What is the main purpose of a Safety Management System (SMS) in aviation?

The main purpose of a Safety Management System (SMS) in aviation is to enhance safety by actively managing risks within operational processes. An SMS provides a structured approach to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could threaten the safety of aviation operations. It fosters a culture of safety by encouraging the reporting of safety issues without fear of reprisal, allowing organizations to learn from incidents and near misses.

Through systematic procedures, such as safety risk assessments and hazard identification, an SMS helps aviation organizations implement safety measures, monitor their effectiveness, and make informed decisions that ultimately lead to improved safety outcomes. This proactive approach contrasts with reactive responses to incidents but is crucial in an environment where the complexity of operations continually presents new challenges.