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Treasure Coast Aviation Safety Services

TCASS: Safeguarding Today, Navigating Safety For Tomorrow.

Tag: Aviation Regulations

Discusses current and evolving regulations governing the aviation industry, aiming to ensure compliance and safety in air travel.

Aerospace Regulations Aviation History Aviation Safety Fight Safety Safety in Transportation Safety Management Systems System Safety Technology in Aviation Technology Innovations

Evolution of Aviation Safety: From Wright Brothers to Safety Management Systems

Jul 15, 2024 by Gary Sizemore 0 Comments , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Evolution of Aviation Safety: From Wright Brothers to Safety Management Systems

Introduction

In this blog series, I will chronicle the evolution of flight starting with the Wright Brothers’ developments and look at how far we have come through the aviation of today. In the annals of aviation history, 1903 marks a pivotal year. On a windswept beach in North Carolina, the Wright brothers achieved the first powered flight, catapulting humanity into the skies. Little did they know that their pioneering spirit would start a centuries-long journey marked by triumphs, tragedies, and a relentless pursuit of safety.

The Wright Brothers’ First Flight

On December 17, 1903, two brothers from Dayton, Ohio, named Wilbur and Orville Wright, were successful in flying an airplane they built. NASA, 2008

The Wright Flyer. (NASA Photo)

Their powered aircraft flew for 12 seconds above the sand dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, making them the first men to pilot a heavier-than-air machine that took off on its own power, remained under control, and sustained flight. NASA, 2008

Early Aviation and Initial Tragedies

Tragedy struck during a flight on Sept. 17, 1908, when the right propeller on the 1908 Flyer fouled a guy wire, causing the plane to crash to earth. Orville Wright was seriously injured, while Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge, along on the flight as a passenger, was fatally injured, thus becoming the first person to die as the result of an airplane accident. (U.S. Air Force photo)

The early years of aviation were thrilling yet perilous. Just five years after their historic flight, tragedy struck during a demonstration flight by Orville Wright. Tragedy struck during a flight on September 17, 1908, when the right propeller on the 1908 Flyer fouled a guy wire, causing the plane to crash to earth. USAF Nat Museum

Fragments of the propeller blade that broke during the fateful flight on Sept. 17, 1908, where the right propeller on the 1908 Flyer fouled a guy wire, causing the plane to crash to earth. (U.S. Air Force photo).

Orville Wright was seriously injured, while Lt. Thomas E. Selfridge, along on the flight as a passenger, was fatally injured, thus becoming the first person to die as the result of an airplane accident. USAF Nat Museum It was the world’s first airplane crash, a stark reminder of the inherent risks in this new mode of transportation.

The Introduction of Aviation Regulations

Recognizing the urgent need for oversight, governments worldwide began to step in. Aviation industry leaders believed the airplane could not reach its full commercial potential without federal action to improve and maintain safety standards. FAA, 2021 At their urging in 1926, the United States enacted the Air Commerce Act. FAA, 2021

  • Charged the Secretary of Commerce with fostering air commerce, issuing and enforcing air traffic rules, licensing pilots, certifying aircraft, establishing airways, and operating and maintaining aids to air navigation. FAA, 2021
  • A new Aeronautics branch in the Department of Commerce assumed primary responsibility for aviation oversight. FAA, 2021
  • This act introduced pilot licensing, aircraft airworthiness certificates, and established rules for air traffic control and accident investigation for the first time — a crucial turning point in making air travel safer.

