2. What is a safety management system?

The International Civil Aviation Organization has recommended that all aviation authorities implement safety management systems (SMS). The goal of air safety management is to achieve a high level of safety in the time of increasing air traffic, commercial competition and a greater focus on cost. Successful safety management involves staff at all levels in aircraft operations, aircraft design and manufacture, airports, air traffic control, ground handling and maintenance and private flying.

The operational management team is at the heart of any safety system. Depending on the size of the organization, this team could involve a number of people. The team can include the heads of flying operations, engineering, airport services.

One of the rewards of a successful safety management system is that an error or failure is less likely to result in safety. The flight deck and the hangar have long been recognized as areas where we must strengthen our defences against error. In these areas, airlines around the world have made great progress. Safety management systems allow aviation businesses to extend those gains to identify weaknesses throughout the whole organization. Management and staff at all levels are able to contribute to the system, and staff are given feedback on decisions made by management on safety issues, a safety management system can provide solutions simply by organizing people and resources in a safety-focused manner. Staff and management have the responsibility to solve safety problems, make decisions for the business and find a low-cost solution.

Any aviation organization that is in business to sell a service will understand that “less safe” is bad for business. As the travelling public becomes more knowledgeable about aviation issues, they naturally demand a safe service. History tells us that all human activity is prone to error. Errors can occur in the development of policy and procedures by management, errors can occur on the flight deck or in the hangar. In short, errors by all participants in an organization can contribute to that “less safe” condition.

Answer the questions:

1. What does ICAO recommend for aviation?

2. What is the goal of air safety management?

3. What can management team include?

4. How does the size of management team depend on the size of company?

5. What are the main reasons for air safety management development?

6.Why does air safety management focus its attention on identifying weaknesses in safety management system?

7. What are the main functions of SMS in aviation?

8. Why do you think “human factor” plays a big role in SMS?

9. Could you explain the phrase “less safe” condition?

3.Careers in aviation management offer excitement, the opportunity for regular travel, and the chance to constantly learn new skills. However, preparing for a career in this fast-paced field can be an extensive process. To be successful in the aviation management industry, you’ll need to have strong interpersonal and communications skills to work with a wide variety of people. You’ll also need to be able to perform well under pressure and understand complex technical concepts. Most careers in aviation management require a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university that offers an aviation technology program. Courses covered in an undergraduate aviation program include physics, microeconomics, statistics, and basic mechanics, as well as aviation technologies, aviation regulations, airline management, and aircraft engineering. Some academic programs will give students the chance to specialize in either fixed based operation management, general airport management, or financial management.

Most aviation management programs will require a strong background in math and science, but there may also be requirements for English or foreign language courses that you need to meet as well. Your high school guidance counselor can help you learn more about the admissions requirements for the schools that interest you.

Since aviation management programs must include flight training in order to comply with Federal Aviation Administration guidelines, the cost of attendance can be substantially higher than what you’d expect to pay for other academic majors. However, most schools have grants and scholarships available to those who qualify.

A degree in aviation management opens up many different job possibilities. After graduation, you can expect to be qualified for a job as an accident investigator, air traffic controller, aircraft technician, airline manager, flight instructor, maintenance manager, or safety inspector. Aircraft manufacturers, airports, cargo airlines, colleges/universities, medical airline transports, private airlines, professional development centers, and tourism boards are some of the places that hire people with experience in aviation management.

Answer the questions:

1. What can you work as after receiving a degree in aviation management?

2. What education must you have to work as an aviation manager?

3. What do careers in aviation management offer?

4. Which features of character are necessary to be successful in aviation management?

5. Which advantages does a job as an aviation manager have?

6. Which university courses are of great importance for the future specialists in aviation management area?

7. According to your opinion why knowledge of foreign languages is necessary for a flight manager in all countries?

8. What kind of personalities makes progress in aviation industry?

9. Should an aviation manager be aware of aircraft engineering and why?