ISTOCK/CHALABALA


ALL ABOARD! The SMS Helo Is about to Take Off


By Chris Hill A 50 ROTOR JUNE 2024


S OF MAY 28, 2024, PART 135 on-demand operators, Part 91.147 air tour operators, and certain Part 21 certificate holders could no longer stand idle and wait for a safety management system (SMS) mandate.


Te long-anticipated expansion of the Part 5 SMS rule has arrived. With it, over 2,500 affected entities must plan to complete their SMS journey within two or three years (depending on the certificate). Tat generous timeline will expire in the blink of an eye for many operators who delayed implementation plans. Te new rule improves alignment with International


Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 19—Safety Management while addressing several FAA calls to action,


including congressional mandates and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommendations. While the rule is too lengthy to summarize in this article, we will address and comment on some noteworthy elements of it.


Who Must Comply with the New SMS Rule? Te reach of the SMS rule has extended far beyond Part 121 air carriers. If you currently hold or are in the process of applying for any certificate or letter of authorization issued under US federal aviation regulations, it’s crucial that you familiarize yourself with the updated rule and how it may impact your operation. Whether you’re a commuter operator, on-demand operator, or you conduct passenger- carrying flights for compensation or hire, this rule is relevant


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68