Since its formation, safety has always been a priority for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Now, the agency is turning up the dial on Safety Management Systems (SMS) with 14 CFR Part 5. This isn’t just another regulation; it’s a roadmap for making our skies safer for everyone, whether you’re a part 121 air carrier, part 135 operator, part 91.147 air tour company, certain part 21 certificate holder, or you simply want to implement an SMS.
If you are a part 135 certificate holder, the date to circle on your calendar is May 28, 2027. That’s the deadline for part 135 operators to be Part 5 compliant. Think that’s a long way off? Don’t be fooled—setting up an SMS is a journey, not a sprint. You’ll need time to implement all the moving pieces, get your paperwork in order, and ensure your operation is ready for an FAA audit. The best time to start? Right now. Let’s break it down—what an SMS is, why should you care, how to get started, and why waiting isn’t an option.
What is an SMS?
If your operation is like most, your crews are probably relying on manual methods to manage flight risks: spreadsheets, physical call-making, emails, and/or outdated software. An SMS is essentially a top-down, organization-wide framework designed to manage flight safety risks in an organized and systematic manner.
Four core components make up an effective SMS:
1. Safety Policy: This is leadership’s commitment to safety, clarifying company objectives and responsibilities.
2. Safety Risk Management (SRM): The SRM is a collection of processes to identify hazards, assess flight risks, and implement controls to minimize these risks.
3. Safety Assurance (SA): SA monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of the risk controls in place.
4. Safety Promotion: Foster a positive safety culture through training and communication.
Why Bother? The Real-World Payoff
So, what do you get for all this effort? Peace of mind, for starters. In 2024, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated 96 accidents and 16 incidents involving business aviation turboprops and jets, most of which occurred during approach and on the ground. In the first five months of 2025, 60 accidents resulted in lives lost. Headlines still report general aviation incidents: runway oversights, weather surprises, landing gear mishaps—the list goes on.
These events emphasize the importance of establishing a culture of safety within your operation as well as implementing tools that enable your team to quickly
identify, assess, and respond to risks, thus mitigating the chances of an accident or incident.
How to Get Started: From Zero to SMS Hero
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Here’s your SMS action plan:
- Implementation Framework: Lay out how you’ll build SMS into your operation. Cover everything: your org chart, who’s in charge, your safety policy, SRM and SA workflows, training, communication strategies, and a realistic timeline.
- Gap Analysis: Compare your current safety practices to Part 5 requirements. Where are you solid? Where are the gaps? This is your chance to review your documentation, risk controls, and team engagement.
- Document Everything: Let’s be honest: the FAA loves operators with good recordkeeping. Make sure your SMS manual, hazard register, audit and training logs, safety reports, and corrective actions are current and easy to access.
- Build a Safety Culture: Safety isn’t a box to check—it’s a mindset. Train your team, keep communication open, and encourage everyone to report issues without fear.
- Declaration of Compliance (DOC): When your SMS is up and running, you’ll need to submit a DOC to the FAA. This isn’t just a formality; it’s your opportunity to show you’re Part 5 ready, with buy-in from your accountable executive and proof that your SMS delivers results.
Why Wait? The Clock Is Ticking
With FAA Part 5 compliance deadlines approaching, you and your team need to act now. Building an SMS isn’t an overnight project; a well-implemented SMS will proactively strengthen your operation by enhancing safety, streamlining efficiency, and building resilience into your day-to-day processes. Don’t put it off. Waiting until the last minute puts your team under pressure and increases the risk of missing critical elements. The sooner you start, the better positioned you’ll be to create a customized system that truly supports your operation—not just satisfies a rule.
What Should I Consider When Selecting an SMS?
If you are planning to use a third-party SMS provider, it’s important to take some time and think about what your operation’s needs are. For example, what elements in an SMS should be considered a must-have versus merely something for a wish list?
Features that an effective SMS can provide include:
- Flight data: FAA Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs), routes, airport/runway status, and weather;
- Risk assessment controls;
- Checklists;
- Assignment and tracking of tasks;
- Messaging: alerts, notices, and internal discussions;
- Inspection-ready reporting;
- Analytics of flight risks; and
- Recommendations concerning hazard mitigation strategies.
AirTera SMS utilizes partnerships with other flight data providers as well as aircraft operators to offer a holistic solution that provides these features as well as Emergency Response Planning (ERP) and secure document upload and storage. To see AirTera SMS in action, request a demo by emailing services@airtera.com or calling +1.703.842.5317. You can also visit https://airtera.com/safety-management-system-inquiry.
