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

What Is Advanced Aviation SMS Series?

Aviation SMS Must Be Business First—Safety Second

Does your aviation SMS make money? Probably not.

Why not? Most aviation SMS failures result from operators consistently neglecting to follow the prescribed aviation SMS recipe as originally designed.

Financial Opportunities Abound From Aviation SMS Processes

Aviation safety management systems (SMS) are designed to be implemented in a top-down managerial style for some "not-so-obvious reasons." For one reason, the "accountable executive" cannot accurately be considered "accountable" when safety initiatives and budgets exist beyond their direct control.

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,

The Brutal Truth About Your Aviation SMS Implementation

If you cannot handle emotional pain or controversy today, please don't read this. I certainly don't mean to offend, but I have to say this:

Most aviation service providers are lying regarding their aviation SMS implementations.

What? We just spent tens of thousands of dollars on aviation safety management system (SMS) implementation consultants, and we don't have an SMS implementation?

What You Need to Know About Aviation SMS Implementation Plans

If you are reading this, chances are you have just begun implementing your aviation safety management systems (SMS). Or, you would like to see how your implementation plan stacks up against the suggested process for creating an implementation plan.

The Glamour of Aviation SMS Consulting

Aviation safety management systems (SMS) are viewed as complex systems comprised of multiple, interdependent subsystems. These subsystems include, but are not limited to:

• Safety reporting system;
• Risk management system;

Benefits of Aviation SMS for Flight Schools

Flight schools operate with many risky hazards every day.

Students are inexperienced, usually younger, and are new to technology and the hazards of flying.

Characteristics of a Sustainable SMS Implementation

Sustainability is a modern buzz word, and aviation safety management systems (SMS) are no exception. Sustainable SMS implementations are those that survive

• upper management personnel changes,
• safety manager changes, and

Introduction: Beyond Bureaucracy in Aviation SMS

Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) often get mired in bureaucracy—policies, procedures, and documentation can overshadow the human element critical to safety. The Federal Aviation Administration notes that human factors drive 70% of incidents, underscoring the need for engaged safety cultures.

While ICAO Annex 19 and FAA Part 5 mandate structured processes, creativity and adaptability are key to making SMS vibrant and effective. SMS Pro’s aviation SMS software empowers operators with tools like gamified reporting, interactive training, and flexible workflows to breathe life into implementations.

Idle Time Doesn’t Have to Be Dreaded

Aviation safety managers are hardworking professionals, and their daily work schedules can be hectic, challenging, and extremely busy. But for many safety officers – and I’m guessing you may be one of them – there may be times when things become pretty quiet on the "SMS front",