Once seen as bureaucratic obligations, Safety Management Systems (SMS) have evolved into dynamic, data-driven ecosystems that support informed decision-making across aviation operations and maintenance, and even boardrooms. In this Aviation Maintenance ‘virtual roundtable’ discussion, three SMS industry leaders take a look at what SMS is, where it is headed, and why operators should care about SMS more than ever.
Aviation Maintenance: Let’s begin by asking each of you to introduce yourself, and to tell us about your role in aviation SMS.
Chris Howell: I am CEO at NorthWest Data Solutions, a leading provider of aviation safety solutions. My work focuses on overseeing the development and implementation of SMS tools that enhance risk management and safety culture for airlines and operators. With 17 years of experience in aviation safety, I collaborate with stakeholders to ensure our solutions align with regulatory standards and industry needs.
Chris Hill: I am the senior director of safety at Vertical Aviation International (VAI). I lead VAI’s strategic initiative to elevate safety throughout the vertical aviation industry by delivering high-quality safety programs and educational resources. My focus includes advancing SMS awareness, adoption, and effectiveness across diverse operational profiles worldwide.
Debi Carpenter: As executive director of the Air Charter Safety Foundation, my role is to drive the ACSF’s mission to influence industry safety by empowering our members with educational tools and resources to proactively drive their organization’s safety culture and safety performance. More specifically, I oversee the development of our SMS tools for operators of varying sizes. At ACSF we also have an ASAP (Air Safety Action Plan) program, plus our Member Assistance Program (MAP) where we help operators prepare for audits, get their SMS set up and get ready to submit compliance.
Aviation Maintenance: Thanks! So, to begin with, what trends are driving the SMS market today?
Chris Howell: The SMS market is evolving rapidly, driven by several key trends.
First, there’s a strong shift toward data-driven safety management, with organizations leveraging advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to predict and mitigate risks proactively. For instance, real-time data from flight operations and maintenance records is being used to identify patterns that could indicate potential hazards.
Second, there’s a growing emphasis on integrating SMS across all aviation domains, including manufacturers and air traffic control, as regulators like the FAA expand requirements and oversight capabilities. Finally, fostering a robust safety culture remains critical, with more organizations adopting anonymous reporting systems to encourage open hazard identification, which has led to a notable increase in reported safety issues.
Debi Carpenter: The integration of AI and predictive analytics is a major trend driving SMS these days. AI is a great way to enhance hazard identification and risk assessment. Predictive analytics tools can forecast potential safety issues, which helps to be more proactive and more informed for decision-making.
Additionally, there is a rising emphasis on FDM (Flight Data Management), which adds objective data to support a Safety Management System. Within the framework of the SMS, FDM provides insight into what’s really happening during flights, so operators can spot patterns, fix issues early, and continually improve. It’s a powerful way to make sure safety isn’t just a plan — it’s something that’s always improving.
Chris Hill: The recent expansion of the U.S. Part 5 SMS rule has brought renewed attention to SMS implementation across the industry. In response, VAI is focused on equipping our members with the resources they need to build effective safety management systems that support daily operational risk management.
Despite broad industry support, many smaller operators remain hesitant. We understand their concerns and are working alongside regulators, industry partners, and volunteers to help demystify SMS and emphasize its practical benefits when implemented properly.
With compliance deadlines approaching, we expect to see a spike in attention, some of it sincere, some of it perhaps less so. Regardless, we encourage all operators to pause, assess where they stand, identify gaps, and begin closing them. Don’t wait for a due date or, worse, a preventable tragedy. Take the time now to ask, “What could go wrong today?” and address it before it becomes a regret.
Aviation Maintenance: Has the recent spate of aircraft accidents had an impact on SMS and the use of these systems in aviation?
Chris Hill: I’d like to believe so. Every operator and maintenance provider should use each accident report as an opportunity for reflection and improvement. The findings, causal factors, and recommendations should prompt meaningful conversations and guide practical changes that enhance safety at every level.
Debi Carpenter: We have seen an increase in interest from operators seeking guidance on how to strengthen or implement their SMS. We have also seen more engagement with our tools and programs, including our new MAP and Industry Audit Standard Lite audit.
A number of high-profile aviation accidents have drawn public attention, prompting increased concern even among those who fly privately. Passengers and executives are asking more questions about the safety practices of their operators. In response, we’re helping operators use objective safety data not only as an internal tool, but as a transparent layer that can inform and reassure decision-makers.
