Overview of SMS
Safety Management System (SMS) is a formal, top-down, organization-wide approach to managing safety risk and ensuring the effectiveness of safety risk controls.
An SMS is made up of four components.
Available SMS Resources
- Federal Register Part 5
- AC 120-92
- FAA Order 8900.1 Volume 17 Safety Management System (Incorporates Notice 8900.737)
- Just in Time Products
Implementation Timelines Specifics
Part 135 Applicants and Certificate Holders
Current Status | How much time do I have to develop and implement SMS? |
---|---|
Applicants on the Applicant List (per Notice 8900.728) before January 21, 2025 | 36 months – May 28, 2027 |
Applicants in the Initial Certification Phase before May 28, 2024 | 36 months – May 28, 2027 |
New Applications submitted on or after May 28, 2024 | Upon certification |
Applications in Preapplication Phase on or before May 28, 2024 | Upon certification |
Operators certificated before May 28, 2024 | 36 months – May 28, 2027 |
91.147 Air Tour Operators with an LOA
Current Status | How much time do I have to develop and implement SMS? |
---|---|
91.147 LOA Applications received on or before May 28th, 2024 | 36 months – May 28, 2027 |
91.147 LOA Applications received on or after May 28th, 2024 | Upon LOA Issuance |
Part 121 Certificate Holders
Current Status | How much time do I have to implement the changes to part 5? |
---|---|
Certificate Holder’s certificated before May 28, 2024 | 12 Months – May 28, 2025 |
New Applicants | Upon Certification |
SMSVP Participants
Current Status | How much time do I have to implement the changes to part 5? |
---|---|
Accepted SMS (Active Conformance) | 12 Months – May 28, 2025 |
New Entrants | Submit a declaration of compliance after development and implementation of SMS meeting part 5 requirements |
SMS Voluntary Program (SMSVP)
The FAA has expanded the eligibility requirements for participation in the SMS Voluntary Program (SMSVP) to include the following 14 CFR parts:
- Part 61 Flight Schools; Part 91 Living History Flight Experience (LHFE); Part 91 Banner Towing; Part 91K – Fractional Ownership Operations; Part 91 Executive Corporate Operators; Part 105 Parachute Operations; 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
SMSVP eligibility for the following 14 CFR Parts remains unchanged:
- Part 125 Operations; Part 133 Rotorcraft External Loads; Part 137 AG Operations; Part 141 Pilot Schools; Part 142 Training Centers; Part 145 Repair Stations; and Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Tech Schools.
What are the benefits of managing safety with a voluntary, formal, SMS?
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Where can I get support or find additional information about SMSVP?
For additional questions and support, contact the Federal Aviation Administration Office of Safety Standards, Safety Management Branch: 9-NATL-SMS-ProgramOffice@faa.gov. If you are contacting the Safety Management Branch, please include the 14 CFR part associated with the request or question and provide the company name and location (city/state), if applicable.
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