Through the use of SMS, business aircraft operators can proactively identify and manage risks. Under a formalized SMS, operators identify potential hazards and ensure that a process is put in place to effectively manage them. NBAA advocates that flight departments of all sizes implement a SMS for aircraft operations.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPS) found in Annex 6, Part 2 specify that a SMS requirement be incorporated into national safety regulations for operators of non-commercial aircraft over 12,500 pounds maximum takeoff weight or turbojet powered aircraft. The compliance date for ICAO Member states to begin implementation of these standards is November 2010. Annex 6 Part 1 of the ICAO Standards, applicable to commercial operators, required Member states to indicate their plans for compliance beginning on January 1, 2009.
ICAO’s 189 member states are currently developing regulations and guidance to meet the ICAO SMS SARPs. While the FAA has developed an Advisory Circular to provide guidance for operators wishing to implement an SMS, specific regulations to meet the ICAO standard have not yet been developed. It should be remembered that SARPs are for states to implement, for the near-term operators of U.S. registered aircraft should look to requirements promulgated by FAA for guidance. NBAA will keep members informed of additional SMS guidance provided by the FAA.
The International Standard for Business Aircraft Operation (IS-BAO), developed by the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and its member associations (such as NBAA), is a code of best practices designed to help flight departments worldwide achieve high levels of safety and professionalism. At the core of the IS-BAO is a scalable SMS tool for business aircraft operators, from single aircraft/single-pilot operations to large multi-aircraft flight departments.
NBAA in cooperation with IBAC is also offering two additional resources to assist operators with SMS implementation. The first is a Toolkit that will help operators develop and implement a SMS that meets ICAO SARPS. The second resource is a SMS e-Learning course developed by IBAC and FlightSafety International.
SMS Documents
ICAO Annex 6, Part 2: SMS Provisions
Information on SMS provisions in the revised version of Annex 6 Operations of Aircraft, Part II: International General Aviation Standards and Recommended Practices
FAA SMS Update
Review Notice 8900.133
FAA SMS Web Site
Information on SMS related activities at FAA
CAA (UK) SMS Home Page
Information from the UK CAA on international SMS implementation
FAA InFO Notice 08053
Provides information on FAA policy regarding SMS implementation by commercial operators
A System for Managing Risk” by Andreas Bentz, Ph.D, Chantilly Air
This article introduces SMS and explains some of the benefits associated with such systems.
FAA Flight Risk Awareness Tool
Flight risk assessment tool development jointly by the FAA and the general aviation industry
FAA Advisory Circular 120-92
Introduces the SMS concept and provides guidance for the development of a SMS
FAA Notice 8700.49
FAA inspector guidance on the use of AC 120-92
ICAO Document 9859: Safety Management Manual
ICAO guidance on SMS development
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.