Industry Still Confused about SMS

To clear up continuing confusion about safety management systems, FAA Flight Standards SMS office manager Don Arendt told attendees at last month’s NATA Air Charter Summit that while SMS “is a set of decision-making practices,” it isn’t a substitute for compliance. While ICAO’s Annex 6 took effect on January 1, requiring countries to implement SMS regulations, the FAA has filed a difference with ICAO, and the U.S. remains non-compliant until regulations are enacted. This means that U.S. operators who fly to a country where SMS is required may have to show proof of compliance, even before the FAA adopts mandatory SMS via a rulemaking.