Airports
FAA Issues Airport SMS Mandate
In an effort to improve safety at the busiest U.S. airports, the FAA has issued a rule requiring the adoption of safety management systems.
business jets on ramp in front of tower at Van Nuys Airport
© Barry Ambrose/AIN

General aviation airports holding an operating certificate under FAR Part 139 and having nonscheduled international operations can apply for a waiver from new rules that require certain air carrier airports to have a safety management system (SMS).

According to the FAA, the intent of the rule “is not to impose a burdensome regulation on certificate holders with international service capabilities aimed exclusively at general aviation traffic.” However, the waiver is available as long as there is no tenant at the airport that must comply with a SMS requirement imposed by its country of origin.

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