Story ID: 
Duncan Aviation Rolling Out SMS Program
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: The MRO provider is first implementing SMS in Lincoln, Nebraska, but will then extend the program to its Battle Creek, Michigan and Provo, Utah sites.
Word Count: 233
Duncan Aviation has begun implementing a safety management system (SMS) program for all operations at its Lincoln, Nebraska location. The MRO provider is working with the FAA on the development of the program, which will encompass formal processes and tools to manage a structured safety program.

SMS is not required at this time for repair stations, but the FAA offers a voluntary program for interested participants. The program includes processes surrounding safety policy, risk management, assurance, promotion, and record-keeping. Once the program is verified in Lincoln, Duncan plans to apply it to its locations in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Provo, Utah.

“A safety management system will help us connect all of our safety-related activities so that we can confidently continue delivering safe products while keeping our team members safe in an increasingly complex environment,” said Tom Burt, executive v-p and COO at Duncan Aviation’s Battle Creek facility.

The Duncan Aviation SMS team has completed a gap analysis, evaluating how current safety activities line up with FAR Part 5. It is now making minor modifications to certain processes, clarifying the SMS processes, and conducting training. A final step, slated for next year, will involve FAA audits.

While first verified in Lincoln, ”in the meantime, we are implementing all the same processes at all of our locations,” said Duncan audit programs/SMS manager Mike Brown.