Further Developments in Aviation Safety Oversight

The growth of aviation required more oversight and in 1934 the Department of Commerce renamed the Aeronautics Branch the Bureau of Air Commerce. FAA, 2021

While the Department of Commerce worked to improve aviation safety, a number of high-profile accidents called the department’s oversight responsibilities into question. FAA, 2021

Following more accidents, President Franklin Roosevelt signed the Civil Aeronautics Act in 1938. FAA, 2021

  • Established the independent Civil Aeronautics Authority (CAA), with a three-member Air Safety Board that would conduct accident investigations and recommend ways of preventing accidents. FAA, 2021
  • In 1940, President Roosevelt split the CAA into two agencies, the Civil Aeronautics Administration, which went back to the Department of Commerce, and the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). FAA, 2021

Human Factors and System Safety

However, it wasn’t until the mid-20th century that aviation safety truly began to soar. The concept of “Human Factors” emerged, focusing on how human performance impacts safety. This shift led to improvements in crew training, cockpit design, and operational procedures, significantly reducing accidents caused by human error.

The 1970s brought another leap forward with the advent of System Safety. Born out of a collective dissatisfaction with reactive safety measures, System Safety advocated for a proactive approach to design and operations. Erickson, 2006

  • By systematically identifying and mitigating risks before they could manifest, this methodology revolutionized aviation safety standards.
  • System Safety was an outgrowth of the general dissatisfaction with the fly-fix-fly approach to design (i.e., fix safety problems after a mishap has occurred) prevalent during the early years. Erickson, 2006

Safety Management Systems (SMS)

Building upon the foundation of System Safety, Safety Management Systems (SMS) emerged as the gold standard for ensuring aviation safety. SMS is designed to integrate safety into every aspect of an organization’s operations, from frontline procedures to executive decision-making. It represents a cultural shift towards continuous improvement and risk management, empowering aviation providers to anticipate and prevent accidents rather than simply react to them.

Today, SMS is not just a recommendation—it’s a requirement endorsed by global aviation bodies like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and implemented by civil aviation authorities worldwide. By adopting SMS, organizations not only enhance safety but also improve operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance. The Safety Management System has become a standard for aviation. FAA, 2021

Conclusion

Looking ahead, the evolution of aviation safety continues unabated. As technology advances and air travel becomes more accessible than ever, the lessons learned from past tragedies propel us towards a future where safety is not just a goal but a fundamental pillar of the industry. From the humble beginnings on a North Carolina beach to the sophisticated Safety Management Systems of today, each chapter in aviation safety’s history reminds us of our commitment to making the skies safer for all.

A short history of aviation in the U.S.
Source: FAA

In conclusion, while the journey from the Wright Flyer to modern airliners has been marked by challenges and setbacks, it is also a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. As we celebrate the achievements of aviation pioneers, we also look forward to a future where every flight is not only efficient and convenient but above all, safe.

Please look for follow-on blog posts that will continue to chronicle our goals for Aviation Safety.

Keywords: Safety Management Systems, Aviation Safety, System Safety
References:

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA, 2008
  • National Museum of the United States Air Force, USAF Nat Museum
  • Federal Aviation Administration, FAA, 2021
  • Erickson, 2006. A Short History of System Safety. Journal of System Safety, Vol 32, No. 3.
Aircraft Maintenance Aviation Safety Culture Of Safety Emergency Response Human Factors Incident Investigation Industry Insights Regulatory Updates Risk Management Safety Management Systems

Aviation Safety in the News: Challenges, Solutions, and the Role of Safety Management Systems (SMS)

May 13, 2024 by Gary Sizemore 3 Comments , , , , , , , , , , ,

Aviation Safety in the News: Challenges, Solutions, and the Role of Safety Management Systems (SMS)

Once again, we find Aviation Safety in the news. There are multiple stories that pertain to aviation safety from several aspects of the industry. The largest story involves Boeing, and the lack of safety the organization reportedly has. Of the gravest concerns, is that Boeing sees itself as an organization with an impeccable safety stance and program. While Boeing may have a safety culture, how good is it? Boeing does not have the elements that support a Safety Management System. Is this a problem manifested only by Boeing? Only in the manufacturing sector? NO of course not. FAA part 121 Airlines also have SMS challenges, even though they are required to meet the FAA SMS regulations. We also read about American Airlines and the problems they seem to be having that rival those of Boeing. They also report they have a safety program that is top notch. Much like Boeing, all the outward signs of a safety program are visible. But are they meaningful? American Airlines is not the only part 121 Airline that is experiencing problems.

