SMS SUPPORT OPTIONS

• Part's 135, 139, 121 and 91.147 are required by regulation to adopt and implement an SMS appropriate to their size and scope of operations. Part 139 airports must submit their SMS implementation plan to the FAA for approval before they start, while 135 operators must submit a letter of compliance to part 5, which will then be verified annually by your POI.  

Operators have three basic options with identical deliverables to choose from in terms of how they will proceed with SMS project management (PM):

1. Self-implementation 
2. A&E Option
3. Collaborative PM 

• The self-implementation option can take an in-house effort up to 1380 hours per the FAA to get you to the starting line. Generally, this option will require a part time team effort that spreads the workload out and can take up to three years to complete. Typical cost here is $40,000 over three years.

• The A&E Option is suitable for airports and airlines who can afford it and have existing staff  to monitor the process. The trouble here is not many architecture and engineering companies have hands on SMS experience and will likely use the full estimated time at much higher hourly rates, making it the most costly option of all.

• Our Collaborative Managed Program is our turn-key solution to getting your SMS framework up and running quickly,  while getting your personnel trained with minimal disruption to normal operations and ensures a conforming- compliant program that meets part 5 of the regulation. In terms of cost, this is by far the cheapest and fastest option.

Part 91 corporate operators are currently not required by FAA regulation to adopt SMS, though they highly recommend it. 

For operators with international exposure, ICAO does require all operators to adopt SMS so you could conceivably be asked if you have one should you get ramped.  

Generally, they won't inspect your SMS program for standard conformity, they just want to know you have one.

For the volunteer group, we provide two options that delivers a conforming SMS:

• The first option provides you with everything you'll need plus unlimited phone/video support, implementation plan, workbook and procedures manuals, training material that guides you every step of the way.

• The other option is to have your program fully implemented by us, which typically takes 3 days onsite and includes detailed training.

Make no mistake about it, the SMS can eat your lunch if you're not careful so this option will literally save you tens of thousands of dollars avoiding the land mines, mistakes and errors that can and have led to disappointing results. 

• The end result will be a conforming SMS that meets the standard while providing you with the knowledge you'll need to fully benefit from the SMS. 

We've learned over time that SMS in the right hands, can be a highly effective tool to control and manage your risks levels. 

We've also learned that to achieve the goals of SMS, you'll need a solid safety culture with a strong foundation of leadership, open communication and  full participation from every member of your team, before you start the process.

The U.S. recognizes the ICAO requirement for States to establish regulations requiring certain service providers to implement SMS and has issued CFR's for part 121, 135, and part 91.147 operators. 

The FAA provides guidance in part 5 of the regulation and an SMS framework found in AC120-92D (standard) for the regulated and unregulated groups. 

• Part 91 operators basically "self-declare" that their SMS conforms to the industry standard without any formal approval from the FAA. 

• Parts 135 and 91.147 operators must submit a declaration of compliance to the FAA that they meet the requirements of part 5, which is then assessed during the FAA's routine surveillance annually.

Since 2006, We've been providing third-party confirmation of conformity declarations (DoC) to operators using the FAA's SMS framework found in the various iterations found in AC120-92. 

We've also used industry standards such as the IS-BAO and ACSF standard audit protocols that ensures SMS conformity. 

The DoC is an audit that confirms that your SMS conforms to the standard. For operators who must meet part 5 of the regulation, this audit ensures compliance. 

The DoC process typically is a 2 to 3 day onsite audit that begins weeks before we arrive. Our audit process is not a pass or fail exercise, but an opportunity to improve  your operation as we go.  

There is no requirement to perform a declaration of conformity or compliance, but as you will see over time, SMS and QMS require regular tune-ups to be most effective and for the regulated group, the FAA will be inspecting your SMS as part of your recertification process.

The majority of flight departments we've worked with over the past 20 years are looking to improve their operation every chance they get, and simplifying and automating their SMS has proven to be  the most cost effective place to start. 

This program was designed for small to medium sized flight departments who want to fully benefit from an effective SMS, but have neither the staff, training or the time to do the level of work that requires.  

The CMP is the equivalent of hiring a full time experienced SMS manager who ensures your program conforms to the standard, but more importantly, provides a  long list of benefits only an effective system can deliver.  

This customized managed program is labor intensive for our team and is only available to a limited number of flight departments each year who are serious about achieving the goals of SMS. 

This program takes SMS off your desk while you focus on what you do best. It is like having a full time safety officer with one small difference: 

The single most important thing you need to achieve an effective SMS is a deep understanding of how SMS works. 

The SMS standard is complicated and confusing for a reason, it was written by the "standards" industry, who gives new meaning to the phrase, attention to detail. 

For the vast majority of operators with staffing constraints, that complexity leads to low participation, underutilized and ineffective data collection and analysis, which ultimately results in a failed SMS.

The solution is simple enough, drastically simplify your SMS. How exactly do you do that? For starters, use your smart phone as your primary reporting tool. Next, train your team to know what is reportable and what their responsibilities are. 

Our training programs are designed specifically for small to medium sized flight and maintenance operators with minimum staff.  Knowledge is key in simplifying your program so that it delivers true benefit and value. 

Training your team to understand SMS and what their roles and responsibilities are, may be the most important investment you make in terms of benefiting from SMS. Our initial SMS training program is 2 days onsite.

One of the most important components of your SMS is Safety Promotion, which keeps the focus where it belongs, on training and hazard awareness.

Using our weekly Safety Officer Bulletin service takes the burden of creating interesting, timely and concise safety training material off your plate and is the most cost effective way we know of to chip away at complacency. 

One subscription covers your entire operation, no matter how many employees you have. 

This service will also update your existing SMS manuals or provide them if you're just starting out. 

You will also have access to our FRAT/FOQA program where we provide you the digital form that you complete and send to us via your smart phone or ipad/computer for analysis and documentation. 

As with all of our programs, we are always available to assist you, answer your questions and provide any level of support and training you require.

Our subscribers keep renewing the service and tell us they value it more than any other component of their SMS.