What is the main purpose of a safety management system (SMS) in aviation?

The main purpose of a safety management system (SMS) in aviation is to provide a structured framework for proactively managing safety risks. An SMS focuses on identifying and mitigating potential safety hazards before they lead to incidents or accidents, promoting a culture of safety throughout the organization.

A strong SMS encourages continuous safety improvement through effective processes, data collection, and risk assessment. This proactive approach not only helps prevent accidents but also fosters a safety-oriented environment where all employees are encouraged to participate in safety efforts.

The emphasis on proactive risk management distinguishes SMS from other approaches, allowing aviation organizations to anticipate safety issues rather than simply respond to them after they occur. This ability to foresee and mitigate risks is critical in maintaining high safety standards in aviation operations.