMS Implementation Guides and Templates

Complete Guide to FAA SMS Implementation for Single-Pilot Operations

Introduction to Aviation SMS for Single-Pilot Operators

Mastering SORA: A Comprehensive Guide to UAS Risk Assessment

Introduction: Navigating SORA for UAS Safety

Acing FAA Part 5 SMS Compliance with SMS Pro

FAA Part 5 Compliance as a Top Priority

Benefits of SMS Pro Database

Best Practices for Aviation SMS

Safety Policy

Safety Risk Management

Safety Assurance

Safety Promotion

Watch SMS Pro Demo Videos

Subscribe to Email Updates

Recent Posts

Posts by Topic