- June 12, 2026
In a recent webinar, industry experts, including Advanced Aircrew Academy's Chief Safety Officer, Dr. Dan Boedigheimer, discussed the practical steps operators should be taking now to prepare for compliance.
An effective SMS is built around four key components: Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion. Together, these elements create a structured approach to identifying hazards, managing risk, monitoring performance, and fostering a positive safety culture throughout the organization.
One of the webinar's key takeaways was the importance of starting early. Successful SMS implementation requires more than drafting manuals and procedures. Organizations must establish reporting systems, train personnel, define responsibilities, and demonstrate that safety processes are actively functioning within daily operations. The FAA expects SMS to be a living management system that is integrated into how an operator conducts business.
The webinar also highlighted the role of training in achieving compliance. Employees at every level, from executives and safety managers to pilots, maintenance personnel, and dispatchers, must understand their responsibilities within the SMS framework. Role-specific training helps ensure that safety reporting, risk assessment, and continuous improvement activities become part of the organization's culture.
As the 2027 deadline approaches, operators that begin planning and implementation now will be in a much stronger position to meet regulatory requirements while also realizing the broader safety and operational benefits that SMS can provide.
To learn more about Part 135 SMS compliance and implementation best practices, watch the full webinar from here or reach out to a member of the Advanced Aircrew Academy team support@aircrewacademy.com.
