On January 11, 2023, the FAA published the Safety Management System (SMS) notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) updating and expanding the Part 5 requirement for SMS to Part 135 operators, Part 91 air tour operators, and certain Part 21 design and manufacturing organizations.
The rulemaking addresses the Section 102 mandate from the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act, as well as recommendations from the National Transportation Safety Board and two Aviation Rulemaking Committees. Compliance times would vary between one and two years after the rule takes effect, depending on the operation.
NATA has submitted comments on the FAA’s notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) extending Safety Management System (SMS) requirements to Part 135 and Part 91 operators and certain Part 21 design and manufacturing organizations. After advocating for and receiving an extension of the NPRM comment period, NATA met with its Air Charter Committee and hosted a series of webinars to collect member feedback and ensure a comprehensive NATA response to the NPRM. NATA believes that an active, well-thought-out SMS will continually improve the level of safety in any organization, large or small. Key for our membership will be their ability to scale the SMS efficiently and effectively to their operation as well as agency acceptance. NATA thanks our members who participated in the related meetings and webinars, as well as those who contributed directly in the public discourse on the proposed SMS changes. Read NATA’s comments.