The FAA is encouraging all organizations to incorporate safety management systems (SMS). In an Information for Operators (InFO 24014), the agency noted its recent release of SMS requirements for charter, certain air tours, and manufacturers earlier this year.

That rule, which expanded Part 5, did not address other organizations such as fractional ownership and Part 145 repair stations, the agency pointed out. However, the International Civil Aviation Organization has established an international standard for general aviation operators flying large and jet aircraft (Annex 6 Part 2, Section 3). Further, the FAA added, repair stations operating with EASA Part 145 authorization are required to have an SMS program by December 2025.

According to the ICAO standard, general aviation operators of aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds and jet aircraft must maintain an SMS “commensurate with the size and complexity of the operation and meet the criteria established by the state of registry.” The SMS should include a process to identify safety hazards and assess the associated risks; a process to implement remedial action when necessary; and provisions for continuous monitoring and regular assessment of safety management activities.

The FAA stressed that “a successful SMS implementation will require more than writing a manual” and suggested that aviation organizations could use third-party providers to assist in developing and implementing their SMS. But operators should determine what compliance is acceptable in the countries of their intended operations.

“An SMS integrates risk management into normal day-to-day business practices. Safety is managed as a core business function where the organization treats safety in the same way it manages other functions (e.g., financial, quality, marketing),” the agency said, adding that organizations, “regardless of type of aircraft operated,” should implement such programs.