The Evolution of Aviation Safety Management
In the 1970’s, the main focus was around the safety improvement of technical problems and issues within the aviation sector. In the 1990’s the approach matured to look at both human and technical factors, with greater focus placed on better understanding human behaviours. Fast forward to today, and the sector has evolved once again, with safety being recognised as an interconnected and interdependent system, which needs to foster a more predictive response to reducing risks.
This new approach has led to ICAO, Annex 19, which requires all operators to have a systemic approach to safety. In essence, this means it is incumbent on operators to establish a Safety Management System (SMS). To reach the next level of aviation safety, international civil aviation authorities (ICAO, EASA, FAA) as well as IATA require organizations and institutions alike to implement a Safety Management System (SMS) for the management of safety risks. The corresponding fields include: aircraft design and production, air operations, aeronautical maintenance, air traffic navigation services, airport and training organizations.
An SMS represents the next step in the evolution of safety processes and builds on the human or technical safety initiatives implemented over the last decades.
So what exactly is a Safety Management System (SMS)
An SMS is the formal systemic and proactive approach to anticipating and managing safety risk. Its fundamental aim is to create the organizational cultural environment necessary to transform structures, accountabilities, policies, procedures, and practices to accord with international protocols and civil regulations.
The Aviation Industry Education Response to SMS
In response to these challenges, ENAC, one of the largest specialist aviation universities in Europe developed the Advanced Master program specializing in Aviation Safety. The Advanced Master Program in Aviation Safety Management is a part-time program with one intensive module (5days) every month for 12 months, followed by a practical phase. It aims at training SMS managers who will lead the structural and administrative changes needed within their organizations. The ENAC Advanced Master Degree in Aviation Safety Management, recognized by French Ministry for Higher Education and endorsed by ICAO, is delivered entirely in English.
International Training Institute Education Facilitation
The International Training Institute, a specialist department within the Vietnam Aviation Academy (VAA) facilitated the “Executive Mastere Specialise” in Aviation Safety Management for Civil Aviation Organizations and Air Transport Industry of Vietnam in 2018 to 2019. With course fees largely sponsored by AIRBUS, 26 senior safety personnel from across the Vietnamese aviation sector including the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, Vietnam Airport Corporation, Airports Corporation of Vietnam, Vietnam Airlines Corporation, Saigon Ground Services, VietJet Air, Jetstar Pacific, Bamboo Airways and Bangkok Airways attended the program.
The International Training Institute at VAA through its many international collaborations and educational connections can assist the aviation sector in Vietnam in accessing an array of training and education programs. The International Training Institute can also work directly with your organization to customize a specific human capability solution.