Part 135 operators are required to implement and maintain a Safety Management System (SMS) that is compliant with Part 5. What does an operator need to do to comply and what does that look like on a day to day basis? Download our free Guide to SMS for Part 135 for a breakdown of what is required and examples of how you might comply.

What is Part 5 SMS?

14 CFR Part 5 provides requirements for a SMS and applies to those operating under Part 135 and several other operating parts. Some Part 135 operators may be exempt from specifics elements of Part 5, but Part 5 applies to ALL Part 135 operators.

Part 5 Contains 6 Key Subparts

Subpart A: General
Applicability and timeline for compliance.

Subpart B: Safety Policy
How you will show commitment to safety by documenting it in a company policy.

Subpart C: Safety Risk Management
The process you will follow to document, analyze, and respond to safety issues.

Subpart D: Safety Assurance
How you will monitor safety to ensure what you are doing is working.

Subpart E: Safety Promotion
What you will do to ensure everyone in your organization is aware of and able to participate in your SMS.

Subpart F: SMS Documentation and Recordkeeping
What SMS related documents and records you need to keep.

Getting Started with SMS

The most important thing when getting started is to keep things simple. You can always grow into a more complex SMS down the line. There are many pathways to Part 5 compliance and it is important for operators to tailor their approach to ensure success. You will want to ensure you are covering at a minimum:

• Drafting your Safety Policy
• Describing your SMS processes for dealing with risks
• Describing how you will ensure your SMS is effective
• Describing how you will communicate with your team about safety
• Noting how/where you will keep your records
• Drafting your Emergency Response Plan

You don’t have to go it alone when it comes to SMS. Contact our team for advice and support, and remember to download your complimentary Guide to SMS for Part 135: