Integration of Safety Management System (SMS) into Aerodrome Operational Activities Under EASA Aerodrome Regulations

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key elements to be found in an effective Aerodrome Safety Management System

Introduction to SMS in Aerodromes

EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) regulations mandate the implementation of a Safety Management System (SMS) for aerodromes under Regulation (EU) No 139/2014, which focuses on aerodrome safety.

• An SMS provides a structured approach to managing safety risks and ensures that aerodromes operate in compliance with the necessary safety standards while integrating safety into everyday operations.

Key Elements of SMS for Aerodromes

The SMS framework comprises four key elements that must be integrated into aerodrome operations:

• Safety Policy and Objectives: Commitment from top management to prioritize safety, define roles and responsibilities, and allocate adequate resources.

• Safety Risk Management: Identifying hazards, assessing risks, and mitigating them through preventive actions and operational procedures.

• Safety Assurance: Continuous monitoring and auditing of safety performance, data analysis, and feedback loops for improvement.

• Safety Promotion: Training and communication to foster a safety culture across all levels of the aerodrome workforce.

Operational Activities and SMS Integration

The integration of a Safety Management System (SMS) into aerodrome operational activities requires interfacing with several key operational areas. Each area plays a critical role in ensuring that safety is managed proactively, and each is expected to adhere to SMS guidelines while fulfilling specific responsibilities. The main operational areas that interface with the SMS at an aerodrome include:

Airside Operations

Airside operations cover the management of all activities that occur on the airfield, including aircraft movements, ground handling, and maintenance.

The interface with the SMS includes:

• Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: Ensuring all potential hazards, such as Foreign Object Debris (FOD), runway incursions, wildlife hazards, and weather conditions, are continuously identified and mitigated.

• Compliance with Procedures: All airside staff and operations should strictly follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) aligned with SMS requirements.

• Incident Reporting: Immediate reporting of safety occurrences, near-misses, or non-conformances during airside operations to allow prompt safety investigation and mitigation.

• Coordination with Ground Handlers: Ensuring safety policies are communicated to and implemented by ground service providers.

Runway and Taxiway Management

The runway and taxiway system is a critical operational area where the SMS must be fully integrated to ensure the safety of aircraft movements. The expectations include:

• Runway Inspections and Maintenance: Regular inspections of the runway and taxiway surfaces to detect wear and tear, FOD, and lighting issues that could compromise safety.

• Coordination of Aircraft Movements: Safe and efficient coordination of takeoffs, landings, and taxiing of aircraft, ensuring that communication between pilots, air traffic control, and ground services aligns with safety protocols.

• Risk Management for Incursion Prevention: Proactive measures to prevent runway incursions, including the implementation of technology and procedures to monitor aircraft and vehicle movements.

Ground Handling Services

Ground handling is an essential part of airport operations, including loading, refuelling, and aircraft towing. The SMS interface focuses on:

• Training and Safety Awareness: Ensuring that all ground handlers are trained in SMS practices, including hazard recognition and safe equipment operation.

• Equipment Safety Checks: Regular checks on ground handling equipment such as fuel trucks, baggage carts, and tugs to prevent mechanical failures that could impact safety.

• Incident Response: Immediate response to any safety issues or incidents, with a structured follow-up in line with SMS procedures to prevent recurrence.

Terminal Operations

The terminal is where passengers, baggage, and cargo move through, making it an important interface with the SMS. Expectations include:

• Passenger Safety: Implementing safety measures for passenger flow management, such as evacuation procedures, emergency response systems, and clear communication in case of incidents.

• Facility Maintenance and Inspection: Regular maintenance and inspection of terminal facilities (e.g., walkways, fire protection systems, elevators) to ensure they meet safety standards.

• Coordination with Security Services: Safety coordination with security personnel to manage potential safety threats, such as unauthorized access or hazardous materials, in alignment with SMS practices.

Air Traffic Services (ATS)

Air Traffic Services play a central role in aerodrome safety, and their interaction with SMS includes:

• Coordination of Aircraft Movements: ATS personnel must align with SMS by ensuring that the management of aircraft arrivals, departures, and taxiing occurs safely, with real-time coordination between the control tower and ground operations.

• Risk Identification and Mitigation: Identifying risks associated with airspace management, such as air traffic congestion, communication breakdowns, and weather conditions.

• Incident and Near-Miss Reporting: Prompt reporting of any air traffic safety occurrences or deviations from procedures, feeding into the SMS for continuous improvement.

Emergency and Crisis Management

Emergency response and crisis management systems must be fully integrated with the SMS to handle any unplanned events. This area includes:

• Emergency Planning and Drills: Regular testing and simulation of emergency scenarios, such as aircraft accidents or security breaches, to ensure the SMS processes are effective.

• Coordination with External Agencies: Interface with local fire departments, medical teams, and law enforcement to ensure a coordinated response to emergencies.

• Continuous Improvement: After-action reviews following incidents or emergencies should be used to improve emergency preparedness through the SMS.

Airport Maintenance Services

Maintenance activities, such as airfield lighting, signage, and pavement management, also require integration with the SMS. Expectations include:

• Preventive Maintenance Programs: Developing a schedule for regular inspections and maintenance of infrastructure to prevent safety issues from arising due to equipment failure.

