Even single-person operations can benefit from an SMS, according to NBAA Vice President Doug Carr. “What [the SMS] does is put a basic process in place so that operational safety is not dependant on a single person — everyone becomes part of the safety program,” Carr, who oversees safety, security and regulatory issues at the NBAA, told Business & Commercial Aviation.

The NTSB has recommended adoption of SMSes in two accident investigation reports, the Pinnacle Airlines Flight 3701 Bombardier RJ crash at Jefferson City, Mo., on Oct. 14, 2004, and the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) Cessna 310R crash at Orlando on July 10, 2007.

Two safety experts interviewed by Business & Commercial Aviation for this report provided some operational examples that can be addressed by safety management systems. Ray Rohr, director, regulatory affairs, International Business Aviation Council — “The example I like to use is fatigue. You can put down hard hours to fly, which might work for the airlines but not charter; however, with an SMS, you can have performance-based rules that provide a safety objective and a process for the operator to meet it.