A February 2013 study from the Center for Aviation Safety Research (CASR) at Saint Louis University (SLU) analyzing repair stations safety management system (SMS) implementation indicates the majority (51.5 percent) of repair stations have not started any SMS development activities. The report also finds that larger repair stations are more familiar with SMS and are further along in SMS implementation than are smaller repair stations.

Many disagree about the importance of SMS; 23 percent of respondents either disagreed or strongly disagreed that SMS actually improves safety, whereas 48 percent answered that it does. Survey participants responded similarly when asked if SMS helps repair stations reduce aircraft maintenance errors; 25 percent responded in the negative, while 47 percent said the program does reduce error.

With the FAA working on regulations to require all part 121 operators to implement an SMS, SLU is using its study to assist the agency by looking into possible compliance solutions for part 145 repair stations. The school’s survey includes repair station industry demographics, work performed, aircraft maintained, and knowledge and opinions about SMS application.

For answers to questions about the survey, please contact CASR Program Director Damon Lercel at 314-977-8527.

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