Hi all. If you have been following the news, SMS (Safety Management Systems) seem to be only a matter of months away from becoming law. I was wondering if anyone has already begun developing their SMS programs, or had some templates that could be used to help in drafting an SMS program yet?
I know some airlines have had SMS in their fleets already, but to bring something as complex as SMS into the airport ops side of the house seems to be adding to the paperwork already required, and I was also wondering what everyone else's thoughts were on SMS?
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Log in to leave a comment or Create an accountGene, one more added point. The airlines were substantially ahead of the game on developing their SMS programs. Look for the Part 121 NPRM becoming final before the Part 139 SMS NPRM does.
I've flown into your airport about four times when traversing to the southeastern part of the country. You've got a great airport and your SMS should be straightforward.
We are currently working with both a DCA SAG to develop and implement their SMS both on the State and airport level. Can easily assit you. Contact me directly. The information you seek was presented in the recent SMS training class held by the Civil Aviation Department of Barbados...happy to help. Frank
I agree there's a probability of modifications to the SMS NPRM once it's finalized. However, I look to seeing the proposed airport SMS regulation finalized before the October 2012 deadline. Incidentally, the FAA has identified 27 AC's that will need to be modified due to the SMS rulemaking. Your looking to begin the process sooner rather than later will only serve to benefit your organization. Blue skies!
Gene,
It is expected the FAA will be revising the AC on SMS. It is anticipated to be released sometime in the spring (Feb-Apr). I understand it will include a template of sorts for different size airports, though you can get a head start by reviewing the existing ACRP reports and the current AC. Another ACRP report is currently in the works synthesizing the information culled from those airports that underwent the pilot study SMS. Hopefully, the revised AC will incorporate similar information from the implementation studies. FAA's NPRM on the SMS requires FAA to make a final rule 16 months after the close of comments (July, 2011 as Glen mentioned in a post earlier this year). So by October 31 of 2012 we should have a determination of the final rule. Hopefully it will incorporate a more realistic staging requirement than 2 or 3 years. SMS takes time.
The application of SMS to large hub airports mentioned by mcwops applies only to the use of one component of an SMS, that of safety risk assessments (SRA) related to AIP/PFC projects undertaken. For those projects, the use of an outside SRA facilitator, such as SCowell or myself, is to be utilized. I'd be happy to provide a briefing or training to your organization.
Best regards,
Steve Quilty
True SMS "templates" are difficult to find. I would refer you to the ACRP SMS manuals for intial information and guidance. There are some software companies who will gladly sell you their system as a "template" for development of an SMS. It's difficult to develop an SMS on your own while having all the responsibility of your other airport duties. One strong suggestion that's been apparent from SMS pilot studies is to engage a consultant can greatly aid in your SMS development.
One caution I will provide to you is there are a lot of charlatans out there with little or no aviation experience who will be happy to take your airport's money to "develop" an SMS. Be cautious if you decide to hire a consultant or a company to develop your SMS. Please feel free to contact me for further information. Blue skies!
Looks like the requirement to develop SMS will only apply to large hub airports initially, being expanded to others as resources and manpower are available.
EFFECTIVE DATE: The comment period for the NPRM published on October 7, 2010, closing on March 7, 2011 is extended until July 5, 2011. You must submit your clarifying questions in writing using the procedures outlined in this notice by April 6, 2011. The FAA anticipates responding to these submissions and providing a summary report of the pilot studies by May 21, 2011.
Just read this here is the link http://www.airportbusiness.com/publication/article.jsp?siteSection=1&id=43267
As we all know airports are under staffed and over tasked. I would suggest that airports should begin to work on their SMS's sooner than later. SMS is not going away. There are key dates (beginning with June 1, 2011) that are not dependent of when the NPRM is adopted.
One other point to keep in mind is that a proper implementation plan takes time to develop (even for qualified/trained consultants) and for the and for Class 1 airports, it must be submitted to the ADO 6 months after the rule is adopted. Keep that in mind along with the other required documents and manuals you're now required to revise. Putting that into perspective, as example if the rule becomes final in July 2011, you must have your implementation plan into your ADO by January 2012. The Class 2,, 3 and 4 airports have a little longer but given what needs to be done along with staffing at these airports, they should begin the SMS development process sooner rather than later as well.
As a final point, in most aspects of aviation education, training and certification is required. There is no certification or standards for a so called "SMS consultant". There already have been a few charlatans entering the industry. The stakes are too high for safety, AIP funding and possible future legal implications for you as airport operators not to exercise caution in consultant selection or when trying to develop your own SMS.
You are welcome to contact me with any questions about SMS development at your airport.
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