Introduction

In the complex and dynamic aviation industry, safety is paramount, demanding a proactive and systematic approach to risk management. Traditional safety efforts often react to incidents, but modern aviation requires a holistic framework that integrates safety into every facet of an organization's operations. Safety Management Systems (SMS) provide this essential structure, moving beyond mere compliance to foster a strong safety culture, identify hazards before they cause harm, and continuously improve safety performance. Implementing and maintaining an effective SMS is not just a regulatory requirement in many regions; it is a strategic imperative for airlines, air traffic control, maintenance organizations, and airports to enhance operational efficiency, reduce accidents, and protect lives and assets. This essential training course focuses on equipping aviation professionals with the knowledge and tools to implement and optimize robust Aviation Safety Management Systems.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower aviation professionals, including managers, safety officers, operational personnel, and regulators, with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to develop, implement, and maintain effective Aviation Safety Management Systems. Participants will gain a deep understanding of SMS components, learn to conduct hazard identification and risk assessment, and explore strategies for fostering a proactive safety culture. The course will delve into topics such as safety policy and objectives, safety risk management, safety assurance, safety promotion, accident/incident investigation, and regulatory oversight of SMS. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Aviation Safety Management Systems, participants will be prepared to enhance their organization's safety performance, ensure compliance with international standards, and contribute to a safer aviation industry globally.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Aviation Safety Managers and Officers
• Airline Operations Managers
• Air Traffic Control Managers
• Airport Operations and Safety Personnel
• Aircraft Maintenance Organization Managers and Quality Personnel
• Aviation Regulators and Inspectors
• Pilots and Flight Crew Managers
• Ground Handling Managers
• Quality Assurance Professionals in Aviation
• Human Factors Specialists in Aviation

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts and regulatory requirements of Aviation Safety Management Systems (SMS).
• Comprehend the four pillars/components of a comprehensive SMS framework.
• Learn to develop and implement an effective Safety Policy and Objectives.
• Acquire practical skills in hazard identification and safety risk assessment methodologies.
• Explore techniques for safety assurance, including audits, evaluations, and performance monitoring.
• Understand the importance of safety promotion and fostering a strong safety culture.
• Gain knowledge of accident and incident investigation within an SMS context.
• Learn about the regulatory oversight of SMS and compliance verification.
• Examine global best practices and successful case studies of SMS implementation.
• Develop a practical action plan for improving or implementing SMS in their organization.
• Enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills for proactive safety management.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Safety Management Systems (SMS)

• Evolution of aviation safety management: from reactive to proactive and predictive.
• Defining SMS: goals, benefits, and foundational principles.
• ICAO Annex 19 and other international/national regulatory frameworks for SMS.
• The business case for SMS: beyond compliance to operational efficiency and risk reduction.
• Overview of the four components (pillars) of SMS.

Module 2: Safety Policy and Objectives

• Developing a clear and concise Safety Policy statement.
• Senior management commitment and accountability for safety.
• Defining safety objectives and performance targets.
• Roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities within the SMS.
• Integrating safety policy with organizational policies and objectives.

Module 3: Safety Risk Management (SRM) - Hazard Identification

• Introduction to Safety Risk Management: a systematic process.
• Understanding "hazard" vs. "risk" in aviation.
• Methods for proactive hazard identification: safety reporting systems, safety surveys, audits.
• Reactive hazard identification: incident/accident investigations, trend analysis.
• Human Factors and organizational factors in hazard identification.

Module 4: Safety Risk Management (SRM) - Risk Assessment and Mitigation

• Techniques for safety risk assessment: qualitative, quantitative, and semi-quantitative methods.
• Developing risk matrices and criteria for risk tolerability.
• Strategies for risk mitigation: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE.
• Cost-benefit analysis in risk mitigation decisions.
• Documenting safety risk management decisions and actions.

Module 5: Safety Assurance

• Purpose of Safety Assurance: ensuring SMS effectiveness and achieving safety objectives.
• Safety performance monitoring and measurement: leading and lagging indicators.
• Safety audits, inspections, and evaluations as tools for assurance.
• Continuous improvement mechanisms within the SMS.
• Management of Change (MOC) within the safety assurance process.

Module 6: Safety Promotion

• Fostering a positive safety culture: just culture, reporting culture, learning culture.
• Safety communication strategies: newsletters, briefings, campaigns.
• Safety training and education programs for all personnel.
• Dissemination of safety information and lessons learned.
• Encouraging safety reporting and feedback from employees.

Module 7: Accident/Incident Investigation and Reporting

• Principles of effective accident and incident investigation (e.g., Bowtie, Root Cause Analysis).
• The role of SMS in supporting investigations and preventing recurrence.
• Reporting requirements for incidents and accidents to regulatory bodies.
• Learning from investigations: developing corrective and preventive actions.
• Protecting sensitive safety information and promoting a non-punitive reporting environment.

Module 8: SMS Implementation and Regulatory Oversight

• Phases of SMS implementation: planning, documentation, integration.
• Challenges in SMS implementation and strategies for overcoming them.
• Regulatory oversight of SMS: compliance monitoring, audits, enforcement.
• Preparing for SMS audits by regulatory authorities.
• Sustaining SMS effectiveness and continuous improvement in the long term.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training