What is the purpose of a Safety Management System (SMS) in aerial operations?

The purpose of a Safety Management System (SMS) in aerial operations is to manage safety risks through a structured approach. An SMS provides a systematic framework for identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing safety measures to mitigate those risks effectively. This structured approach is essential because it helps organizations prioritize safety and create a culture that promotes proactive management of potential dangers, leading to a safer operating environment.

While ensuring compliance with regulatory policies is significant, it is part of the broader objectives of an SMS rather than its primary purpose. Tracking flight hours of pilots or providing financial oversight are also important functions within an organization, but they do not directly pertain to the core mission of an SMS, which is focused on enhancing safety and understanding risks associated with aerial operations.