The podcast focuses on the new requirement for US repair stations to implement a Safety Management System (SMS), particularly those seeking or holding approval under the US/European Union Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA). While domestic US rules don’t mandate SMS for all repair stations, this bilateral agreement, effective for applicants now and for existing holders by January 2026, brings the requirement into play. The article, penned by an executive from the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA), critically examines the challenges of the FAA’s voluntary SMS program, highlighting issues with its complexity and a perceived lack of understanding among inspectors. It advocates for integrating SMS within existing quality management systems rather than treating it as a separate, additional burden, emphasising that punitive approaches to non-compliance hinder the open communication vital for effective safety management. The piece also suggests that a true SMS aligns with established aviation safety regulations and focuses on human factors to enhance airworthiness, using the PEAR Human Factors Model as an example.