Safety Management System
SMSSection 01: Organizations & Authorities
Definition
A systematic approach to managing safety, including the necessary organizational structures, accountabilities, policies, and procedures, as required by ICAO Annex 19. An SMS is required for service providers including airlines, approved maintenance organizations, certified aerodromes, and air navigation service providers. It consists of four pillars: safety policy and objectives, safety risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion.
Where This Shows Up
SMS is the service-provider-level counterpart to the State Safety Programme (SSP). While SSP operates at the national regulatory level, SMS operates within individual organizations such as airlines and maintenance providers.
Primary Sources
Across Jurisdictions
14 CFR Part 5
SMS is required for Part 121 certificate holders under 14 CFR Part 5, effective January 2015.
Part-ORO.GEN.200, Part-145.A.65
SMS is required for all certified aviation organizations under the EASA management system requirements.
CAR 107
SMS is required for Canadian aviation organizations under CAR 107 and associated standards.
Related Terms
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