SkylineAviation

With the projected final rule set to be in October for Part 121 SMS via the NPRM, how many Part 121 carriers are actively initiating or have initiated programs like AQP? Are there any 121 carriers that are not involved in the ASAP program & FOQA?

For Part 135 operations, I understand most sizable operations have an active SMS, but are there other operations that are considering it and have put it off, and if so why?

I know this is a lot to ask to start a thread, but I'm trying to get a feel of the industry with respect to this topic. Any detailed responses would be greatly appreciated and feel free to send a PM to me if you can.

Lucky8888

We are a part 91 with a FOM that is based mostly on 135 but also some 121 (crew rest as an example). At the suggestion of our insurance company (we would have done it anyway), we implemented a SMS program about a year ago. Personally, I think it is fantastic and we see our coporate "peers" also implementing. The insurance companies love it (as you might expect).

The Plainsman

Also part 91 here, previous company had an outsourced SMS program that wasn't worth the bandwidth it was written on. 5 planes 12 pilots, spineless manager with his face firmly planted in the rear of upper management while blindfolding them to the actual pulse of the department.
All that being said, SMS could be a valuable tool as long as it is not mired in red tape and meaningless risk assessments that carry no weight that ultimately distract from using the grey matter between your ears.
At the end of the day we default to the most conservative course of action, management understands and accepts this. Safety can't be legislated or implemented, and no amount of risk scales, policies, and excessive protocol will make you safer.
Fly the plane how the manufacturer recommends, how the FAA recommends, how the AIM recommends. If someone isn't, man-up and tell them. Don't hide behind anonymous reports. Our insurance likes this method. BTW, current department is 3 planes, 5 pilots and is in far better position to be "safe" than the bigger department with the certificate on the wall.
Ok, rant over, ymmv, fly safe...

Phantom Flyer

I retired from one of the Large 121 carriers based in Chicago and we had FOQA and ASAP for at least a decade or longer. Since then, I've done consulting work for a 121 Supplemental and a start-up 121 charter airline. Both had SMS, FOQA and an active ASAP program.

The start-up 121 carrier actually had the SMS, ASAP, FOQA and FRMP programs "approved" prior to the formal issuance of the 121 certificate.

I don't know of any 121 carriers that don't have ASAP, FOQA and an SMS program. I worked with AFS-900 in Washington and the Director told me that all 121 carriers had an SMS program either in place or in the final stages of approval as of January of this year.

G'Luck Mate