scope:

The requirements of this order apply to AVS and all AVS services/offices. In addition to implementation of the AVSSMS, each AVS service that has product/service provider organizations for which it has oversight responsibility, must publish SMS requirements specific to those organizations which it oversees (e.g., Flight Standards Service (AFS) must develop and publish requirements for SMSs in operator organizations, Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) must develop and publish SMS requirements for manufacturers, etc.). These requirements, which will be published by AVS services/offices, must be consistent with the requirements described in Appendix B of this Order. In addition, Appendix 1 in Advisory Circular (AC) 120-92, Introduction to Safety Management Systems for Air Operators, published by the General Aviation and Commercial Division (AFS-800), provides one example of requirements that are tailored to a particular segment of the air transportation system. SMSs are intended to be scaleable to match the type and criticality of the products and/or services they govern.

The AVS SMS consists of four main components: Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion. These components are covered in more detail in the body of this Order. The components work together to enable AVS to manage the safety risk in the air transportation system. Safety Policy includes the statement of goals and objectives for AVS to fulfill, as well as staffing and planning. Safety Risk Management includes the forward looking identification of hazards in the air transportation system, analyzing and assessing their risk, and controls them (as required). Safety Assurance gathers data on the air transportation system, analyzes and assesses that data to determine if the safety risk controls generated in Safety Risk Management are effective, and if not, makes decisions regarding what appropriate corrective action should be taken. Finally, safety promotion includes communication, training, and the development of a positive safety culture.

AVS management has directed that all SMS related rulemaking activities be combined. This effort would encompass necessary rulemaking for the Flight Standards Service, the Aircraft Certification Service, and the Office of Aerospace Medicine.

The reader is encouraged to review Appendix A for definitions of terms used in this order.