An Introduction to Safety Management Systems (SMS)

has the potential of adding bureaucracy and entire layer of work to job descriptions.  However, as Transport Canada has explained that the implementation of this program is designed to be woven into the existing fabric of the organization and match organizational size, structure, environment, management styles and corporate culture. 

Essentially, SMS is the formalization of continually increasing safety through hazard identification and risk management.  As Langley Flying School management and staff embark on creating safer flight training environment, it is important to remember that the key to the success of SMS is that the responsibility for safety involves everyone!

What to Report

Any safety concern should be reported, but here are some examples suggested by Transport Canada2:

• high workload during passenger boarding;
• poor communication between operational areas;
• crews rushing through checks;
• inadequate checklists;
• inadequate tool or equipment control;
• difficulty obtaining parts;
• feeling fatigued on certain schedules;
• NOTAMS not being passed to crew;
• in-flight turbulence;
• unsafe ground movements;
• poor communication within maintenance;
• poorly designed task cards;
• lack of emergency equipment, procedures and training;
• emergency exit paths blocked;
• vehicles left in fire lanes or other unauthorized area;
• unruly passengers;
• confusing signs;
• poor lighting;
• dispatching overloaded aircraft; and
• failing to maintain operational control.

Where to Report

In the front office at Langley Flying School, there are three reporting forms available for use:

1. Anonymous Hazard Report
2. SMS Hazard Identification Report
3. SMS Confidential Hazard Report

If you wish to be anonymous or have your identity complete confidential only to the Safety Management Officer (SMO), you can accomplish this and still contribute to the safety culture by using the appropriate forms.  Email is also an excellent to way to communicate with the SMO (smo@langleyflyingschool.com). 

Non-Punitive or No Blame Reporting Policy

The reporting process is not a search to assign blame in an incident, but rather, it is a search for the reasons and cause behind the incident.  By working to understand how an incident occurred, it allows for a learning environment and ultimately a safe environment both for reporting and communication, as well as for flying.  Consequently, to ensure safety is paramount in all flight operations, no disciplinary actions will be taken unless it is a case of willful negligence, criminal intent or includes the use of illicit substances.  Utilize the drop box in the front office to make reports anonymously if so desired.

Langley Flying School’s Commitment to Safety

Langley Flying School is committed to continually improving safety and will accomplish this through the implementation of a Safety Management System, as per the Canadian Aviation Regulations, that matches the size and complexity of the flight training operation.  From all levels of management down to student pilots, safety is to be promoted as the primary concern in all activities surround flight operations. 

At the core of Langley Flying School's system will be the following principles:

1. Langley Flying School management will be proactive in the identification of safety risks and the elimination of injury to students and staff.
2. All information related to safety issues will be shared with all students and staff.
3. No disciplinary action will be taken against any staff member or students involved a safety occurrence or incident, except where there is willful negligence, criminal intent, or use of illicit substances.

If you have any further questions regarding safety or Langley Flying School’s SMS, please do not hesitate to contact us at smo@langleyflyingschool.com.

Links

Transport Safety Board of Canada Reports

Transport Canada SMS

“SMS” A Common Sense Approach to Reducing Hazards and Risks by Tom Larkin