Safety Management Systems (SMS) for Airport Operators
The application of a systematic, proactive, and well-defined safety program (as is inherent in a Safety Management System (SMS)) allows an organization producing a product or service to strike a realistic and efficient balance between safety and production.
The forecast growth in air transportation will require new measures and a greater effort from all aviation producers—including Airport Operators—to achieve a continuing improvement in the level of aviation safety. The use of SMS at airports can contribute to this effort by increasing the likelihood that Airport Operators will detect and correct safety problems before those problems result in an aircraft accident or incident.
In November 2005, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) amended Annex 14, Volume I (Aerodrome Design and Operations), to require member States to have certificated international airports establish a SMS. The FAA supports harmonization of international standards and has worked to make U.S. aviation safety regulations consistent with ICAO standards and recommended practices.
The agency intends to implement the use of SMS at U.S. airports to meet the intent of the ICAO standard in a way that complements existing airport safety regulations in 14 CFR Part 139, Certification of Airports.
FAA Actions Associated with SMS Implementation
The FAA will take actions in the following areas in conjunction with the implementation of SMS at U.S. commercial airports:
- Rulemaking
- Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant Eligibility
- Additional Guidance on SMS at Airports
Pilot Study Participants
- Airports Participating in SMS Pilot Study (Updated 2/5/2008)
SMS Guidance and Tools
- Advisory Circular 150/5200-37, Introduction to Safety Management Systems for Airport Operators
- SMS Pilot Study Participant's Guide
- SMS Presentation for Airport Operators (PPS)
Related Information
- Transportation Research Board (TRB) Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP)
- ICAO Document 9859, Safety Management Manual
- Links to General SMS Information
