Safety Management Systems (SMS)
A Safety Management System (SMS) is a formal risk management framework to improve safety. Under an SMS, organisations would have systems for hazard identification and risk management, safety targets and reporting processes, procedures for audit, investigations, remedial actions, and safety education. The size and complexity of an SMS should be scaled to suite the size of the organisation.
SMS SummarySMS Rules SignedThe SMS rules, Part 100 Safety Management were signed by Associate Transport Minister Foss 7 Dec 2015 and came into effect 01 Feb 2016. See: SMS Rule Comparison Documents - These documents provide a comparison between the current rules, and the SMS rules that became effective 01 Feb 2016. Forms - includes: Application for approval of SMS Implementation Plan and Note that the effective date is 01 Feb 2016 (not 01 Apr 2016 as previously advised in Vector) to align with the introduction of Part 147 Maintenance Training Organisations - Certification. Consequential amendments to Parts 115, 119, 121, 125, 135, 137, 139, 141, 145, 146, 148, 149, 171, 172, 173, 174, and 175 also came into effect 01 Feb 2016. See the SMS Implementation Plan and Date for Implementation Timeline (PDF 392 KB).
If you haven't already, please subscribe to our free email notification service. If you are already a subscriber, use this link and add SMS to your selection. To receive an email when any new information is added, subscribe to our free email notification service. If you are already a subscriber, you will need to add SMS and Part 100 to your selection. SMS Implementation Plan SubmissionThe next round of participants are required to submit their SMS As part of your plan, you are required to propose a date, which must be prior to 01 Feb 2021, by which time your organisation will be ready to implement your SMS.
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State Safety Programme
Implementation of SMS in New Zealand is a key part of the aviation State Safety Programme (SSP). The SSP guides the assurance of overall safety and security in New Zealand.
Advisory Circular
The AC has now been revised following the NPRM consultation and feedback from industry workshops. Additional information on acceptable means of compliance, and guidance, has been included to assist organisations with SMS implementation planning.
AC100-1 Safety Management (PDF 617 KB)
SMS Resources
Vector SMS Articles (PDF 1.4 MB)
- SMS - Your Deadline, Your Responsibility
- SMS Implementation Plans - Top Tips
- Your SMS is Yours and Yours Alone
- SMS - What it Means for You
- Risk - Where to Begin
For printed copies of any of the resources below, see Ordering.
Implementation Strategy
The following resources have been produced by the CAA to encourage and assist in the proactive implementation of SMS.
Safety Management Systems Implementation Strategy (PDF 2.6 MB)
This strategy document provides a clear focus for SMS implementation by outlining a 7 Point Plan to encourage a proactive approach.
The purpose of this document is to provide both the CAA and participants with:
- Direction and a central focus for all SMS implementation activities in the next five years.
- A risk-based approach to SMS implementation throughout industry.
- Consistency and visibility of the CAA’s methodology and actions.
By detailing the CAA’s vision, this strategy provides a framework for the CAA and industry to focus their safety efforts.
For printed copies, see Ordering
Booklets
This series of 4 booklets forms part of CAA’s participant resource kit. it contains practical advice to organisations about how to improve current systems. They discuss processes and tools to achieve the best safety outcomes through a Safety Management System.
They explain the steps that can be taken to successfully, systematically, and proactively, manage safety.
For a hard copy of all four booklets including the Safety Managment Implementation Strategy, email sms@caa.govt.nz giving us your postal address, and ask for the SMS participant resource kit.
Safety Management Systems (SMS)
An Introduction (PDF 1.3 MB)
This booklet provides an overview of what a Safety Management System is, and describes each of the 13 Elements.
Each of the 13 Elements has been defined, with examples provided about the processes and practices that are involved. A number of ‘top tips’ have been provided throughout the booklet as well.
For printed copies, see Ordering
From Quality Management Systems to Safety Management Systems
An Enhancement Guide (PDF 2.2 MB)
This booklet provides information on the journey from QMS to SMS, including highlights of key differences, and how to most efficiently transition from one to the other.
QMS and SMS have a number of similar processes: both systems depend on measuring and monitoring; both strive for continual improvement; and both use a number of the same tools, such as audits. In short, an SMS may be thought of as an enhanced and expanded QMS.
