The FAA's Safety Management System mandate applies to all Part 135 certificate holders and 91.147 commercial air tour operators. The compliance deadline is March 27, 2027.
Most operators haven't started. Here's what the mandate actually requires:
The Four Pillars of SMS
- Safety Policy — A documented safety policy signed by the accountable executive
- Safety Risk Management — A formal process for identifying hazards and assessing risk
- Safety Assurance — Continuous monitoring of your safety performance indicators
- Safety Promotion — Training, communication, and building a safety culture
Why Start Now?
Operators who wait until 2026 will be scrambling. A functional SMS takes 6-12 months to implement properly.
The March 27, 2027 Timeline
The FAA published the final rule. The deadline is firm. Part 135 certificate holders and 91.147 commercial air tour operators are required to have an FAA-accepted SMS in place.
Complete step-by-step implementation guide: Building Your SMS — Complete Guide for Part 135 & 91.147 Operators
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