Watch the 96-minute long testimony given at the Senate Panel in April, 2024.

The Challenge of “Culture of Safety”

What we really need to know is how the culture at these organizations and many more organizations like them around the world feel about safety. As we investigate cultures, one thing we look at is relics. Relics are those things that tell us a story about those in the culture. These organizations usually have the relics we look for to see a safety culture. Those are the posters and such that may show their interest or may just be for show in case they get a visit from the FAA or regulator. The true test is the development of a culture of safety, rather than a safety culture.

Relics of Safety Culture

Aircraft engineer in a hangar holding laptop computer while repairing and maintaining a jet engine.
Aircraft mechanic inspecting and checking the technology of a jet engine in the hangar at the airport.
Safety Posters are Relics of “Safety Culture” – but not necessarily evidence of a “Culture of Safety“.

The Evolution of Safety Management Systems

Looking back, SMS was introduced by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in the 1980 – 1990s. This occurred due to a series of high-profile aviation accidents which underscored the necessity to take safety to the next level. That level was a systematic approach. During the 2000s SMS gained widespread acceptance, and regulators began to require the program.

In the 1980s and 1990s, there was a lot of effort put into developing what has become the aviation SMS today. It was a collaborative effort between many organizations and regulators. There are opportunities to get help today as well. If you feel your organization needs help with the development of or improving your SMS, ask for help. Building an organization with a culture of safety will probably be the most satisfying activity you can engage in.

There are many documents provided by regulators that outline what an SMS requires, and organizations still fail in these areas. SMS regulations started with FAA part 121 airlines. The large passenger carrying airlines were the first to be required to have an SMS. The new group in the push for SMS goes to FAA part 135 air carriers and FAA part 21 carriers. The new rules will also include FAA part 145 Maintenance organizations.

The latest news is about Safety Management Systems (SMS), and regulation changes requiring SMS in more areas of aviation. At face value this is a good thing. However, if companies such as Boeing and American Airlines are having problems, how can this work for those in the new group? Saying I have an SMS is not proof enough that a ‘true’ SMS exists.

Evaluating Safety Management Systems Effectiveness

Recently the National Transportation Safety Board has cited weakness or lack of an SMS as a causal factor in accidents and incidents. Many of the current incidents or accidents show a lack of safety as a part of the problem. Boeing has shown many areas where there is no SMS, even though they have relics that show they have a safety culture. The events with American Airlines and Southwest also show their SMS efforts are falling short of the mark to ensure safety is paramount to the organizations. These highlight the difference between a safety culture and a culture of safety.

All organizations should take a top to bottom look at their SMS on a regular basis. Is the accountable executive active in the SMS process as they should be, or is it delegated down to employees that don’t have the proper level of leadership to accomplish what needs to be accomplished? Is the safety policy just words that the organization can recite without meaning, or is it truly the “Way we do business here” within the organization?

If things are going well, why is there a need to evaluate the SMS on a regular basis?
Drift is a naturally occurring process in organizations. As time passes, people drift towards ways of doing things that are not within the ‘Culture of Safety’ way of doing business, for many reasons. Shortcuts occur, and we can start to see failures in the SMS. Time constraints are always an issue as well. From top to bottom, time must be devoted to the SMS. Another crucial aspect of culture is trust. If the workforce trusts the management, they are more likely to follow the SMS. If they don’t trust, they likely won’t. Every aspect of SMS must fit together like a well-designed and maintained puzzle.

The Future of Safety Management

If we are going to make aviation safer, we must take steps to build a safe organization, and keep safety top of mind for every employee in the organization, as well as every organization that supports it. SMS is that umbrella that pulls everything and everyone together in the name of safety. Regulators play a role in this as well. If SMS is required by regulation, see that it is done correctly. If SMS is needed, develop the regulation to require it, and then ensure it is done correctly.

Visit www.tcas2.com to read more blog posts pertaining to aviation and aviation safety.

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