For printed copies, see Ordering
Implementing Safety Management Systems
Guidelines for Small Aviation Organisations (PDF 1 MB)
This booklet contains information designed to help small aviation organisations that are certificated under the Civil Aviation Rules mentioned in Advisory Circular AC00-4 Safety Management Systems, and any other small aviation organisations keen to proactively improve their safety systems. Such organisations may wish to implement an effective Safety Management System - one that is built-for-purpose without being difficult or resource-intensive.
This booklet has been written specifically for organisations that have a small number of staff or non-complex organisational activities. AC00-4 gives more specific definitions of what may constitute a 'small' organisation. This booklet may be read in conjunction with the other CAA Industry Resource Kit booklets.
For printed copies, see Ordering
Aviation Risk Management - An Introduction (PDF 689 KB)
The CAA supports a risk-based approach to the implementation and conduct of SMS. In order to provide aviation organisations with the right guidance and tools to do so, this booklet focuses on what 'Safety Risk Management' means and how they can take this approach in an easy and effective manner.
It explains the steps that can be taken to successfully, systematically and proactively manage safety risk across all operational activities.
This booklet is based on application of AS/NZS IS O 3100:2009 Risk management principles and guidelines. Key phraseology and concepts have been compared with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Safety Management Manual, Third Edition.
For printed copies, see Ordering
Resource Map
SMS Resource Map (PDF, Printed copies are no longer available.)
Ordering
The resources above can be ordered as individual items, or as a complete SMS Resource Kit. Just email sms@caa.govt.nz giving us your postal address, and specifying which items you would like.
Printed versions of the Case Studies below are not available.
Implementing SMS - Industry Case Studies
The CAA SMS Case Study Series aims to provide an insight into selected aviation organisations that have started the journey of implementing a Safety Management System.
There are four case studies, each looking at a New Zealand aviation operation that has offered to share their insights.
Each case study looks at specific elements of the Safety Management System that the organisation is actively applying and successfully using, along with advice that they may have for other organisations implementing an SMS.
Case Study One - Air New Zealand (PDF 1.3 MB)
The scope of Air New Zealand’s operations, regulatory requirements, support capability and size, means it is critical for formal safety, quality and risk management systems to be in place. These are implemented throughout the airline, all subsidiaries and other key stakeholders. Managing change in a risk-based manner is important, particularly in cases where commercial and operational needs must be taken into account.
Case Study Two - Oceania Aviation (PDF 582 KB)
The Oceania Aviation Group (MRO) is made up of several General Aviation companies that have been acquired in the last ten years by Oceania Aviation Limited. Employing over 200 staff, the group now consists of four limited liability companies: Oceania Aviation, Aeromotive, Flight Line, and Sky Sales. The Group is overseen by two directors and a general manager. Overall they maintain multiple certifications across a number of regions and applications, including CAA, RNZAF, EASA and CASA PNG. This includes the recent addition of a Part 148 capability.
Case Study Three - Taupo Airport (PDF)
Commencing operation in 1966, Taupo Airport is located on New Zealand’s North Island, approximately 8 km south of the Taupo town centre and next to New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo. It is certificated under Civil Aviation Rules, Part 139. The airport is operated by the Taupo Airport Authority, and is a joint venture between the Taupo District Council and the Government, with both parties holding a 50 per cent interest.
Taupo Airport is the second busiest non-towered airport in the country. The airport receives scheduled regional flights, charter and private aircraft. Charter flights include a considerable number of International Corporate Jet traffic. The airport is also located within a Mandatory Broadcast Zone (MBZ) in uncontrolled (G) airspace with type C airspace starting at 6500 ft AMSL, that is under Christchurch Control.
Case Study Four - Massey University School of Aviation (PDF 527 KB)
The Massey University School of Aviation was established in 1990, and first offered the Bachelor of Aviation (Air Transport Pilot) in 1993. This three year full-time degree provides students with the opportunity to undertake both practical and theoretical study. Two of the three years include the students’ flight training. On graduation, students hold a New Zealand Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) with multi-engine and instrument rating, plus all credits for the New Zealand Air Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) theory examinations. In 2011, Massey University School of Aviation formed a partnership with the Air New Zealand Aviation Institute to facilitate graduates undertaking an ‘airline induction course’, which provides preferred status for employment.
Further Information
Safety Management International Collaboration Group (SM ICG)