SMS Frequently Asked Questions
The decision by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to specify that a SMS requirement be incorporated into national safety regulations applicable to many business aircraft operators has generated a number of questions from NBAA Members. To provide current information on the SMS regulatory landscape, NBAA developed answers to the most frequently asked questions on this topic. While the FAA has yet to issue any SMS regulations for U.S. registered operators conducting domestic flights, certain civil aviation authorities outside the U.S. are in the process of developing SMS regulations that will apply to aircraft operating within their country.
Applicability of ICAO Standards
- Does Annex 6 Part II of the ICAO Standards require operators of private aircraft to implement a SMS by November 2010?
- If the FAA files a difference with ICAO indicating that U.S. registered operators will not be required to have a SMS in place, are operators exempt from SMS requirements in other countries?
Regulatory Guidance on SMS
- Since the FAA has not finalized SMS regulations or guidance material should operators not begin the process of SMS implementation?
- What is the status of FAA’s effort to develop regulatory requirements relating to SMS?
- Should operators wait to implement a SMS until regulators such as EASA or FAA release a compliance date?
Using IS-BAO to Comply with ICAO Standards and State Regulatory Requirements
- Should operators pursue International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) registration even though FAA has not formally recognized any standard setting/audit program?
- Many operators are implementing the IS-BAO, does it meet ICAO requirements?
- Are operators required to complete the IS-BAO registration process to demonstrate their compliance with SMS requirements?
- Are regulators in Europe familiar with the IS-BAO standard?
