Safety Management Systems for Scheduled Air Carriers Operating Under 14 CFR Part 121

Course Overview

This course is designed to provide aviation professionals with a robust understanding of Safety Management Systems (SMS) tailored to 14 CFR Part 121 operators. Participants will explore ICAO’s core principles, FAA regulations, and practical SMS applications to foster a culture of safety and compliance. The curriculum emphasizes risk management, performance monitoring, continuous improvement, and alignment with global standards. Through case studies, regulatory reviews, and actionable frameworks, learners will be equipped to implement and lead SMS programs effectively within commercial air carrier environments.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the purpose and principles of SMS as outlined by ICAO and the FAA.
• Explore the Four Pillars of SMS: Policy, Risk Management, Assurance, and Promotion.
• Interpret FAA regulations and advisory circulars applicable to Part 121 carriers.
• Identify responsibilities and accountabilities for safety performance.
• Apply hazard identification and risk mitigation strategies.
• Monitor safety performance using SPIs and SPTs.
• Develop safety culture through leadership, communication, and training.
• Overcome SMS implementation barriers with practical tools and strategies.
• Compare and align SMS with ICAO, EASA, and other global frameworks.
• Analyze real-world incidents involving Part 121 operators through case-based learning.

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Safety Management System

• 1.1 Aviation and Safety
• 1.2 SMS - ICAO’s Definition
• 1.3 ICAO – Core Principles
• 1.4 The significance of Safety Management Systems (SMS) in the aviation industry
• 1.5 Case Study: Lion Air Indonesia – When Safety Fails, Everyone Pays

Module 2: SMS and the Four Pillars

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

Module 3: SMS Regulatory Framework for Scheduled Air Carriers Operating Under Part 121

• 3.1 Overview of ICAO Annex 19
• 3.2 Introduction to SMS as Outlined in 14 CFR, Part 5
• 3.3 Overview of 14 CFR Part 121
• 3.4 AC 120-92D - Safety Management Systems for Aviation Service Providers
• 3.5 AC 120-66C - Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP)
• 3.6 AC 120-79A - Developing and Implementing a Continuing Analysis and Surveillance System (CASS)
• 3.7 FAA Regulations: Implementation of SMS and Deadlines

Module 4: Safety Policy and Objectives

• 4.1 Management Commitment and Responsibility
• 4.2 Safety Policy Statement as a Foundation of the SMS
• 4.3 SMS Safety Accountabilities
• 4.4 Roles of Key Safety Personnel
• 4.5 Coordination of Emergency Response Planning
• 4.6 SMS Documentation
• 4.7 Effective Communication and Implementation of the Safety Policy

Module 5: Safety Risk Management (SRM)

• 5.1 Introduction to Hazard Identification: Definitions of Hazard and Risk
• 5.2 Hazard Identification Methods: Reactive, Proactive, and Predictive Approaches
• 5.3 Reporting Culture: Mandatory vs. Voluntary
• 5.4 Promoting a Culture of Open Reporting
• 5.5 Risk Matrix: Evaluating Severity and Probability
• 5.6 Strategies for Mitigating and Controlling Risks

Module 6: Safety Assurance (SA)

• 6.1 3Ms - Monitoring, Measuring, and Managing Safety Performance
• 6.2 SPIs - Safety Performance Indicators
• 6.3 SPTs - Safety Performance Targets
• 6.4 Internal Safety Audits
• 6.5 Management of Change (MOC)
• 6.6 Continuous Improvement of the SMS
• 6.7 5 Whys Technique: Root Cause Analysis (RCA)
• 6.8 External Audits and Certifications (e.g., IOSA, WYVERN)
• 6.9 Is Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) Applicable to SMS?

Module 7: Safety Promotion

• 7.1 Safety Culture and Its Importance
• 7.2 SMS Training - Scope and Participation
• 7.3 Safety Communication Methods
• 7.4 Fostering a Positive Safety Culture and Overcoming Barriers
• 7.5 Role of Leaders in Promoting Safety in the Workplace

Module 8: Implementing and Managing a Safety Management System

• 8.1 Implementation Planning for SMS
• 8.2 Phased Implementation Approach
• 8.3 Challenges, Barriers, and Issues in Implementing SMS
• 8.4 Strategies to Overcome Implementation Challenges
• 8.5 SMS Evaluation Tools
• 8.6 SMS and the Future: How Data and AI Can Drive Predictive Safety Alerts

Module 9: Harmonization of Aviation Safety Management with Global Standards

• 9.1 Overview of Safety Management International Collaboration Group (SM ICG)
• 9.2 Harmonization of FAA, ICAO, and EASA SMS Standards
• 9.3 Benefits of Harmonizing SMS Globally

Module 10: Case Studies – Safety Management Incidents Involving Scheduled Air Carriers Operating Under Part 121

• 10.1 ValuJet Flight 592 – Hazardous Materials Mishandling
• 10.2 Colgan Air Flight 3407 – Pilot Error, Fatigue, and Reforms
• 10.3 Alaska Airlines Flight 261 – Maintenance Failures and Lessons Learned

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.