SMS – Voluntary Implementation
With the increasing efforts by countries and Civil Aviation Authorities around the globe to implement ICAO Annex 19 – State Safety Programmes (SSP), there will be increased expectations that all aviation services and products provided within the State are performed by organizations with a mature SMS that conforms to Annex 19 standards.
Canadian operations currently excluded from the SMS regulations are encouraged to voluntarily implement a SMS that conforms to Annex19. Several organizations including Transport Canada have produced particularly good reference material to guide and assist small operators, maintenance organizations or Flight Training Units in SMS implementation. For example:
– TCCA Advisory Circular AC No.107-002 – SMS Development Guide for Small Aviation Organizations
– SM ICG – SMS for Small Organizations
To assist design organizations, and manufacturers in SMS development, the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada (AIAC) has produced an International Industry Standard to support the implementation of SMS that meets ICAO Annex 19.
– AIAC SM-0001 – Implementing a SMS in Design, Manufacturing and Maintenance Organizations
It is not unreasonable to see that as the rest of the world adopts ICAO Annex 19 and SSP/SMS implementation matures, that the exchange of products and services between countries will require the organizations to have a SMS that meets the intent of Annex 19. All Canadian organizations are encouraged to implement SMS for improved safety as well as economic benefits through international acceptance of products and services into the future.
