What is a Safety Management System (SMS)?

SMS is the formal, top-down, organization-wide approach to managing safety risk and assuring the effectiveness of safety risk controls. It includes systematic procedures, practices, and policies for the management of safety risk. 

An international best practice for the management of system safety, SMS provides a means for a structured, repeatable, systematic approach to proactively identify hazards and manage safety risk. By incorporating SMS, aviation organizations are better able to proactively develop and implement mitigations that are appropriate to their specific environment and operations.   

The FAA uses SMS across the entire agency to ensure that the United States fulfills our International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements for a State Safety Program (SSP). The FAA also uses SMS to actively manage the safety of air navigation services provided by the FAA throughout the United States. Finally, the FAA requires that critical commercial aviation segments implement SMS to proactively manage safety in their operations.
 

SMS Policy, Requirements and Guidance

A list of foundational resources for use in the development and implementation of an SMS.

FAA Requires Aviation Organizations to Detect, Address Safety Risks Early

The FAA is issuing new requirements for charter airlines, commuter airlines, air tour operators, and certain aircraft manufacturers to implement a Safety Management System (SMS). 

SMS by Aviation Industry Segment

Information tailored to your specific sector (ex: Air Carriers, Air Taxi, Air Tour, Maintenance under 121, Repair Stations, Non-Certificated Repair Facilities, Flight Schools, Simulator Facilities, Airports, etc.)

SMS Explained 

Get quickly up to speed! What is SMS? Where did it come from? How does it work?

SMS International Collaboration

Information about our SMS international collaboration efforts

Reference Library

Information at your fingertips. Access a wide range of guidebooks, articles, websites, and training materials for you and your staff.

FAQs

Get the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Contact Us

Send us your feedback! What would you like to see on this website? Feel free to email comments to 9-avp-300-sms@faa.gov.

Please continue to visit this site periodically for enhancements, updates and the most current information about SMS.