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

FAA Part 5 Compliance: 10 Easy Steps to Document Risk Matrix

Posted by Christopher Howell on May 25, 2025 6:00:00 AM

 

For new aviation safety managers, documenting the risk matrix process within a Safety Management System (SMS) can be a challenging task. The risk matrix is a cornerstone of aviation safety risk management, enabling organizations to assess and prioritize hazards based on their severity and likelihood.

For U.S.-based operators, ensuring that the risk matrix process complies with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) requirements under 14 CFR Part 5 is critical for regulatory adherence and effective safety management. A well-documented process not only satisfies FAA audits but also supports consistent risk assessments and fosters a proactive safety culture.

This article provides aviation safety managers with clear, actionable steps to document the risk matrix process, ensuring compliance with FAA standards while simplifying the task for newcomers.

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Topics: Aviation SMS Implementation, 2-Safety Risk Management, Risk Management Training, FAA Compliance

Prepare for FAA Part 5 SMS Audit: Safety Manager Guide

Posted by Jamie Adams on May 24, 2025 6:00:00 AM

 

As an aviation safety manager or accountable executive, preparing for an FAA Part 5 Safety Management System (SMS) audit is critical to ensuring compliance and maintaining a robust safety culture.

The FAA’s Part 5 regulation, outlined in 14 CFR Part 5, mandates SMS for certificate holders under Parts

  • 121,
  • 135,
  • 91.147, and
  • certain Part 21 operations.
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Topics: 4-Safety Promotion, 3-Safety Assurance, 1-Safety Policy, 2-Safety Risk Management, FAA Compliance

How to Ace FAA Part 5 SMS Compliance Declaration

Posted by Stu Martin on May 23, 2025 6:00:00 AM

 

As an aviation safety manager or accountable executive, ensuring compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Safety Management System (SMS) requirements under 14 CFR Part 5 is critical to maintaining operational safety and regulatory adherence.

A key component of this process is submitting a Declaration of Compliance (DOC) to the FAA, which formally affirms that your organization has developed and implemented an SMS that meets Part 5 standards.

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Topics: Risk Management Training, FAA Compliance

Regulatory Document Review: Must-Know for Aviation SMS Compliance

Posted by Steve Potts on May 20, 2025 4:46:14 PM

 

As a new aviation safety manager, stepping into the complex world of aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS) can feel overwhelming. One of your critical responsibilities is ensuring regulatory compliance with major aviation authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

A cornerstone of this responsibility is conducting a Regulatory Document Review. This process ensures your organization adheres to the latest standards, mitigates risks, and maintains operational safety.

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Topics: 3-Safety Assurance, 2-Safety Risk Management, FAA Compliance

Practical Steps for Accountable Executives to Demonstrate SMS Compliance in Aviation

Posted by Steve Potts on May 18, 2025 6:00:00 AM

 

In the changing world of aviation regulations, safety remains non-negotiable. A robust Safety Management System (SMS) has become the backbone of any organization striving to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, such as those set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and national civil aviation authorities like the FAA or EASA.

For new safety managers, training staff on SMS concepts can feel overwhelming, especially when tasked with guiding accountable executives—senior leaders responsible for SMS oversight. These executives, often juggling multiple responsibilities, need clear, actionable steps to demonstrate SMS compliance effectively.

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

Sample Business Case for MROs Implementing SMS Pro for Aviation Safety Management System (SMS)

Posted by Christopher Howell on May 15, 2025 3:23:34 PM

Executive Summary

As a Canadian Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) organization with 100 employees, serving both Canadian and U.S. customers, we operate in a highly regulated aviation industry where safety is paramount. Transport Canada and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandate Safety Management Systems (SMS) for MROs to ensure compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, as outlined in Annex 19.

To meet these requirements efficiently, enhance safety performance, and strengthen our competitive position, we propose adopting SMS Pro, a web-based aviation SMS software designed for MROs. This business case evaluates the benefits, costs, and implementation strategy for SMS Pro, demonstrating its alignment with regulatory needs and business objectives.

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Topics: Aviation SMS Implementation, Aviation SMS Database, Risk Management Software, FAA Compliance

FAA Part 5 Compliance | Safety Assurance Continuous Improvement

Posted by Stu Martin on Jan 6, 2020 6:15:00 AM

Purpose of Continuous Improvement in Safety Assurance Pillar

In every aviation safety management system (SMS), the accountable executive is responsible for ensuring the SMS is properly implemented and performing in all areas of the organization. The intent is not for the aviation SMS to reach some ideal "plateau of safety" and then maintain the "ideal safety level." Far from it!

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Topics: 3-Safety Assurance, FAA Compliance

FAA Part 5 Compliance: Safety Promotion (the Overlooked Pillar)

Posted by Stu Martin on Jan 1, 2020 5:48:00 AM

Safety Promotion as an Aviation SMS Pillar

Since November 2006, ICAO mandated that aviation service providers implement formal aviation safety management systems (SMS). The objective of the aviation SMS is to:

  • Proactively manage safety,
  • Identify potential hazards,
  • Determine operational risk,
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Topics: 4-Safety Promotion, FAA Compliance

FAA Part 5 Compliance | Safety Assurance Analysis of Data Component

Posted by Stu Martin on Dec 30, 2019 5:55:00 AM

What Is Safety Assurance in Aviation SMS

For an aviation safety management system (SMS) to be effective, the SMS must be monitored to assure managers and regulatory authorities that the SMS is both

  • implemented correctly, and
  • working as designed.
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Topics: 3-Safety Assurance, FAA Compliance

How to Conduct Safety Performance Assessments in Aviation SMS With Part 5

Posted by Stu Martin on Dec 11, 2019 5:47:00 AM

Purpose of Safety Performance Assessment in Safety Assurance Pillar

If you cannot measure safety performance in your aviation safety management systems (SMS), then:

  • How do you know whether your operations are as safe as can be reasonably expected?
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Topics: 3-Safety Assurance, FAA Compliance

Site content provided by Northwest Data Solutions is meant for informational purposes only. Opinions presented here are not provided by any civil aviation authority or standards body.

 

 

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