Bringing SMS in Aviation to Life by Human Integration: Building on the Basis of ICAO SMS and Transitioning away from a Static Regulatory Approach

The ICAO approach to risk management is essentially a technical model based on an engineering process viewpoint and is more applicable in concept to stable systems, such as chemical and nuclear industries. If airlines are to manage risk in a proactive manner they need to apply risk detection tools that provide real time and continuous systems oversight.
This paper describes briefly the systems approach applied to the development and implementation of a dynamic Safety Management System (SMS) in a major airline in Europe with a focus on management of operational risks. This work has been realized as a part of the in the FP6 HILAS project. The SMS principally consists of a Risk Management System (RMS) and a Safety Assurance process. Principles of Organizational Learning and Resilient Safety Culture have been adhered to throughout this development. As a result, the RMS is conceived as an aspect system with functions, actors, supporting processes and connecting data streams. The work in progress demonstrates that integrating humans in processes of risk management leads to bridging expertise domains, enables improved business controls and efficiencies, as well as safety risks.