scope:

Purpose of This Order.

a. Applicability.

This order defines the requirements of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Order VS 8000.367, AVS Safety Management System (AVSSMS) Requirements, and FAA Order VS 8000.370, Aviation Safety (AVS) Safety Policy, by establishing the functional requirements and processes for the Flight Standards Safety Management System (FSSMS) in support of the FAA and Aviation Safety Safety Management System (AVSSMS). FSSMS integrates the management of safety into its business planning process, operations, and decision-making process. Through Safety Management System (SMS) activities, Flight Standards (FS) leverages existing technical and safety management processes and practices.

Note: This order is not intended to provide guidance on the acceptance and continued oversight of SMS required under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 5 and the SMS Voluntary Program (SMSVP) Standard. Guidance for SMS as required under the SMSVP is addressed in FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System, Volume 17, Safety Management System.

Note: The FSSMS may include terms and techniques found in the requirements specified within part 5. The FSSMS, however, is not based on part 5 regulatory requirements, but rather the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards for a State Safety Provider as defined in Order 8000.369, Safety Management System, and Order VS 8000.367. FS is responsible for the safety oversight of its regulated entities as part of the FAA's State Safety Program (SSP).

b. Purpose.

The FSSMS is not intended to replace current certification, oversight, and risk management guidance. The FSSMS equips FS to respond to safety challenges and the needs of FS, including safety data collection, analysis, protection, and sharing capabilities. This is accomplished by incorporating proactive and reactive safety management techniques, such as Safety Risk Management (SRM), in the development, modification, and implementation of regulations (risk controls), safety policies, and guidance materials.