Chris Howell: Recent aircraft incidents, such as near-collision events at major U.S. airports, have heightened the focus on SMS adoption. These incidents have underscored the need for proactive risk management, prompting operators — particularly in the Part 135 and general aviation sectors — to accelerate SMS implementation.
While Part 121 operators have long had SMS mandates, smaller operators are now recognizing the value of structured safety systems to prevent incidents and enhance compliance. This increased scrutiny has also driven demand for training programs that strengthen crew resource management and situational awareness, further embedding SMS principles into daily operations.
Aviation Maintenance: Okay, let’s get practical. What new SMS products and services have come onto the market recently, including any of your own?
Debi Carpenter: Over the past year, I’ve seen a range of new SMS products and enhancements across the industry, including improvements in data visualization, accessibility, and integration with other platforms. Some operators are even developing their own in-house SMS tools tailored to their specific needs.
At ACSF, we’ve been focused on making our SMS tools more user-friendly and adaptable across departments to support cross-functional collaboration as well as integrating with other platforms. We also introduced two key initiatives, which I have touched on before.
The first is our Member Assistance Program (MAP). This program offers hands-on coaching, including a GAP Analysis (a structured process that evaluates the current state of a safety program against its desired state, such as compliance with civil aviation authorities like FAA, ICAO, or IS-BAO) and step-by-step guidance to help operators build or improve their SMS and reach compliance with FAA Part 5 requirements.
The second is Industry Audit Standard (IAS) Lite. Designed for operators who need a more accessible pathway to compliance, IAS Lite helps ensure alignment with FAA Part 5 and ICAO Annex 19. Once certified under IAS Lite, an operator is well-positioned to submit their SMS for FAA compliance acceptance.
These additions aim to provide practical, scalable solutions for operators at different stages of SMS maturity.
Chris Hill: VAI has partnered with several trusted providers to offer SMS solutions tailored to a wide range of operator sizes and missions. These are not off-the-shelf templates or shelf-sitters. Our partners work directly with operators to identify real capability gaps and deliver tools, assessments, and coaching that align with their specific operational needs and maturity levels.
Chris Howell: The market has seen several innovative SMS products emerge recently. At NWDS, we’ve continued to expand on SMS Pro, a cloud-based SMS platform, which streamlines hazard reporting and risk analysis through an intuitive interface. This tool integrates with existing operational systems, allowing operators to aggregate data from multiple sources and generate actionable insights. Other notable enhancements include built in a learning management system (LMS), and computer-based training modules for safety procedures, which enhance employee preparedness and reduce human error. These advancements reflect a broader industry push toward technology-enabled safety solutions.
Aviation Maintenance: To close out our discussion, what do you foresee the future holding for SMS?
Chris Howell: Looking ahead, I see SMS becoming even more predictive and interconnected. As artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies mature, SMS platforms will increasingly anticipate risks by analyzing vast datasets in real time — everything from engine performance to weather patterns. Regulatory harmonization will also play a key role, with global standards like those from ICAO ensuring seamless SMS implementation across borders. Additionally, the rise of autonomous aircraft and urban air mobility will necessitate new SMS frameworks to address unique safety challenges.
Ultimately, SMS will evolve into a cornerstone of aviation operations, prioritizing prevention and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Debi Carpenter: I believe SMS will continue evolving from a compliance-focused framework to a more integrated, data-informed safety culture. We’ll likely see broader use of predictive analytics, AI, and real-time data, both at the macro and individual level, to identify and mitigate risks proactively.
I also expect SMS to become more cross-functional and extend beyond flight operations to include maintenance, ground handling and other departments as standard practice. Greater collaboration between regulators and industry will be important in refining what effective SMS implementation looks like across diverse operations. In the near future, insurance underwriters and insurance brokers may require charter operators to have an SMS program before they offer them a policy.
Chris Hill: I am optimistic about the future of SMS. There’s a growing pool of talented professionals committed to simplifying SMS implementation while retaining its core value. The future lies in practical tools and intuitive strategies that make safety management easier to understand and apply.
SMS shouldn’t feel like an unsolvable puzzle. It should be clear, effective, and integrated into everyday operations. We’re moving toward that goal, and the momentum is encouraging.