SMS development for Air Operators, MROs and Training Organizations can be furthered by using some core documents and tools. The list (and links) below highlight the base documents, as well as other helpful material and resources.

SMS includes the four Components and 12 Elements, with respective processes. The guidance material and tools highlight functional requirements, design expectations and performance objectives. PowerPoint presentations are listed and linked below, and an SMS Video is available, providing specific, relatable examples of how an SMS can be applied to aviation in simple and complex operational environments.

  • AC 120-92A (PDF) — Safety Management Systems for Aviation Service Providers
  • Voluntary SMS Implementation Guidance (see also SMS Pilot Projects section)
    • Voluntary Implementation Procedures Guide
    • SMS Framework — was a stand-alone SMS Expectations Document, as interim guidance until AC 120-92A was published, for voluntary SMS development by Pilot Project Participants.
    • SMS Implementation Guide (PDF) — Contains guidance, expectations and procedures necessary to implement a Safety Management System (SMS) by aviation organizations.
    • SMS Assurance Guide (PDF) — used for assessment of the design and performance of aviation product/service providers' SMS programs. The guide is laid out in terms of design expectations and performance objectives. These expectations are based on the SMS Framework and are considered to be essential expectations of a robust SMS.
  • FAA Notices
    • Notice 8900.133 - SMS (PDF) — Provides guidance concerning Approving/Accepting Manuals that contain SMS related processes or references and issues concerning denied entry into foreign airspace for U. S. certificated service providers.
  • InFO Bulletins; FAA Information for Operators, regarding SMS
  • Tools specific to Air Operators, MROs, and Training Organizations developing an SMS
    • SMS Assurance Guide (PDF) — used for assessment of the design and performance of aviation product/service providers' SMS programs. The guide is laid out in terms of design expectations and performance objectives. These expectations are based on the SMS Framework and are considered to be essential expectations of a robust SMS.
    • Preliminary Gap Analysis Tool (Operator): (MS Excel) Tool for initial assessment of the service provider's organization; to assess its existing programs, systems and activities with respect to the twelve individual elements' objectives found in the SMS Framework Functional Expectations.
    • Preliminary Gap Analysis Tool (MRO): (MS Excel) Tool for initial assessment of the service provider's organization; to assess its existing programs, systems and activities with respect to the twelve individual elements' objectives found in the SMS Framework Functional Expectations.
    • Detailed Gap Analysis Tool (Operator): (MS Excel) Excel tool for thorough assessment, that includes operational departments
    • Detailed Gap Analysis Tool (MRO): (MS Excel) Excel tool for thorough assessment, that includes operational departments
    • NPRM Part 5 Gap Analysis Tool (Air Carrier) (MS Excel) Tool for assessing the certificate holder's organization, with respect to SMS requirements found in NPRM Part 5.
    • NPRM Part 5 Gap Analysis Tool (Maintenance) (MS Excel) Tool for assessing the Maintenance Repair Organizations, with respect to SMS requirements found in NPRM Part 5.
  • What's New in SMS

Contact information for Operators, MROs, and Training Organizations