Introduction

This live online course introduces the structure and operation of Safety Management Systems within aviation organizations and aerodromes.

It examines safety policy and objectives, safety risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion, with particular attention to how these components support organizational decisions and safety improvement.

The course uses theoretical briefings, facilitated online discussions, and focused case studies. Its condensed format concentrates on core concepts and selected examples to help participants interpret SMS practices and identify improvement priorities.

Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the purpose and four components of an SMS.
• Identify the safety responsibilities of management, safety personnel, and operational departments.
• Explain how safety culture and reporting practices support organizational learning.
• Distinguish hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk mitigation.
• Interpret selected safety performance indicators within a written case study.
• Explain the role of safety assurance, management of change, and safety promotion.
• Recommend improvement priorities based on a structured SMS case study.
• Safety managers, officers, and coordinators.
• Airport and aerodrome operations personnel.
• Airline and ground handling supervisors.
• Quality assurance and compliance monitoring personnel.
• Managers with responsibilities relating to safety performance.
• Personnel seeking a structured understanding of SMS principles.

Target Audience

• Safety managers, officers, and coordinators.
• Airport and aerodrome operations personnel.
• Airline and ground handling supervisors.
• Quality assurance and compliance monitoring personnel.
• Managers with responsibilities relating to safety performance.
• Personnel seeking a structured understanding of SMS principles.

Training Methodology

The course uses live instructor-led sessions divided into focused learning blocks with scheduled breaks. Short theoretical briefings are followed by questions, discussions, and analysis of written cases.

Participants receive electronic case materials and review selected documents during the sessions. Breakout discussions, where supported by the platform, allow small groups to compare findings before sharing their conclusions.

The methodology includes:

• Live presentations and facilitated discussions.
• Interactive polls and short knowledge checks.
• Guided analysis of electronic case materials.
• Small-group discussions and instructor feedback.
• A final case discussion and knowledge assessment.

Outline

Day 1 — SMS Foundations, Policy, and Responsibilities

• The purpose and scope of SMS in aviation organizations.
• The four SMS components and their relationship.
• Safety culture, just culture, and reporting.
• Safety policy, objectives, and management commitment.
• Safety accountability, responsibilities, and documentation.
• Coordination of emergency response planning.
• Case study: Identifying weaknesses in a fictional organization’s policy and reporting arrangements.

Day 2 — Safety Risk Management

• Hazards, consequences, and safety risks.
• Safety reporting and sources of hazard information.
• Principles of likelihood and severity assessment.
• Risk mitigation and residual risk.
• Risk acceptance responsibilities and documentation.
• Case study: Discussing the risks associated with an operational change and comparing proposed controls.

Day 3 — Safety Assurance and Performance

• Safety assurance and its relationship with risk management.
• Safety performance indicators, targets, and data sources.
• Interpreting trends and recognizing data limitations.
• Audits, reviews, and monitoring of corrective actions.
• Management of change and continuous improvement.
• Case study: Reviewing a safety performance summary and identifying questions requiring further investigation.

Day 4 — Safety Promotion and Integrated SMS Review

• Safety training, education, and communication.
• Sharing lessons learned and encouraging reporting.
• Reviewing the connections between the four SMS components.
• Identifying and prioritizing improvement actions.
• Assigning responsibilities and reviewing progress.
• Integrated case study: Reviewing a fictional SMS and presenting a concise set of improvement recommendations.
• Final assessment, feedback, and course review.