SMS Pro Aviation Safety Software Blog 4 Airlines & Airports

What Is an Aviation Safety Management System

Aviation safety management systems are formal, structured methodologies for managing aviation safety programs. ICAO mandated that most aviation service providers implement SMS programs in 2006.

There are guidelines as to aviation SMS requirements that most SMS professionals are familiar with, notably Document 9859. Doc 9859 nicely outlines what is an SMS program and breaks out the requirements into pillars, most commonly called the four pillars.

The Frustration of Monumental Tasks of SMS Implementation

Many aviation safety managers happen upon the task of "safety manager" by chance. The previous safety manager may have:

• Quit the company;
• Been promoted to another position; or
• Been replaced due to poor performance.

Regardless, new safety managers have a very tough task. Most aviation service providers only have the budget for one safety manager; therefore, when one suddenly leaves the company, a huge vacuum exists.

What Is an SMS Risk Control Process?

A risk control process for an aviation safety management system (SMS) entails a series of risk management tasks that are executed whenever:

• Hazards are identified;
• An event has occurred (accident, incident, irregularity); or
• An audit finding is uncovered (internal as well as external audits).

Safety Manager Communicates With Upper Management

Aviation safety managers are faced with particular challenges stemming from:

• Acquiring top management support for aviation safety management system (SMS); and
• Maintaining top management support for the safety department.

The problem stems from safety managers not speaking the same language as upper-level executives. Imagine dogs trying to communicate with cats.

What Are Roles in Aviation Safety Management Systems

Aviation SMS roles are used to organize different responsibilities in your aviation safety program. Each role in your SMS will have separate responsibilities. SMS roles are assigned to each of your employees.

You should develop roles at the very beginning of starting an SMS. Roles provide significant benefits by helping you:

• Define expectations of different types of employees;
• Guide employees for what is expected of them in the SMS; and

What Are Roles in Aviation Safety Management Systems

Roles in aviation SMS are used to categorize different responsibilities of employees in your safety program. Each role in your SMS will be responsible for different areas of your SMS, including different duties to fulfill those responsibilities. SMS roles are assigned to each of your employees.

Developing roles are among the first steps when implementing an SMS, especially when you are using an SMS database to manage safety issues and concerns.

Time Passes Quickly in the Aviation Safety Industry

Over a dozen years have passed since the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) required aviation safety management system (SMS) implementation by the following aviation service providers:

• Aircraft operators;
• Aircraft maintenance organizations (AMOs or MROs);
• Air navigation services providers;
• Helicopter operators;

Aviation Safety Managers Battling Organizational Silos

Effective aviation safety management systems (SMS) are implemented throughout an entire organization, and not merely for flight ops and airside operations.

Unfortunately, there is a major problem with many safety cultures in the aviation industry. Safety is managed at the department level or the division level of many inefficient aviation companies.

Safety managers today are challenged with implementing an effective SMS, yet have to overcome the "silo mentality."

Good Aviation Safety Management Practices

A Safety Management System (SMS) is a system that is composed of various policies, processes, procedures, and practices adopted and implemented to improve the overall safety of an organization.

Management is responsible for implementing, maintaining, and making sure that SMS processes are carried out. I believe a good aviation safety management practice works hand-in-hand with the ethical standards of an organization.

What Is ICAO?

The International Civil Aviation Organization, or ICAO, was founded in 1944. It's a United Nations specialized agency that establishes international standards for civil aviation.

Of the 195 recognized countries in the world today, 192 are ICAO member states. These 192 'contracting states' abide by the Chicago Convention regulations.

ICAO defines aviation Standards and Recommended Practices, also known as SARPs. Nations (member states) adopt these rules and incorporate them into their national policies.