SM4 Safety Articles & Resources

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aircraft waiting at hangar

FAR Part 91 Safety – What You Can Do Right Now

In a previous article (“FAR Part 91 Safety—Is It Time for a Wake-Up Call?”), we provided insights from 19 current directors of aviation about the state of safety in the…

Posted on August 8, 2024
frustrated mom with daughter on cellphone in background

More Than a Box Tick: Achieving Operational Flexibility With an FRMS

Moms know best. This adage holds true in many domains of family life—allergies, grades, crushes. When thinking about aviation safety, though, perhaps the best illustration drawn from mom’s expertise is…

Posted on July 8, 2024
Woman signaling the pilot with marshalling wands at airport

The Effects of a Learning Mindset on Safety Culture

As aviation departments strive to enhance their safety performance, a critical yet often overlooked element is the need to foster a learning-culture mindset. This mindset shift can unlock invaluable opportunities for continuous improvement, employee engagement and creating a resilient safety environment. From a behavioral management perspective, as your company’s learning culture goes, so goes the ongoing success of your SMS.

Posted on July 8, 2024
Unexpected Nose Low Upset

Three Considerations That Set Pilots Up for Success

Constantly reviewing aviation accidents and incidents is challenging. As an instructor, it is not only the injuries and fatalities that make it hard, but the sheer magnitude of avoidable aspects of each incident. These safety reports prove that every Pilot in Command (PIC) is accountable for what transpires.

Posted on June 3, 2024
Aircraft mechanics in the hangar

The Petri Dish of Safety Culture

If we look through a microscope at the elements of “safety,” we see things that are often hidden. We secretly know that the rules don’t matter as much as the attitude of the company and the person using them.

Posted on June 3, 2024
Young aviation mechanic studying with veteran mechanic to repair engine

The Art of Influence Has Never Been More Important—or More Overlooked

As our industry continues to grind through the growth pains of a generational handoff, the art of peer-to-peer influence has never been more critical. While executive leadership is important, attitudes, values and culture are shaped informally by experienced line employees and first-line supervisors operating far, far away from the C-suites.

Posted on April 29, 2024
agricultural drone spraying a field

The Dawn of Drone Agriculture: Navigating the Skies of Modern Farming

In the past decade, the agricultural industry has seen a significant technological revolution, with the advent of drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), being one of the most transformative. These high-flying tools have revolutionized the way farmers and agronomists approach crop management, pest control and land analysis.

Posted on April 29, 2024
Plane crash scene with police line do not cross tape in foreground

Fatal Accidents and Personal Effects: Why Expert Handling Is Essential

The devastating consequences of fatal aviation accidents cannot be overstated. An organization relies on its Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to navigate such a tragedy.

Posted on April 3, 2024
aircraft flying through bad weather

Understanding the Challenge of Turbulence-Related Injuries in Business Aviation

The challenge of managing air turbulence in business and private aviation is becoming increasingly evident due to the growing number of turbulence-related incidents affecting aircraft operators across the industry.

Posted on April 3, 2024