By 1 September 2026, you must provide us with your:
- SMS procedures
- HFNTS procedures
- FDAP procedures if applicable
- safety manager nomination.
By 1 December 2026, you must:
- implement a safety management system (SMS)
- have a human factors non-technical skills training (HFNTS) program in place
- have your safety manager accepted by CASA.
The size of your organisation will affect who you can nominate as your safety manager and the sample manuals available for you to use.
Read the Safety Manager section below to understand who you can nominate.
Some operators will also need to have implemented a flight data analysis program (FDAP).
HFNTS training and assessment program
Human factors and non-technical skills (HFNTS) training helps pilots and other operational staff use the 'human' side of flying safely. These are the skills that aren’t about operating the aircraft but are essential for safe operations.
Your training program outlines how you will train your directly engaged operational safety critical personnel in human factors.
You can do this by:
- using the Safety Behaviours and Human Factors for Pilots resource kit
- engaging a commercial training provider
- requiring staff to complete online training through a commercial provider
- developing and delivering your own training program.
Your HFNTS procedures must be incorporated into your exposition.
Further guidance, read:
- AC119-12-human factors principles and non-technical skills and assessment air transport operations
- Human factors and safety behaviours on the CASA website.
Safety management system
An SMS is a structured, organised way for you to manage safety. It brings together reporting, risk assessment, training and communication into a system that everyone uses.
We have created templates to help you implement an SMS that meets the SMS framework and regulatory requirements. Use and adapt these templates to meet your operational requirements. You can also choose to develop your own content.
The templates include a:
- sample SMS manual
- sample SMS manual for micro-operators
- sample emergency response plan
- Safety management system sample manual form templates (ZIP, 2.31 MB)
- guide to using the documents.
IMPORTANT: Using the templates on their own do not translate into having an SMS that meets compliance requirements.
The policies and processes contained in the SMS manuals and their supporting documents provide the framework for you to modify and implement and operate an SMS that is suitable for your operations.
Safety manager
Who you can nominate as your safety manager will depend on the size and nature of your operation.
There are 2 operator types:
- micro-operator (10 or less operational safety critical personnel)
- non-micro-operator (11 or more operational safety critical personnel).
If you are required to have a FDAP, you are not a micro-operator.
Your operator type determines:
- who you can nominate as safety manager
- which manual you may use (if using a CASA sample manual)
- what you must have in your exposition and procedures.
Use the information below to find what applies to your operation.
Micro-operator
Your safety manager may be:
- your CEO
- your HOFO
- any other personnel.
This is permitted by CASA Exemption EX17/26.
Your safety manager will need to demonstrate competency in the role. Read the safety manager competency section below for the requirements and evidence you need to provide.
We encourage micro-operators to use the SMS sample manual for micro-operators. You may also choose to develop and submit your own procedures.
Non-micro operator
Your safety manager may be:
- your Head of Training and Checking (HOTC)
- any other personnel.
You can also nominate your HOFO. This application will require specific safety justification and CASA approval under CASR 119.025.
You cannot nominate your CEO to be your safety manager.
Safety manager competency
Your nominated safety manager will need to demonstrate competency in the role. They can do this by either:
- completing our online safety manager assessment course via AviationWorx (removing the need for interview/assessment)
- providing us with a:
- copy of their CV showing previous experience as a safety manager
- copy of other certificates or educational qualifications
- other evidence to show competency as a safety manager.
We encourage you to use the SMS sample manual for operators. You may also choose to develop and submit your own procedures.
Flight Data Analysis Program (FDAP)
A flight data analysis program (FDAP) is a safety program that uses recorded flight data to identify hazards, trends and safety risks in flight operations.
FDAPs help operators to:
- detect unsafe trends early (before an accident or serious incident)
- improve flight crew training and procedures
- assess the effectiveness of corrective actions
- support continuing airworthiness and maintenance decisions
- strengthen overall Safety Management System (SMS) performance.
Who must have an FDAP
You must have an FDAP if you conduct air transport operations in:
- an aeroplane larger than 27,000 kg
- a rotorcraft over 7,000 kg
- a rotorcraft with more than 9 passenger seats and required to have a flight data recorder.
If your operation is required to implement an FDAP, you must:
- include your FDAP content within your exposition
- integrate FDAP with your SMS processes.
For further guidance, read:
- AC 119-04 Flight data analysis programmes for air transport operations
- AC 119-01 Safety management systems for air transport operations
Submission process
Follow the simple step by step process to submit your documentation to us.
Documentation must be submitted by 1 September 2026 to enable us to:
- update the records we hold about you
- accept your safety manager nomination.
Complete submissions will receive written acknowledgment (email) to commence using the submitted procedures and your safety manager details.