Introduction
In today’s fast-paced and increasingly complex aviation industry, effective safety management is not just important—it’s essential. Compliance with GACAR Part 5 regulations and the successful implementation of a Safety Management System (SMS) is critical to maintaining operational safety and mitigating risks. This comprehensive 5-day training program is tailored to equip aviation professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to excel in SMS implementation, safety risk management, and the continuous development of safety processes.
Attendees will gain in-depth insights into hazard identification, risk assessment, and emergency response planning—core elements of GACAR Part 5. But this training goes beyond theory, focusing on practical, actionable strategies to improve safety performance and compliance within your organization. With a strong emphasis on continuous improvement, this course will empower participants to drive meaningful change and enhance safety standards within their operations.
Who is the course for?
This course is ideal for aviation professionals, including SMS Managers, Safety Officers, Quality Managers, and those involved in risk management processes, emergency response, and compliance within aviation operations. It is designed for organizations governed by GACAR, including commercial, non-commercial, aerodrome, and repair station operations.
What is the Benefit of this Training – What will I learn?
a)Gain a deep understanding of GACAR Part 5 requirements, ensuring your organization stays compliant with the latest safety regulations.
b)Learn advanced techniques in hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk mitigation to proactively address safety concerns in your operations.
c)Foster a positive safety culture within your organization by understanding human factors, just culture principles, and how organizational culture impacts safety performance.
d)Acquire hands-on strategies for implementing an effective SMS, including real-world case studies and scenario-based learning to overcome common challenges.
e)Develop the ability to implement continuous safety improvement processes, helping your organization evolve and refine safety practices over time.
f)Master the development and implementation of Emergency Response Plans (ERP) tailored to ground operations, preparing your organization to handle emergencies efficiently.
g)Learn how to create and manage effective SMS documentation that meets GACAR Part 5 requirements, ensuring clear, organized records for audits and continuous compliance.
h)Understand how to quantify the financial and operational benefits of a robust SMS, ensuring your organization can see measurable returns on its safety investments.
Detailed Content / Topics – The following Subjects will be addressed
Day 1: General Introduction to SMS and Regulatory Framework
General Introduction
Contents
Definitions and Abbreviations in SMS
Evolution of Safety Thinking: Traditional vs. Modern Safety Approaches
Sharing our SMS Understandings
ICAO Annex 19 & Key Components of an SMS
GACAR Part 5 and EASA SMS Introduction
GACAR Part 5 Compliance Overview
GACAR Part 5 Requirements for SMS Documentation
Benchmarking SMS: Reviewing Your Current System and Identifying Gaps
Day 2: SMS Policy, Accountability, and Safety Assurance vs. Quality Assurance
Developing Safety Policies in Line with GACAR Part 5
Defining Roles and Responsibilities within an SMS
Accountability and Authority in Safety Management
Role of Safety Assurance vs. Quality Assurance in Aviation Safety
Introducing the ISAGO SMS Standards
Identifying Roles of Key Personnel in SMS (Safety Manager, QC, QA, and SA Roles)
Competence Considerations
Day 3: System Analysis and Hazard Identification
Identifying Hazards within Ground Handling
Techniques for Hazard Management in Ground Operations
External & Internal Reporting Incidents Accidents and Near Misses
Considering the Challenges to Effective Reporting
Qualitative vs. Quantitative Risk Assessment
How We Measure and Categorize Risk
Using Root Cause Analysis to Drive an Effective Safety System
Risk Profiling of an Aviation Business System or Process
Performing Advanced Risk Assessments Using Case Scenarios
Day 4: Safety Assurance and Performance Monitoring
Implementing Safety Assurance Practices in Ground Operations
Practical Safety Auditing Methods for SMS
The Impact of Organizational Culture on Safety Performance
Is Human Error in Aviation an Acceptable Outcome as a Root Cause
Just Culture, Discipline, and Beyond
Auditing the Impact of Safety Culture on SMS
Considering Aviation Safety System Performance Indicators
Managing Changes in Ground Operations and Their Safety Impact
Case Study: Managing Change in a Ground Handling Organization
Day 5: Human Factors, Safety Culture, and Practical Implementation Challenges
Implementing a Continuous Improvement Cycle in SMS
Using Performance Data to Improve Safety
SMS Communication Strategies: Assessing SMS Communication Tools and Their
Effectiveness
Developing Effective Communication Channels to Promote Safety Culture in Ground
Operations
Managing SMS-related Competencies: Initial and Recurrent Training
Drafting an SMS Training Program for Safety-Critical Roles in Ground Handling
Emergency Response Planning (ERP) Introduction and GACAR Part 5 Requirements
SMS Return on Investment (ROI): Hidden Costs of Failed Safety Systems and Lessons
Learned
Debrief & Close
Target Groups
-aviation professionals (including SMS Managers, Safety Officers, Quality Managers, and those involved in risk management processes, emergency response, and compliance within aviation operations.
-organizations governed by GACAR, including commercial, non-commercial, aerodrome, and repair station operations.
Pre-Requisites
Participants should have a basic understanding of aviation safety principles and familiarity with the regulatory framework of ICAO and GACAR.
Learning Objectives
Upon completing this course, participants will:
Understand the requirements of GACAR Part 5, including safety policy, risk management, and safety assurance.
Develop the necessary skills to implement and manage an effective SMS in line with regulatory requirements.
Be able to conduct thorough risk assessments, identify hazards, and develop mitigation strategies.
Learn how to monitor safety performance and ensure continuous safety improvement.
Gain insights into managing safety documentation and emergency response planning.
What do People Say about Sofema Aviation Services Training?
“The presentation was efficient”
“Very good knowledge of the subject”
“Good teaching tempo and examples”
“Encouraged discussions”
Duration
5 days – Start at 09.00 and finish at 17.00, with appropriate refreshment breaks.
To register for this training, please email team@sassofia.com or Call +359 28210806
