SMS Pro Aviation Safety Software Blog 4 Airlines & Airports

Problem of Aviation SMS Entirely Left to Safety Managers

For many aviation service providers, implementing and sustaining aviation safety management system (SMS) remains the sole province of the safety managers. This is true whether you are an:

• Airline
• Airport;
• Aviation maintenance organization (AMO or MRO);

What Are Leading Indicators in Aviation Safety Management?

Mark my words: before long leading indicators in aviation safety management will be ubiquitous in nearly every aviation safety management system (SMS). I say this for several compelling reasons:

• Leading indicators maximize your ability to tap into existing aviation safety performance data;
• They give unparalleled access to information;

Purpose of Bowtie Analysis in Aviation SMS

Bowtie analysis is one of the best aviation risk management tools to communicate risk and demonstrate commitment to safety.

Although not universally shared, I've seen that about 10% of smaller operators in the 100 to 500 employee range believe that bowtie is

Aviation SMS Provides Structure to Safety Initiatives

An aviation safety management system (SMS) provides service providers with risk management processes that are:

• Globally accepted by the aviation industry;
• Structured and documented to ensure repeatability;
• Implemented organization-wide; and
• Monitored internally and often externally to assure compliance.

What Is Value to Aviation Operations?

Many modern line-level aviation managers maintain an imperfect perception of value relating to cost-effective aviation operations. These immature, untrained value hunters act as if leadership prizes value solely from the bottom-line perspective,

Accountable Executives' SMS Nightmare

In most cases, aviation safety managers are:

• Dedicated;
• Hard working;
• Resourceful; and

I Thought I Knew the Difference Between Hazard and Risk

Quickly, look at the picture at the right.

What is the "hazard?"

What is the "risk?"

I consider myself well-educated with a college education.

I understand English, as it is my first language.

ICAO Defines Interfaces in Aviation Operations

Safety risks faced by service providers are affected by interfaces.

Interfaces can be either internal (e.g. between departments) or external (e.g. other service providers or contracted services,).

By identifying and managing these interfaces the service provider will have more control over any safety risks related to the interfaces.

What Are Interfaces in Aviation Operations?

Besides the expected airlines and airport operations, the interacting relationships across modern airports encompass many aviation industry segments, including:

• Ground handling companies;
• Fixed based operators (FBOs);
• AMOs;

Why Being a Safety Manager Is Tough

Being an aviation safety officer is an often unrewarding and challenging job. In many ways, an aviation safety manager is like a professional plate spinner balancing delicate interests and priorities, such as:

• Gaining management support for safety programs
• Overcoming resistance to change from management and general workforce
• Upholding transparency and Just Culture
• Maintaining objectivity