Polly Thomson, the SMS specialized Safety Promoter at Steia Aviation, understands the critical importance of a well-structured Part 145 Safety Management Training Plan in ensuring safety excellence within the organization. 

With her expertise in safety management systems, safety training, and safety promotion, Polly takes a holistic approach to designing a comprehensive and impactful training plan.

• Assessing Training Needs: Polly begins by conducting a thorough assessment of the training needs within the Part 145 Maintenance Organization. This involves identifying gaps in safety knowledge and skill sets, analyzing incident data and safety reports, and gathering feedback from maintenance personnel. By understanding the specific requirements of the organization, Polly tailors the training plan to address the unique safety challenges faced by the maintenance team.

• Developing a Multi-Faceted Curriculum: Drawing from her experience and in-depth knowledge of safety management, Polly designs a curriculum that covers a wide range of safety-related topics. The curriculum includes an overview of Safety Management Systems (SMS), hazard identification and risk assessment techniques, safety reporting and investigation procedures, emergency response protocols, and compliance with regulatory requirements. The aim is to equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of safety principles and practices relevant to their roles.

• Integrating Practical Exercises: Polly understands that hands-on experience is instrumental in reinforcing safety concepts. To this end, she incorporates practical exercises and simulations into the training plan. These exercises allow maintenance personnel to apply safety protocols in realistic scenarios, enabling them to develop problem-solving skills and enhance their ability to handle emergencies effectively.

• Fostering Safety Communication: Recognizing the importance of effective safety communication, Polly includes modules on safety communication and human factors. Participants are trained to communicate safety information clearly and proactively, while also understanding the role of human factors in safety incidents. By promoting open dialogue and a non-punitive reporting culture, Polly encourages participants to share safety concerns and contribute to safety improvement.

• Encouraging Continuous Improvement: Polly emphasizes the significance of continuous improvement in safety practices. She encourages participants to share best practices, lessons learned, and safety success stories. By fostering a culture of learning and collaboration, Polly ensures that participants actively engage in safety enhancement efforts, making safety a shared responsibility.

• Emphasizing Safety Leadership: As a Safety Promoter, Polly recognizes the impact of effective safety leadership on the organization's safety culture. In the training plan, she dedicates a module to developing safety leadership qualities among participants. Participants are encouraged to lead safety initiatives within their teams, promoting a safety-conscious culture throughout the organization.

• Aligning with Industry Best Practices: To ensure the training plan remains relevant and aligned with industry best practices, Polly regularly updates the curriculum. She keeps abreast of the latest safety trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes to incorporate the most current information into the training.

Safety Management System (SMS) Fundamentals: 

The course should provide a solid understanding of the principles, concepts, and components of an SMS. 

This includes knowledge of safety policies, safety risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion.

Regulatory Framework

Participants should be familiar with the relevant regulations and standards governing aviation safety management, including those specific to Part 145 Maintenance Organizations. 

This may include understanding the requirements of regulatory bodies such as the EASA.

Safety Communication and Training

Effective safety communication is critical for promoting a safety culture within an organization. 

The course should address strategies for effective safety communication, including internal communication, safety meetings, safety reporting, and training programs.