Washington, DC – 30 June 2025 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) has released the first in a new three-part video series designed to offer real-world, practical guidance for implementing Safety Management Systems (SMS), in compliance with the FAA’s expanded Part 5 SMS rule issued in April 2024.
The rule mandates SMS implementation for all Part 135 operators, selected Part 21 certificate holders, and §91.147 air tour operators, aligning these sectors with broader safety standards already in place under Federal Aviation Regulations.
The NBAA Safety Committee’s opening video, titled “FAA Part 5 SMS for Small Operators: Safety Policy & Safety Promotion”, provides a 20-minute, scenario-based guide through the SMS development process, using a hypothetical flight operation to illustrate key steps. The approach draws on best practices from operators who have already adopted the new safety framework.
“We recognized a gap in accessible, relatable, and scenario-based guidance that simplifies regulatory compliance and showcases real-world SMS application,” said Amanda Ferraro, CAM and SMS Working Group lead for the NBAA Safety Committee.
Additional videos focusing on safety risk management and safety assurance are scheduled for release in the coming months. The series aims to make SMS implementation more tangible and actionable for smaller operators navigating new regulatory terrain.
This initiative is part of a broader push by NBAA in 2025 to elevate the focus on aviation safety following a series of high-profile accidents and incidents:
- In February, NBAA hosted a landmark webinar, “Is it Safe to Fly?”, bringing experts together to promote actionable safety enhancements such as data sharing, technology use, and a just-culture approach.
- In March, NBAA joined other industry leaders to launch the National General Aviation Safety Pause, encouraging general aviation pilots to take time for safety-focused reflection and review.
- In April, NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen testified before the S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Aviation Subcommittee, advocating for an expansion of the FAA’s Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS) initiative.
- In May, NBAA released its annual safety edition of Business Aviation Insider, providing detailed insights and lessons learned from recent business aircraft accidents.
Looking ahead, the NBAA Safety Committee is also preparing a robust lineup of dedicated safety content for NBAA-BACE 2025, taking place in Las Vegas from October 14–16. The event is set to spotlight the latest developments and tools supporting a safer business aviation environment.
To view the SMS video and explore NBAA’s full range of safety resources, visit the Part 5 SMS for Small Operators Resource on the NBAA website.
SOURCE AND IMAGE: NBAA
