scope:

Purpose of This Order.

Establishes an audits and assessments program as an integral part of the Air Traffic Organization (ATO) Safety Management System (SMS) and a component of safety assurance. To continuously improve the safety of National Airspace System (NAS) equipment, operations, and procedures, the ATO conducts audits and assessments to determine whether the NAS is performing as expected and to validate and verify safety data. Audits and assessments also ensure mitigations or corrective actions are implemented to address noncompliance with requirements, safety hazards, and other safety-related issues. This order defines the responsibilities and requirements for conducting audits and assessments of ATO operations, products, and services; a facility's delivery of air traffic services; safety programs and initiatives; SMS performance; and technical training. This order does not apply to independent operational assessments, which are described in the Acquisition Management System policy of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).