FAA InFO Highlights Concerns With Looming SMS Deadline

The FAA recently published an Information for Operators (InFO) document explaining that while international standards require an aggressive approach to the implementation of Safety Management Systems (SMS) the United States is still unable to even offer official recognition of programs to air carriers.

InFO 08053 explains that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has established a requirement for member states to impose SMS requirements on operators. The current deadline to complete this step is January 1, 2009, although a delay may still occur. While some states have acted to adopt SMS requirements, the U.S. has not yet established a regulatory requirement for the program.

The FAA has published guidance material in the form of AC 120-92, Introduction to Safety Management Systems for Operators, which provides air carriers with information necessary to establish an SMS program.

Because there is no existing SMS mandate, the FAA is now working to file a difference with ICAO. The lack of an SMS regulation and, more importantly, the inability for the FAA to issue a formal approval or acceptance of an air carrier’s program could prove quite problematic for air carriers, including Part 135 operators conducting international operations in the future.

Any nation that has an SMS requirement may choose to accept or reject the FAA difference. Acceptance of the difference would allow U.S. carriers to continue to conduct flights to that nation. However, a rejection of the difference could prohibit operations. Operators are cautioned not to take the FAA’s lack of existing regulation or formal SMS approval process as an indication that these items are not still imminent. The FAA has initiated a process to evaluate rulemaking options. Regardless of FAA regulatory requirements, international operators will likely need to begin the SMS implementation sooner rather than later.

To avoid future operational restrictions because an SMS is not implemented, ACSF encourages all operators to become familiar with the SMS concept and begin action to implement a program. Typically, it takes three to four years to establish a fully implemented SMS program.

Click here to download FAA InFO 08053.