Your customers want one thing – to get safely from A to B. And you owe it to them to do everything to achieve this at a level of safety that is As Low as Reasonably Practicable (ALARP). The regulator will expect an Acceptable Level of Safety Performance (ALoSP). But what does all that mean to you? How is it achieved?

Since the introduction of Annex 19, all commercial aviation entities and complex private aviation entities require a Safety Management System (SMS). But it is all very well to have a manual, forms, and lip service, but how do you make your SMS effective?

The SMS must be visibly demonstrated through every interaction. Start every meeting with a safety thought. Add anything to report to your post-flight packs. Publish a safety newsletter to share lessons learned. Consider an award for the safety performer of the month. Regularly survey your operational staff on safety culture issues. Ensure SMS features in your recurrent syllabus. Ensure reporting: mandatory, voluntary, confidential, anonymous, is available; each brings with it gems of information that may have otherwise been overlooked.

If you need help with your SMS, get in touch: info@redskyventures.org.

Just like your passengers, all the regulator wants to do is ensure your passengers get safely from A to B. Caveat: there are regulatory guidelines they have to follow to do this. Some might seem arbitrary, but all have wel thought out reasoning behind them, and following them gives you that all-important safety margin. While the regulator audits you, ICAO audits them, and for you both, compliance with the written word – regulations, manuals, guidance material – is key.

Help yourself help them – know your regulations and ensure your manuals follow the guidance therein. Make the content applicable to your operation and easy to understand by all operational staff. Ensure traceable records to match the manuals clearly demonstrating implementation. And keep things practical.

If you need help with your manuals or regulatory approvals, get in touch: info@redskyventures.org.