Many aviation organizations have an SMS manual on a shelf. Fewer have a safety management system that actually changes how decisions are made on the ramp, in the hangar, and in dispatch. The difference usually comes down to whether the people running it understand how the parts fit together.
In the US, 14 CFR Part 5 sets out safety management system requirements, first for Part 121 air carriers and since extended to more operators. The framework rests on four components: safety policy, safety risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion. Practical Safety Management Systems is an ASA title focused, as the name says, on putting that framework to work.
Quick answer: Practical Safety Management Systems (ASA-SMS-2) is an ASA book on safety management systems in aviation, for safety managers, directors of operations, flight school leaders, and students who want to apply SMS in practice rather than on paper, available on Skyfarer and at Skyfarer Shop.
At a glance
- Title. Practical Safety Management Systems.
- Publisher. Aviation Supplies & Academics (ASA).
- Part number. ASA-SMS-2.
- Subject. Safety management systems in aviation.
The four components of an SMS
- Safety policy. Management’s commitment, responsibilities, and safety objectives in writing.
- Safety risk management. Identifying hazards and assessing and controlling the risks.
- Safety assurance. Monitoring whether risk controls work and the system is performing.
- Safety promotion. Training and communication that build a positive safety culture.
Pilot tip: Start small. A simple, trusted hazard reporting process that people actually use does more for safety than a thick manual nobody reads.
Where to buy
Practical Safety Management Systems (ASA-SMS-2) is sold by Skyfarer Shop. Find it on the Skyfarer marketplace or order directly from Skyfarer Shop. Either link shows the current price, shipping options and return terms.
Frequently asked questions
Who needs an SMS?
14 CFR Part 5 requires one for Part 121 air carriers and has been extended to additional operators. Many other organizations adopt SMS voluntarily.
Is it only for airlines?
No. SMS principles apply to flight schools, charter operators, maintenance organizations, and airports.
What’s the part number?
ASA-SMS-2.
