SMS Pro Aviation Safety Software Blog 4 Airlines & Airports

Aviation Safety Managers Key SMS Personnel

Without fail, every aviation safety manager I have met has the following attributes:

• Resourceful;
• Very hard working;
• Dedicated to the company and task;
• Articulate; and
• Competitive.

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 Are KPIs?

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

SMS can track hundreds of data points, especially when using advanced SMS software. Use data tied to objectives and goals to get the most from your KPIs.

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

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.

At a minimum, these aviation safety management systems (SMS) required that the system:

What Is ICAO’s Requirement for Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Element 2.2 of ICAO’s requirements is for you to develop and maintain a process to:

• Analyze risk;
• Assess risk; and
• Control risk.

Extending Risk Management Education to Upper Management

Safety managers are tasked with "safety management" which can be considered "risk management." As they practice risk management activities, safety managers are expected to actively "react" to reported safety issues or audit findings.

This activity of "putting out fires" is part of the reactive risk management process that your company is probably pretty good at performing.

What Is Safety Risk Management Process

Your Safety Risk Management process is how you design your SMS.

First you design and document your SMS, and then update it as your SMS and/or environment changes.

Developing your SRM process, and in turn, designing your SMS happens largely in Phase 3 of aviation SMS Implementation.

All Aviation Safety Managers Need Tips Using Hazard Registers

A hazard register is a common requirement that aviation regulatory authorities review when they audit a Phase 3 or Phase 4 aviation safety management system (SMS).

I frequently talk to aviation service providers that keep their Hazard Register in Excel format. They say they "review" it every year, but other than the obligatory once-over, I seriously doubt they are capitalizing on the value a hazard register can offer.

Optimize Ability to Monitor, Manage, and Document

Becoming a better safety manager involves looking at how you are currently managing your SMS, and seeing where you can optimize your ability to:

• Manage risk exposure, such as reported safety issues, audits, reviewing control measures, etc.;
• Document your SMS design and actions taken to mitigate exposure;