Integrating Existing Safety Programs: A Systems Approach

This week's newsletter explores integrating existing safety programs into the Safety Management System (SMS) safety assurance processes. Leveraging established safety programs is a strategic move to ensure robust safety performance across aviation organizations.

Integrating Existing Safety Programs: A Systems Approach

The FAA encourages the use of current safety programs as valuable inputs into SMS safety assurance processes. By expanding these programs across entire aviation organizations, we can adopt a comprehensive systems approach to safety assurance. This strategy enhances safety performance and aligns with the provisions of 14 CFR part 5, § 5.71, although additional measures might be necessary to fully meet regulatory requirements.

Key Safety Programs and Their Roles

Several existing programs can be integrated into the SMS framework:

• Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS): Required for specific carriers, CASS monitors the effectiveness of maintenance programs. Integrating CASS into SMS ensures that critical safety elements are controlled and outcomes are acceptable.
• Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP): ASAP encourages voluntary reporting of safety issues by employees in a confidential setting. It supports SMS by partially fulfilling the need for a confidential reporting system, though it requires additional analysis for systemic problem identification.
• Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS): Managed by NASA, ASRS offers trend and systemic insights suitable for safety assurance analysis within SMS despite limitations in report accessibility for organizations.
• Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA): This voluntary program collects and analyzes digital flight data, providing crucial operational insights that can be incorporated into SMS for data-driven safety assessments.
• Voluntary Disclosure Reporting Program (VDRP): VDRP incentivizes organizations to report and correct regulatory non-compliances, feeding valuable data into SMS safety assurance processes.
• Internal Evaluation Program (IEP): Through audits and evaluations, IEPs assess managerial controls, feeding findings into SMS for tracking and applying Safety Risk Management (SRM) as needed.
• Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA): LOSA collects safety data during regular flights, contributing to the SMS's internal audit requirements.
• Advanced Qualification Program (AQP): AQP supports SMS by incorporating quality control processes for aviation training programs.

Leveraging Third-Party Providers

As SMS requirements expand, third-party providers offer valuable services to assist aviation organizations in developing and implementing compliant SMS frameworks. These providers can aid in documentation, recordkeeping, and mediation services, ensuring seamless integration of reporting programs like ASAP. However, roles such as the accountable executive cannot be delegated and remain the responsibility of the aviation organization.

Maintaining Compliance and Safety Standards

Aviation organizations must ensure full compliance with FAA regulations and SMS requirements. Leveraging existing SMS processes and industry resources is crucial for maintaining safety standards and regulatory compliance.

We trust this information provides insights into integrating safety programs into SMS.

For further resources and guidance on implementing Safety Management Systems, contact WYVERN, THE industry expert, and attend our SMS training workshops or ask about our SMS software. Contact us for a FREE SMS demo! Together, we can elevate aviation safety and create a safer future.

References

(2024). FAA Advisory Circular No 120-92D. This circular is available for download on our public website.