In the ever-evolving aviation industry, safety has been one of the most important aspects of its operations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is constantly looking for new ways to enhance safety standards and improve the overall quality of aviation safety. In recent years, the FAA has mandated the implementation of a Safety Management System (SMS) for both Part 121 and Part 139 operators and has been seeking input on whether to extend the SMS mandate to Part 145 certified operators. This emphasis on safety has become even more significant following the aftermath of the Alaska Airlines incident. This unfortunate situation again showcased the imperative need to foster a comprehensive safety ecosystem across Part 121, Part 139, and Part 145 operators.
Recent Incidents:
On January 5th, a cabin door panel blew off mid-air during an Alaska Airlines flight. The cabin panel that flew out was a door plug installed over an emergency exit door. Similarly in 2018, a piece of engine housing ripped off a Southwest plane and shattered the window mid-flight. We have also recently seen an international issue in 2018 when an Air Astana flight in Belarus faced severe control issues shortly after takeoff. All these incidents highlight the requirement and importance of SMS in the aviation industry.
The FAA Proposal:
Last year, the FAA sought input on whether MROs certified under Part 145 should have an SMS mandate. In response to this, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) asserted the need to extend SMS requirements to cover repair stations. The NTSB's viewpoint was influenced by its investigation into an accident in October of 2019. The probe into the fatal accident that involved a PenAir Saab 2000 showed that due to instances of cross-wiring of a commercial aircraft's anti-skid systems during maintenance led to the in-service occurrences. The NTSB's recommendations emphasize the advantages of SMS for Part 145s, empowering its requirement in certified MRO shops.
The Importance of SMS for MROs:
SMS will play a critical role for MROs especially when it comes to identifying and mitigating hazards. This will allow MROs to maintain compliance with the safety standards through audits and evaluations. The reporting aspect will allow MROs to create a proactive approach for prompt resolutions of safety issues. Finally, safety promotion will allow to generate and emphasize a positive safety culture within an organization. The SMS will allow for an overall improvement in safety measures and increase the reliability of maintenance operations for an MRO.
International Standards:
Internationally, organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 2013, worked towards integrating SMS as part of its recommended practices. Similarly, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2022 expanded its requirements so that it can include repair stations. This global push towards SMS inclusion highlights its importance in advancing aviation safety.
Conclusion:
With the FAA’s recent imposition of SMS mandates for both Part 121 and Part 139 operators, the necessity to extend the SMS mandate for U.S.-certified MROs has never been more pressing. The key players in the aviation industry must recognize the importance of the Safety Management System for MROs and understand the lasting benefits it brings in the long run.
