Safety Management Systems

If you hold an air carrier certificate under Part 121 (scheduled airlines) or Part 135 (commuter and on-demand operations), you must implement a Safety Management System (SMS) that complies with Part 5 requirements.

An SMS is a formal, proactive approach to managing safety that includes identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing controls before incidents occur. Part 5 outlines the specific components required, including safety policy, risk management processes, safety assurance procedures, and safety promotion activities.

This regulation matters because it shifts safety culture from reactive (responding after accidents) to proactive (preventing them systematically). For pilots working at these operators, you'll encounter SMS through hazard reporting systems, safety committees, and data-driven safety initiatives. While individual pilots don't need to implement the SMS, understanding that your airline or charter operator must maintain one helps explain why certain safety reporting and procedural requirements exist in your daily operations.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*