SMS, HFACS, ERP’s

Safety Management System

Safety Management Systems (SMS) will soon be required for operators conducting operations under 14 CRF 135 as they are currently required for 14 CFR 121 operators. The core principles of SMS can be found in Part 5 and include the four primary principles: Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion of a proper SMS program. Having an effective SMS in place and fully realized by all your team members will greatly reduce the probability of undesired outcomes and gather your staff closer as a team making for a more productive and enjoyable workplace for everyone involved. An SMS is not just a folder to have on the shelf, there is a process of implementation that can be daunting for some but with the help of Avian Enterprises, it will be seamless.

HFACS

Safety auditing is a key element of safety management that assesses the activities and safety performance of an operator which will produce a systematic overall evaluation. A full safety audit can include but is not limited to, the following: safety policy, change management, SMS as a whole, operating procedures, emergency procedures, and the overall safety culture of an organization.

The HFACS framework describes human error at each of four levels of failure:
1. Unsafe acts of operators (e.g., aircrew),
2. Preconditions for unsafe acts,
3. Unsafe supervision, and
4. Organizational influences.

By using the HFACS framework for accident investigation, organizations are able to identify the breakdowns within the entire system that allowed an accident to occur. HFACS can also be used proactively by analyzing historical events to identify reoccurring trends in human performance and system deficiencies. Both of these methods will allow organizations to identify weak areas and implement targeted, data-driven interventions that will ultimately reduce accident and injury rates.

Emergency Response Plan (ERP)

Emergency Response Plans (ERP) are frameworks that outline what to do specifically and timely in the event of an emergency. Having a practiced ERP in place will greatly reduce the precious time lost with people making knee-jerk reactions and often doubling and tripling efforts. Having an ERP means that everyone in your organization responsible for the specific part of the aviation activity knows exactly what to do and when to do it in the event of an emergency. An ERP is formed by going through the following steps:

Step 1- Perform a risk assessment

Step 2- Document contact information

Step 3- Assign roles and responsibilities

Step 4- Take stock of current resources within your organization

Step 5- Create a response plan for most likely occurrences

Step 6- Decide how the communication interfaces and responsibilities will be organized

Step 7- Training, drills, and assessments for improvements

No matter what size of aviation organization you have, from a single pilot operation to a full 135 operator, ERP’s can not only greatly assist in the event of an emergency but often help avoid potential accidents and incidents in the first place with everyone’s full understanding of the framework and training provided by Avian Enterprises.

What you will receive is a customized manual for your operation and training to ensure many safe years to come and in the event of the unthinkable, you will know you are ready to handle whatever comes your way in an expedient and efficient manner. Call Today.

  • Emergency Risk Management (ERP)
  • SMS and/or Safety Management System (SMS)
  • Human Factors Analysis and Classification System
  • RLCFM