Early Afternoon Concurrent Panel Sessions: The Evolution and Future of the Aircraft Maintenance Industry: Presentation: Hindrances to SMS Implementation in Aviation Maintenance Organizations

Abstract

In the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Flight Plan, published for fiscal years 2009-2013, the FAA documents the promotion of Safety Management Systems (SMS) as one of its goals. Research on flight safety and SMS implementation in flight operations abound, but maintenance safety research remains limited. Current maintenance safety research reveals hindrances to the implementation of SMS. These hindrances are especially evident in smaller maintenance facilities, defined in this study as organizations with fewer than 30 employees. Potential hindrances including lack of policies supporting safety culture, lack of management support, and cost were studied. A comparison of hindrances from an employee’s perspective was made among participants working in small, medium, and large maintenance organizations. The most significant hindrance reported by the participants in this study was the gap between written policies and actual management practices. Differences in the attitudes of employees working for organizations of various sizes and cost as a hindrance will be presented.

Author

• Siao, Daniel H. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Keywords

• Aviation
• Aircraft Maintenance
• Lockheed Martin
• Honeywell Aerospace
• Aviation Safety and Security
• Maintenance Technology