• Immediate Reporting of Safety Hazards: Maintenance teams should report any infrastructure defects or hazards (e.g., cracked pavement, malfunctioning lighting) immediately, ensuring timely corrective actions.

• Contractor Management: Ensuring that external contractors working on airport maintenance are fully briefed and compliant with SMS safety standards.

Fire and Rescue Services

Aerodrome fire and rescue services (RFFS) have a crucial safety role, and the SMS expects:

• Emergency Response Readiness: Maintaining a high level of preparedness to respond swiftly to incidents such as aircraft fires or ground accidents.

• Coordination with SMS: Fire and rescue services should integrate their operational protocols with the SMS, ensuring that safety reports and audits include feedback from emergency response practices.

• Training and Drills: Continuous training aligned with SMS principles, including regular fire drills and participation in emergency simulations.

Security Operations

Security operations play a significant role in managing potential safety risks. The interface with SMS involves:

• Security Risk Management: Collaborating with the SMS to assess security-related risks that may affect aerodrome safety, such as unauthorized access or terrorist threats.

• Incident Reporting and Investigation: Working closely with the SMS team to report and investigate any security breaches or safety-related security concerns.

• Cross-functional Coordination: Ensuring seamless communication between safety and security departments for incidents that involve both areas.

Environmental Management

The environmental impacts of aerodrome operations, such as noise, emissions, and wildlife hazards, also fall under SMS integration. Expectations include:

• Wildlife Hazard Management: Implementing proactive measures to reduce the risks posed by wildlife to aircraft, such as bird strikes, through SMS-coordinated programs.

• Sustainability and Safety Linkages: Integrating environmental sustainability initiatives, such as reducing carbon emissions, into the SMS to ensure these programs do not compromise operational safety.

Management and Administrative Functions

Finally, senior management and administrative functions must support the SMS by:

• Strategic Safety Oversight: Providing oversight to ensure that safety is prioritized in decision-making at all levels, from operational planning to financial investment in safety resources.

• Resource Allocation: Allocating sufficient human, technical, and financial resources to support the implementation and sustainability of the SMS.

• Continuous Monitoring: Overseeing the safety performance metrics, incident reporting trends, and audits to ensure ongoing improvement of the safety management system.

Driving Effective Implementation

For successful SMS integration into aerodrome operational activities, the system must be embedded in the following key areas:

Daily Aerodrome Operations

• Safety management is integrated into routine operational procedures, including runway operations, aircraft movements, and ground handling.

• Risk assessments should be performed regularly to ensure hazards such as runway incursions or wildlife strikes are controlled.

• SMS ensures that safety procedures are continuously updated and adapted to operational needs.

Coordination with Stakeholders

• Aerodrome operations involve various stakeholders, including airlines, ground handlers, air navigation service providers, and maintenance teams.

• SMS requires structured coordination and information sharing with all stakeholders to manage risks across the operational spectrum.

• EASA emphasizes effective safety communication between the aerodrome operator and other parties involved in daily operations to reduce operational risks.

Incident Reporting and Investigation

• An effective SMS incorporates a transparent and non-punitive incident reporting system.

• This encourages the reporting of safety concerns or occurrences (e.g., near misses, equipment failures) that could impact operational safety.

• A thorough investigation process, in line with EASA standards, should be conducted to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Continuous Improvement and Safety Audits

• Safety performance is continuously monitored using key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure that the SMS remains effective.

• Regular internal audits are conducted to assess the safety practices of daily operations.

• Aerodromes must comply with EASA’s requirement to periodically review safety policies and procedures, adapting them based on new risks or operational changes.

Emergency and Crisis Management

An integrated SMS ensures that aerodromes are prepared to manage emergencies and disruptions.

This includes coordinating emergency response plans with local authorities, fire services, and medical teams.

The SMS framework guides the aerodrome operator in training staff, simulating emergency situations, and improving emergency response protocols.

Benefits of SMS Integration

• Proactive Risk Management: SMS allows aerodromes to move from reactive to proactive risk management by identifying hazards before they lead to incidents.

• Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Integrating safety into daily operations streamlines processes and ensures that safety is not compromised in favour of efficiency.

• Compliance with EASA Standards: An effectively integrated SMS ensures compliance with EASA regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance findings during audits.

• Improved Safety Culture: A well-functioning SMS fosters a safety-conscious environment where staff are empowered to prioritize safety in all operational decisions.

Challenges in SMS Integration

While integrating SMS into aerodrome operations offers numerous benefits, challenges include:

• Complexity of Operations: Aerodrome operations involve multiple stakeholders and dynamic activities, making the integration of SMS a complex task.

• Data Management: Effective safety management requires collecting, analyzing, and sharing safety data, which can be challenging if systems are not properly integrated.

• Cultural Barriers: Resistance to change or poor safety culture can hinder the full integration of SMS into daily activities.

 

Next Steps

Sofema Aviation Services Provides Regulatory Training covering Airside Safety. For questions and comments., please email [email protected].