Aviation Safety Management Systems Implementation
An aviation safety management system (SMS) encourages airlines and airports to continuously improve safety performance. Aviation safety management systems can be viewed as repeating cycles. Airlines or airports first commit to a safety policy, then uses their safety policy as a basis for establishing a plan, which sets objectives and targets for improving safety performance. The next step is implementation. After that, airlines and airports evaluate safety performance to determine whether goals and objectives are being met. When objectives are not met, corrective actions must be implemented. The results of the internal audit evaluation are then reviewed by top management to determine whether the SMS is functioning as designed. Management revisits the safety policy and sets new targets in a revised plan. Airlines and airports then implement their revised plan. The cycle repeats, and continuous improvement occurs.The five main stages of an aviation SMS, can be described as:
1. Commitment and Policy of Aviation Safety Management Systems
Top management commits to safety improvement and establishes an aviation safety policy. The aviation safety policy is the foundation of the airline and airports' SMS program.
2. Planning Successful Aviation Safety Management Systems
Airlines and airports first identify safety gaps and aspects of its operations using an industry accepted gap3. Implementation of a Successful Aviation Safety Management System
Airlines and airports follow through with the action plan using the necessary resources (human, financial, etc.). An important component is employee training and awareness for all employees. Other steps in the implementation stage include documentation, following operating procedures, and setting up internal and external communication lines.4. Evaluation of Aviation Safety Management Systems
Airlines and airports continuously monitor operations to evaluate whether objectives are being met. If not, the operator takes corrective action.5. Review of Aviation Safety Management Systems
Top management reviews the results of the evaluation to ensure whether the aviation SMS is working. Management determines whether the original safety policy is consistent with the airline or airport's values. The plan may be revised to optimize the effectiveness of the SMS. The review stage creates a loop of continuous improvement for airlines and airports.Additional Information on Aviation Safety Management Systems
About NWDS - founded in 2003 by six software engineers, NorthWest Data Solutions (NWDS) provides custom computer programming and systems design services. NWDS creates many types of software, including e-commerce, financial, defense, engineering, logistics, aviation and more. In 2007, NWDS developed SMS Pro™ a web based SMS application that supports an organization's overall SMS through safety reporting, safety documentation, safety risk management and safety assurance. SMS Pro™ is currently used by aviation organizations in the U.S., Canada, Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East to help manage their SMS programs. NWDS continues to support SMS Pro™ and add new functionality. NWDS offers custom contract programming services in the U.S. and Canada and is managed by Chris Howell, one of the founders. Their headquarters is in Anchorage, Alaska. For information on NWDS visit their website at www.nwds-ak.com and www.asms-pro.com to learn more about SMS Pro™.
