SMS, FOM & SOP's

[ttflyer]

The answer to your question is Nov 12,2010.

I agree it would be a good idea to have some functioning SMS program in place on 12-NOV-2010.

I take exception to the idea that it MUST be IS-BAO "certified." As long as you include something that looks like SMS in your operations manual, who are the EU to say you are not compliant (yes, I know the answer).

This whole thing is clear as mud. Until somebody gets fined or violated over there, we do not know how to comply. It's as simple as that...

 

[G4G5]

The manual doesn't have to be ISBAO certified. An independent, home made SMS may or may not work. Here's the problem; ICAO has come up with the SMS requirement as of today the only "approved" ICAO SMS program belongs to IBAC. All ICAO nations have acknowledged IBAC's SMS. So, theoretically on Nov 13, 2010 when a French or German inspector comes up for a ramp check you already have an approved French or German SMS.

If you feel like trying to explain to a foreign inspector that your homemade, "not approved" SMS program is just as good, have at it. For me the easy route is to buy the IBAC tool kit and fill in the blanks.

The US has filed for a difference to the ICAO annex for the implementation of the SMS, so the FAA/FSDO has no guidlines for approval. Ironicly they plan on coming out with something in 2013, one year after EASA has already put the SMS program in place. Once again the Europeans are driving the bus and the FAA with is just following along.