scope:

Purpose of This Order. This order describes how the Flight Standards Service (AFS) complies with the Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety (AVS-1) Order VS 8000.1, Safety Management System Doctrine. Order VS 8000.1 requires AVS services to incorporate Safety Management System (SMS) principles into Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversight of the U.S. aviation industry. In support of the AVS Safety Management System (AVSSMS) Doctrine, this order:

• Provides information for AFS divisions and offices in support of the development of implementation plans and guidance based upon and consistent with Order VS 8000.1. AFS divisions and offices will issue supplementary guidance, both internally and externally, to implement the principles and provide direction to aviation product/service providers;

• Explains the principles and requirements to guide the evolution of AFS oversight processes in an SMS environment;

• Establishes an AFS Steering Committee to oversee the maintenance and implementation of this order;

• Standardizes terminology for AFS oversight activity consistent with AVS guidance and appropriate to each of the constituent industry segments and aviation activities under the oversight jurisdiction of AFS; and

• Defines roles of AFS and the industry, specifically with respect to the responsibility for managing risk and determining acceptable levels of safety.