SMS Compliance: Tym’s Solution Reduces Disruption and Cost
Problem: A Safety Management System for FAA Repair Stations is now Required
Safety Management System (SMS) compliance is a new burden for FAA Repair Stations with EASA approval. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Maintenance Annex Guidance (MAG) Change 10 requires that all EASA Part 145 Repair Stations in the US implement the FAA’s “voluntary” program to remain EASA approved.
This requires a wholesale change in the way quality systems are managed, requires participation from ALL company employees, and must be fully integrated into ALL repair station processes and procedures. The program touches every aspect of the operation, not just the those that relate to aviation maintenance.
In other words, this is not just another EASA Special Condition that can be covered in an EASA manual supplement, as required in the past. It fundamentally changes the way your quality system must operate, based on the FAA SMS program requirements.
FAA Advisory Circular FAA AC 120-92D, is used to demonstrate compliance but it was written for aircraft operators and not for repair stations. The AC explains the requirements in 14 CFR Part 5 that must be met to comply with the FAA voluntary SMS program, and therefore, the EASA requirement. In fact, these rules stem from International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 19 for Safety Management that are being adopted worldwide.
Beware: Promises Too Good to be True
Beware of empty promises such as “compliance in one day.” Tym’s has partnered with reputable trade associations such as the Aeronautical Repair Station Association and Aircraft Electronics Association who provide a baseline to effectively operate a compliant Safety Management System. Other suitable options from for-profit organizations lack the benefits of lower overall cost, repair station focus, regulatory support, and membership representation. A trade association is meant to serve its members. The same is not true for software companies, and the like, motivated by ongoing subscription revenue.
Don’t Duplicate – Update Quality System Procedures to Utilize SMS
No matter what Safety Management System program supplier is chosen, the Repair Station must integrate the system into each process via existing Repair Station Manuals, Quality System Manuals, Forms Manuals, and National Aviation Authority Manual Supplements (Example: EASA Supplement to the Repair Station Manual). To ignore this step means duplicating quality system procedures, as many SMS elements are already contained in the regulatory framework.
Tym’s understands how Safety Management Systems can replace or combine with existing procedures to comply with FAA, EASA, UK CAA, C.A.S.E, and operator requirements. This adds value by eliminating redundant processes, reducing complexity, minimizing business disruption, limiting process changes, and lowering regulatory risk. SMS has a silver lining, when implemented correctly.
Take Action: Tym’s Completes SMS Integrations Quickly and Effectively
Our well-oiled solution for implementing Safety Management Systems for FAA Repair Stations includes an online portal, training for all employees, and a complete SMS Program Manual. We then incorporate that system into your existing quality management procedures to meet regulatory requirements without making drastic changes to your processes. Our solution includes recommended changes to existing repair station manuals and updates to the EASA Supplement to meet current EASA Maintenance Annex Guidance (MAG) requirements. Repetition and consistency make for a quick, compliant, and cost-effective Safety Management System implementation, all possible for a low one-time fee.
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For more information on Safety Management Systems for US Repair Stations, see our recent blog posts: