MO Safety Manager

Someone is asking me about the new role of PART 145 Safety Manager
Who is PART 145 Safety Manager ?
Which competence, knowledge, skills....?
Does the Aviation Market request this specialized profile for Maintenance Organization ?

 
by Polly Thomson - Steia Aviation Safety Promoter

Who's PART 145  SAFETY MANAGER ?

The SMS management system of PART 145 should encompass safety by including a Safety Manager and a safety review board in the organisational as indicated in AMC1 145.A.200(a)(1) Management system

As per PART 145.A.30 (ca), the Accountable Manager shall nominate a person or group of persons with the responsibility to manage the development, administration and maintenance of effective safety management processes as part of the management system.

The Safety Manager is a Nominated Person

The functions of the safety manager are those defined in AMC1 145.A.30(c);(ca).

As indicated in the GM1 145.A.30(ca) depending on the size of the organisation and the nature and complexity of its activities, the safety manager may be assisted by additional safety personnel in performing all the safety management tasks defined in AMC1 145.A.200(a)(1). 

Regardless of the organisational set-up, it is important that the safety manager remains the unique focal point for the development, administration, and maintenance of the organisation’s safety management processes.

If more than one person is designated for the development, administration and maintenance of effective safety management processes, the accountable manager should identify the person who acts as the unique focal point, i.e. the ‘safety manager’.

The functions of the safety manager should be to:

(i) facilitate hazard identification, risk assessment and management;

(ii) monitor the implementation of actions taken to mitigate risks, as listed in the safety action plan, unless action follow-up is addressed by the compliance monitoring function;

(iii) provide periodic reports on safety performance to the safety review board (the functions of the safety review board are those defined in AMC1 145.A.200(a)(1));

(iv) ensure the maintenance of safety management documentation;

(v) ensure that there is safety training available, and that it meets acceptable standards;

(vi) provide advice on safety matters; and

(vii) ensure the initiation and follow-up of internal occurrence investigations.

Which are KNOWLEDGE, BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
OF  A PART 145  SAFETY MANAGER ?

As per AMC1 145.A.30(cc) - Personnel requirements, in accordance to ED Decision 2022/011/R the SAFETY MANAGER nominated in accordance with points (ca) of point 145.A.30 should have:

(a) practical experience and expertise in the application of aviation safety standards and safe operating practices;

(b) knowledge of:

(1) human factors principles;

(2) EU management system requirements and their application (including safety management systems and compliance monitoring);

(c) 5 years of relevant work experience, of which at least 2 years should be from the aeronautical industry in an appropriate position;

(d) a relevant engineering or technical degree, or an aircraft technician or maintenance engineer qualification with additional education that is acceptable to the competent authority. ‘Relevant engineering or technical degree’ means a degree from aeronautical, mechanical, electrical, electronic, avionics or other studies that are relevant to the maintenance and/or continuing airworthiness of aircraft/aircraft components.

The provision set out in the first paragraph of point (d) may be replaced by 2 years of experience in addition to those already recommended by paragraph (c) above. These 2 years should cover an appropriate combination of experience in tasks/activities related to maintenance and/or continuing airworthiness management and/or the surveillance of such tasks.

For the person to be nominated in accordance with point (ca) of point 145.A.30, in the case where the organisation holds one or more additional organisation certificates within the scope of Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 and that person has already an equivalent position (i.e. compliance monitoring manager, safety manager) under the additional certificate(s) held, the provisions set out in the first two paragraphs of point (d) may be replaced by the completion of a specific training programme acceptable to the competent authority to gain an adequate understanding of maintenance standards and continuing airworthiness concepts and principles;

(e) thorough knowledge of the organisation's MOE and safety policy;

(f) knowledge of a relevant sample of the type(s) of aircraft or components gained through a formalised training course. These courses could be provided by a Part-147 organisation, by the manufacturer, by the Part-145 organisation or by any other organisation accepted by the competent authority. Aircraft/engine type training courses should be at least at a level equivalent to the Part-66 Appendix III Level 1 General Familiarisation.

‘Relevant sample’ means that these courses should cover typical aircraft or components that are within the scope of work of the organisation.

(g) knowledge of the relevant maintenance methods (and how they are applied in the organisation) and/or specific knowledge relevant to the area for which the person will be nominated;

(h) knowledge of the applicable regulations;

(i) adequate language and communication skills.

Which is COMPETENCY of the SAFETY MANAGER ?

As per GM4 145.A.30(e) and ED Decision 2022/011/R the COMPETENCY OF THE SAFETY MANAGER should include, but not be limited to, the following:

(a) knowledge of ICAO standards and European requirements on safety management;

(b) an understanding of management systems, including compliance monitoring systems;

(c) an understanding of risk management;

(d) an understanding of safety investigation techniques and root cause methodologies;

(e) an understanding of human factors;

(f) understanding and promotion of a positive safety culture;

(g) operational experience related to the activities of the organisation;

(h) safety management experience;

(i) interpersonal and leadership skills, and the ability to influence staff;

What's the future of PART 145
SAFETY MANAGER in the next 10 years ?

The role of a safety manager is crucial in ensuring the safe operations of any organization, including Part 145 Maintenance Organizations

These organizations are responsible for the maintenance and repair of aircraft and aircraft components. Safety management systems (SMS) are becoming increasingly important in the aviation industry, and many organizations are implementing SMS to enhance safety and comply with regulatory requirements.

Considering the ongoing focus on safety and the continuous improvement of safety practices in the aviation industry, it is reasonable to assume that safety management roles, including safety managers, will remain in demand within Part 145 Maintenance Organizations in the coming years. The emphasis on safety, risk management, and compliance with regulations is expected to persist and even increase.

Furthermore, aviation authorities, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), have been emphasizing the importance of safety management and risk-based decision-making. This focus on safety is likely to result in the sustained need for safety professionals within maintenance organizations.

It's worth noting that the specific qualifications and certifications required for safety managers may evolve over time. Regulatory bodies and industry organizations might introduce new standards, certifications, or training requirements. 

It would be beneficial for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a safety manager within Part 145 Maintenance Organizations 

Ultimately, the demand for safety managers within Part 145 Maintenance Organizations will depend on various factors, 


While it's challenging to predict the exact future demand for a specific qualification like a safety manager, the overall trend suggests that safety management will continue to be a critical aspect of aviation operations.

STEIA AVIATION supports PART 145 SYSTEM MANAGER for Training and Management