SMS Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

SMS Safety Management System Frequently Asked Questions, SMS FAQ

SMS Safety Management System Frequently Asked Questions, SMS FAQ – Have a question that is not listed below?  Contact us and we’ll try to help!

What exactly is a Safety Management System?

• SMS provides a systematic way to identify hazards and control risks while maintaining assurance that these risk controls are effective. SMS can be defined as a businesslike approach to safety. It is a systematic, explicit and comprehensive process for managing safety risks. As with all management systems, a safety management system provides for goal setting, planning, and measuring performance. A safety management system is woven into the fabric of an organization. It becomes part of the culture, the way people do their jobs. For the purposes of defining safety management, safety can be defined as the reduction of risk to a level that is as low as is reasonably practicable.

Is my flight organization required to implement a Safety Management System?

• If you are a 14 CFR 135 Operator, yes you need to have a SMS program in place per 14 CFR 5. If you are a 14 CFR 91 Operator, you need to have a SMS program in place for operations to Canada, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Anguilla, Caymans, British Virgin Islands, and Turks & Caicos as they have already mandated or are in the process of mandating SMS. The new ICAO Annex 6 Part II requirements will require business operators flying internationally to meet the standard as of November 18, 2010. Internally developing a comprehensive safety management program can be costly, time-consuming and overwhelming for many operators. Our program was specifically designed with budget constraints in mind and ease of implementation. We’ve done the work to insure your compliance. You save time and money.

Will I need to interact with the FAA during the SMS process?

• The FAA expects and requires the operator’s involvement in the process of SMS development & implementation.

When is the FAA SMS Part 5 deadline for 14 CFR 135 Operators?

• The main FAA SMS Part 5 deadlines are May 28, 2027, for all Part 135 operators and Part 91.147 air tour LOA holders to develop and implement their SMS and submit a declaration of compliance. For Part 121 operators, the deadline was May 28, 2025, to update their SMS to meet the new requirements. New applications submitted on or after May 28, 2024, must have an SMS upon certification. For additional information, see FAA deadlines.

Do Wilding Air’s SMS manuals meet Canadian POC requirements?

• Yes. As of January, 2011 our SMS manuals meet CBAA recognized code of best practices and complies with Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs). As of July 1, 2009, all Canadian operators are required to have an SMS program in place.