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. In terms of implementation options, operators have two basic choices to choose from:

1. Self-implementation
2. Collaborative Implementation

The self-implementation option can take an in-house effort up to 1380 hours according to 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.

The Collaborative Implementation option gets you to the starting line in less than two weeks and is a joint effort where we provide the implementation planning, manuals, program setup and training, while working with at least one company representative during the process.

In terms of cost benefit, time investment and minimal disruption to normal operations, there is nothing quire like it.

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. 

For a detailed proposal, click on the pic above or call us anytime to reserve your spot when an opening comes up.

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 "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 to operators using various industry tools such as the IS-BAO and ACSF standard audit protocols that ensures conformity but just as important, raises the effectiveness of the program. These audits are typically two days.

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. 

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.

For operators who have the time and desire to self-implement their program, we can provide a customized project management manual that takes you step by step through the entire process. 

This is the same project management plan we have successfully used for nearly two decades so we know it works and will save you hundreds of hours of time.  

Make no mistake about it, the SMS has a steep learning curve that can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in wasted time, mistakes and errors. 

Keeping your SMS simple and easy to use will improve your operation by an order of magnitude that will manifest itself in better performance, better morale,  better  cost efficiencies, which can all be quantified, measured and monitored.

This option provides you with everything you'll need plus unlimited phone support, implementation plan, manuals, training material and project management manual that will simplify the process. 

The end result will be a conforming SMS that meets the standard while providing you with the knowledge you'll need to navigate SMS implementation.