What is the "Safety Management System" (SMS) in aviation?

The "Safety Management System" (SMS) in aviation is a structured approach to managing safety that encompasses several key components. It involves the establishment of policies, processes, and practices designed to identify, assess, and mitigate safety risks within an organization. SMS promotes a safety culture where safety issues can be reported without fear of retribution, allowing organizations to address potential hazards proactively.

This comprehensive system includes frameworks for safety reporting, safety risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion. Reporting systems enable personnel to communicate safety concerns, while risk management processes help prioritize these issues to implement corrective actions effectively. Safety assurance entails monitoring and verifying the safety performance of the systems in place, ensuring compliance, and continually improving safety measures. Lastly, safety promotion involves training and communication strategies to foster an organization-wide commitment to safety.

Other options, while relevant to aviation operations, do not encapsulate the holistic and systematic approach that SMS represents. Managing flight schedules, training for emergencies, or managing maintenance schedules are important but do not focus on the comprehensive management of safety risks throughout the aviation operation.