Safety Management Systems for 14 CFR Part 135 Operators

Course Overview

This comprehensive course introduces aviation professionals to the fundamental concepts, regulatory framework, and real-world application of Safety Management Systems (SMS) tailored specifically for 14 CFR Part 135 Operators. Learners will gain critical insights into ICAO's safety principles, FAA guidance, and industry best practices to ensure a proactive and systematic approach to managing safety risks in air operations. Through regulatory analysis, hazard mitigation techniques, and case-based learning, the course equips participants with the knowledge and tools to effectively implement and sustain SMS within their organization.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the core principles of aviation safety and SMS as defined by ICAO and the FAA.
• Explore the Four Pillars of SMS and their operational relevance.
• Navigate the SMS regulatory framework for 14 CFR Part 135 and related advisory circulars.
• Identify roles, responsibilities, and safety accountabilities within SMS.
• Develop practical skills in hazard identification, risk assessment, and mitigation techniques.
• Analyze safety performance through indicators, targets, and continuous improvement strategies.
• Promote safety culture through effective training, communication, and leadership.
• Learn phased SMS implementation, overcoming common barriers and leveraging emerging technologies.
• Evaluate global harmonization of SMS across FAA, ICAO, and EASA standards.
• Apply key lessons from case studies involving real-world safety incidents.

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Safety Management System

• Aviation and Safety
• SMS - ICAO’s Definition
• ICAO – Core Principles
• The Significance of SMS in Aviation
• Case Study: Lion Air Indonesia – When Safety Fails, Everyone Pays

Module 2: SMS and the Four Pillars

• What is a Safety Management System?
• Scope of SMS
• SMS Framework
• Benefits of Implementing SMS in Aviation

Module 3: SMS Regulatory Framework for 14 CFR Part 135 Operators

• Overview of ICAO Annex 19
• Introduction to SMS as Outlined in 14 CFR Part 5
• Overview of 14 CFR Part 135 and Part 91 SubPart K
• AC 120-92D - Safety Management Systems for Aviation Service Providers
• AC 120-66C - Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP)
• AC 120-79A - Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS)
• FAA Regulations: SMS Implementation Timelines and Deadlines

Module 4: Safety Policy and Objectives

• Management Commitment and Responsibility
• Developing a Safety Policy Statement
• Defining Safety Accountabilities
• Roles of Key Safety Personnel
• Coordination of Emergency Response Planning
• SMS Documentation Essentials
• Effective Implementation and Communication of Safety Policies

Module 5: Safety Risk Management (SRM)

• Introduction to Hazard and Risk
• Hazard Identification Methods: Reactive, Proactive, Predictive
• Mandatory vs. Voluntary Reporting Systems
• Encouraging Open Reporting Cultures
• Risk Matrix: Evaluating Severity & Probability
• Strategies for Mitigating and Controlling Risk

Module 6: Safety Assurance (SA)

• 3Ms: Monitoring, Measuring, Managing Safety Performance
• Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs)
• Safety Performance Targets (SPTs)
• Internal Safety Audits
• Management of Change (MOC)
• Continuous Improvement of SMS
• Root Cause Analysis (RCA): The 5 Whys Technique
• External Audits: IOSA, WYVERN & More
• Applying Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) in SMS

Module 7: Safety Promotion

• Understanding Safety Culture
• Scope and Importance of SMS Training
• Safety Communication Channels
• Fostering a Positive Safety Culture
• The Role of Leadership in Promoting Safety

Module 8: Implementing and Managing a Safety Management System

• Planning for SMS Implementation
• Phased Implementation Approach
• Common Barriers and Challenges
• Overcoming Implementation Hurdles
• Using SMS Evaluation Tools
• Future of SMS: Predictive Safety Using Data and AI

Module 9: Harmonizing Aviation Safety Management with Global Standards

• Role of the Safety Management International Collaboration Group (SM ICG)
• FAA vs. ICAO vs. EASA – Comparing SMS Standards
• Benefits of Harmonized Global SMS Practices

Module 10: Case Studies – Safety Management Incidents Involving Part 135 Operators

• ExecuFlight Flight 1526 – Descent Below Minimums
• Continental Express Flight 2574 – A Fatal Maintenance Oversight
• Weather-Related Helicopter Emergency – Lessons in Preparedness
• Midair Near Miss – Coordination and Communication Failures

Who Should Attend?

• Maintenance Personnel
• Quality & Compliance Managers
• Safety Officers and Auditors
• Civil Aviation Authorities
• Airline and Airport Operations Personnel

Final Assessment & Certification

Upon completion, participants will take a final assessment to demonstrate their understanding. A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to those who meet the passing criteria.

• Mode: Online
• Course Duration: 155 Minutes
• Validity: 365 days
• We carefully evaluate the candidates taking up this course. Email us at info@academyaviationonline.com and share your interest in taking up this course.