b'36 DAL|SMF OPERATIONSSafety Management Systems at Airports BY JODI RICHARDS In Part Two of our two-part series on Safety Management Systems, we focus on FAA requirements for airports. Early adopters are reporting positive results, andspoiler alertcollaboration will be key to compliance. Following the FAA Safety i ncreased confidence in risk controls FACTS&FIGURESOrganizations final rule for Partthrough structured safety assurance 121 airline operators in 2015, theprocesses;agency published its final ruling on Safetyan effective interface for knowledge Management Systems (SMS) for some Partsharing between regulator and 139 airports in February 2023. It applies tocertificate holder; and,Project: Creating & Implementing Safety Managementairports that are:System a safety promotion framework to Sample Location: Dallas Love Fieldclassified as a hub; or support a sound safety culture.Strategy: Early engagement through research, regulatoryhave a three-year rolling average of review & FAA collaboration 100,000 operations per year; or Ramping Up Consultant: Landry Consultinghave international operations otherFAA took a methodical, collaborative than general aviation-only traffic. approach to the new SMS requirement, Software System: Veoci beginning with FAA-funded pilot studies Key Benefits: Enhanced safety; reduced liability & costsAn SMS emphasizes safety managementat more than 30 airports. Those that because issues are identified before they become hazards;as a fundamental business process to beparticipated in the pilot studies were eligible streamlined response to potential risks; improved morale &considered in the same manner as otherfor Airport Improvement Program grants to motivation about improving safety aspects of business management, says FAA materials. It is the formal, top-downcover the cost of developing an initial SMS business-like approach to managing safetyplan but did not need to apply for a grant to risk, which includes a systematic approachparticipate.to managing safety, including the necessaryThe first pilot occurred in 2007, the Project: Creating & Implementing Safety Managementorganizational structures, accountabilities,second in 2008. In December 2009, FAA System policies and procedures.announced its plan to conduct a Part 139 Sample Location: Sacramento Intl Airport, in CA SMS Implementation Study to examine Strategies: Participation in early FAA pilot program;By recognizing the organizations rolehow airports implement the elements of leverage training programs; take metered approach to riskin accident prevention, SMS provide boththe Safety Risk Management and Safety assessments & program rolloutcertificate holders and the FAA:Assurance components throughout their Software System: ProDIGiQa structured means of safety riskairfield environment. Measurable Result: Reduced foreign object debris management decision making;a means of demonstrating safetyUsing lessons learned from the initial Key Benefits: Enhanced safety; increased participationpilot studies, FAA issued a Notice of via confidential reporting system; dashboard summariesmanagement capability before systemProposed Rulemaking in October 2010, facilitate ongoing improvementfailures occur;July | August 2024AirportImprovement.com'