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SMS for Helicopters

Industry leaders commit to safety.

[Credit: iStock]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Commercial helicopter operators are proactively developing Safety Management Systems (SMS) in anticipation of future FAA mandates, similar to past requirements for Part 121 operators.
  • An SMS is a formal, four-component approach—safety policy, risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion—designed to identify and mitigate risks, thereby fostering a comprehensive safety culture.
  • Despite some operators' reluctance due to perceived costs or lack of current mandates, HAI provides guidance, vetted software solutions, and emphasizes third-party involvement to help businesses implement evolving SMS that address all operational risks, including critical pilot decision-making.
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When you were a child, did you ever hear this from a parent: “Clean up your room, or I will clean it up for you!” This usually was not a good thing, as the parent method of ‘cleaning up your room’ is more scorched earth than Mary Poppins.

A similar situation exists in the aviation industry as commercial helicopter operators are crafting safety management systems (SMS) for their businesses before the FAA makes one for them.

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.

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