§102-33.130. Aviation safety management.
41 C.F.R. § 102-33.130
You must establish or require the following aviation safety management standards:
A Safety Management System (SMS) that complies with the FAA's current Advisory Circular (AC) that addresses SMSs or an equivalent internationally recognized SMS standard. The SMS should include:
Policies that assign SMS roles, with senior management ultimately responsible and qualified safety managers or officers appointed to oversee the aviation safety program, who should be:
Experienced as pilots, crewmembers, or in aviation or maintenance program management; and
Graduated or certificated from an approved aviation safety officer course before or within one year of appointment; and
An accident prevention program that includes—
Measurable procedures;
A system to share safety information;
Safety training;
An aviation safety awards program, including Federal Aviation Awards; and
A safety council or committee (for agencies owning aircraft);
Risk management procedures that identify and reduce hazards using formal controls and advise senior managers on optimal risk mitigation;
Policies requiring independent inspectors to verify compliance with these standards;
Procedures allowing reprisal-free reporting of unsafe operations to aviation safety officers and managers;
A system to collect and report information on aircraft accidents and incidents (as required by 49 CFR part 830 and § 102-33.270);
Policies that identify clear standards for acceptable behavior; and
A security program that includes—
A designated security manager;
A threat assessment process;
Procedures for preventing and deterring unlawful acts;
Procedures for responding to threats and unlawful acts;
Security training for personnel; and
Policies and procedures for a mail security plan that meet the requirements in 41 CFR part 102-192, including protections against mail-borne hazards for staff and facilities, especially when using aircraft for mail delivery.
Notes, amendments, and revision history
Authority
Authority: 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 31 U.S.C. 101 et seq.; Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1970, 35 FR 7959, 3 CFR, 1066-1970 Comp., p. 1070; E.O. 11541, 35 FR 10737, 3 CFR, 1966-1970 Comp., p. 939; and OMB Circular No. A-126 (Revised May 22, 1992), 57 FR 22150.
Source
Source: 90 FR 58425, Dec. 16, 2025, unless otherwise noted.