A  Safety Management System (SMS) for General Aviation is a multi-faceted approach that relies on data and information to manage a total safety program. SMS is at the core of the comprehensive International Standard for Business Aviation Operations (IS-BAO). Created and developed with the assistance of the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), IS-BAO incorporates the international standards and recommended practices for the operation of aircraft applicable to business aviation as prescribed in ICAO Annex 6. IS-BAO (including SMS) is now recognized as the Business Aviation 'code of best practices'.

International regulatory agencies like the FAA and Transport Canada will soon require commercial operators to show evidence of adherence to a formal and documented SMS as outlined by ICAO. Because the concept and process of SMS development and integration is such a positive influence on aviation safety, it is probable that, eventually, these requirements will be broadened to include all turbine FAA FAR Part 91 operations.

An effective SMS encourages the entire organization to focus on the incremental improvement of a positive safety culture. Emphasis is put on hazard identification, analysis and remediation. Resource management, communication and reporting systems are all important elements of the SMS as well.

Properly functioning Safety Management Systems use the collection and evaluation of data to measure progressive safety improvement. Before SMS integration, a typical safety program would tend to be reactive. Management might respond with improvements only after an accident brings a system weakness into the light. The SMS approach should be focused on identification and management of hazards and risks that reduce the potential for future loss. It should be proactive. This change from reactive to proactive thinking is not always simple or easy. It requires management buy in and it requires new specific training.

All aircraft operators and aviation service organizations should become familiar with the concepts, principles and legal requirements of SMS.

Your Global Aerospace partners can help you understand the existing and emerging requirements for safety monitoring and reporting. Please contact a member of our Safety Team for further information at safety@global-aero.com