Implementation Programs

The FAA has estimated it can take the average aviation service provider three years to implement the basic SMS framework when done in-house. In other words, the SMS represents a significant project management challenge, one that requires experience and a very specific skill-set to ensure conformity to the standard and more importantly, that you fully benefit from the program.

Most small to medium sized airports, flight departments and maintenance providers have staffing constraints, and that means SMS implementation will be highly disruptive, distracting and potentially result in a substandard SMS that fails to provide real benefit and value.

After spending the past two decades planning, implementing and managing SMS, our best advice is to get expert help before you even think about implementing the SMS. Make no mistake, the SMS is a complex standard that provides lots of opportunities to make costly mistakes.

PART 135. We implement SMS following the current standard found in AC120-92B and Part 5 of the regulation. That regulation is currently aimed at part 121 operators, but will eventually be expanded to include part 135.

The major challenge facing part 135 is the same one facing part 91, staffing constraints. Small operators typically manage their SMS as an ancillary role, which impacts workload and leads to disappointing results. 

The solution is either add staff or farm the program out to an experienced SMS provider, and in terms of cost benefit and effectiveness, there is absolutely no comparison. The savings and performance enhancement is substantial.

Implementation is the easy part, we've done hundreds, which is why we can do it for a fraction of the cost and time you'll spend trying to figure it out as you go.  Typical project takes 5 to 10 days and often even less time.

PART 145. For MRO's, adopting and integrating the SMS standard into your operation should be easy if you already have a QMS such as ISO 9001 or the 9100 standard. 

If you are starting from scratch, plan on a significant project that will take 1 to 3 years to fully embrace should you decide to "self-implement".  In that case, we recommend you contract the initial implementation to phase 2 of the FAA maturity ladder, and then take over at that point. 

You will want to avoid the disruption and distraction that is typical in the early stages of the SMS implementation process. We have a program that meets that goal and can be accomplished in roughly 10-14 days. For more information and a detailed proposal, call or email us anytime.

Starting in 2004, I spent the next two years in the field working with an SMS-EMS-QMS company who taught me everything I needed to know about planning, adopting and managing a robust safety management system. That experience was instrumental and coupled with 25 years of aviation experience allowed me to be in the right place at the right time with the right skill set.

Since 2006, I've done hundreds of sms implementations and hundreds of confirmation of conformity audits, (IASE, ISBAO, OHSAS standards) and continue to provide SMS support programs to a wide swath of operators. 

• And the good news is, the SMS standard is the same whether you're an airport, repair facility or a flight department. 

The only difference is the size and scope of the operation, number of people to train and differences in the types of hazards. Your SMS goals and objectives are identical. 

While, I have experienced SME partners I can call on when needed, for the most part,  my primary partner is the client who knows their operation better than anyone. 

That relationship is key to a seamless and efficient implementation process and ultimately to an effective SMS that provides real benefit and value for decades to come.

I'll be glad to send you a list of references and a detailed proposal for your project.

John Davisson

Owner