NTSB Webinar: Implementing an SMS in Small to Midsized Aviation Operations

​​​How can small and midsized aviation operators implement a safety management system (SMS) to improve their safety and prevent accidents? It’s not as daunting—or as costly and resource-intensive—as it may seem. It is possible to establish an SMS for every operation because these systems can be scaled to an operator’s size and complexity and customized to address unique risks. Watch this special live NTSB webinar, Implementing an SMS in Small to Midsized Aviation Operations, to see how.

We will kick off the webinar with accident case studies that highlight why the NTSB has long advocated for SMS in all passenger-carrying operations. NTSB investigations of Part 135 and Part 91 accidents have revealed many examples of operators lacking an SMS or having an ineffective SMS that did not identify risks that played a role in accidents. Additionally, we will describe cultural characteristics we have observed that were contrary to effective safety management and contributed to some of these accidents. 

NTSB Board Member Michael Graham will moderate a roundtable discussion with several small to midsized operators in various stages of SMS implementation to explore why they chose to implement an SMS, how they are incorporating the four SMS components (safety policy, safety risk management, safety assurance, safety promotion), the challenges they overcame, and the safety and economic benefits they are seeing. 

Such insights are especially important and timely now that the FAA has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking that would require all Part 135 and Part 91 air tour operations to implement an SMS—recommendations the NTSB has been making since 2016. (Note: Commercial air carriers operating under Part 121 of the FAR have been required to implement a comprehensive SMS since 2015, and are seeing great safety benefits.) Now’s your time!

“Require and Verify the Effectiveness of Safety Management Systems in all Revenue Passenger-Carrying Aviation Operations” is currently on the NTSB’s Most Wanted List ​of Transportation Safety Improvements. Learn more: ntsb.gov/mwl. 

Please join us for what is sure to be an educational and lively discussion. All aviation operators—no matter their operating part or size—are sure to leave the webinar with new ideas and strategies for making SMS possible.

​​Join ZoomGov​ Meeting at 1 PM!
​​​Meeting ID: 160 680 6134
Passcode: 663958