Safety management systems (SMS) have been introduced across the aviation industry over the past 20 years. Different SMS requirements currently apply to different parts of the industry under various Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR). As these requirements have changed over time, there are now differences between industry sectors.
Part 5 of CASR and its Manual of Standards will combine SMS requirements into a single framework. These rules will align with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 19 SMS framework, helping the aviation industry apply a more consistent approach to safety management.
By standardising SMS requirements, it will be easier for aviation organisations to understand and meet their obligations. It will also reduce administrative complexity for organisations that manage different parts of their operations under a single SMS.
Who it affects
It is anticipated that eventually Part 5 of CASR will affect anyone holding an authorisation which requires an SMS under current CASRs. CASA's SMS requirements are currently contained in:
- CASR Part 119
- CASR Part 138 and Part 138 MOS
- CASR Part 139 and Part 139 MOS
- CASR Subpart 139H and Subpart 139H MOS
- CASR Part 142
- CASR Part 145 and Part 145 MOS
- CASR Part 149 and Part 149 MOS
- CASR Part 171 and Part 171 MOS
- CASR Part 172 and Part 172 MOS
- CASR Part 173 and Part 173 MOS
- CASR Part 175
Part 5 will be introduced in stages, which means the 11 existing SMS regulations will move gradually.
A review of Australia's current SMS regulations found that 5 regulations differ most from the ICAO SMS framework.
As a first step, Part 5 is proposed to apply only to organisations which currently have SMS requirements as outlined in CASR Parts 139.H, 171, 172, 173 and 175.
The remaining 6 SMS-related CASR Parts will remain unchanged. These requirements may be reviewed in the future to decide if they should also transition to Part 5.