Story ID: 
Tradewind Aviation's SMS Receives FAA Approval
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: FAA signoff places Tradewind among few operators.
Word Count: 229
Tradewind Aviation received FAA approval for its safety management system (SMS) program, the company announced this week. The agency found the Tradewind SMS program to be within “active conformance” of the FAA voluntary SMS program.
This finding places Tradewind among the relatively small number of Part 135 operators accepted under the FAA voluntary program. Tradewind estimates the approval places it among the top 2 percent of Part 135 operators that have achieved the status.
Such approval paves the way for acceptance once the FAA completes its mandate for Part 135 operators to implement SMS programs, Tradewind noted. The culmination of a multiyear effort, the FAA finding followed a validation and credentialing process undertaken by the agency’s certificate management team.
Tradewind touted the “manifold” benefits of its SMS program, noting that not only does it enhance safety, but it realizes cost savings and demonstrates to clients, potential new talent, and others in the industry its culture of safety.
“Our dedication to enhancing our culture of safety and being proactive and predictive to address problems before they occur has never been stronger,” said company co-founder and CEO Eric Zipkin. “Coupled with the continuous attention we give to aircraft management, maintenance, and charter operation, the FAA’s approval of our SMS is proof positive that when Tradewind Aviation says we ‘Fly Personal,’ we mean it.”