Safety Management Systems (SMS) Manager

March 24-28, 2025

Course Overview

This 4½ day in-person course is designed to empower those involved in aviation safety with the knowledge to be able to administer Safety Management Systems (SMS) effectively; including regulatory compliance, risk management, and continuous improvement strategies. Through interactive sessions, expert insights, and practical exercises, participants will enhance their ability to foster a robust safety culture and lead their organizations to higher safety performance standards.

Outline

Through this course, we will delve into the the Safety Management System requirements as defined in the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs); from the basics of establishing a new SMS to administering the day-to-day requirements of a successful system and its importance in maintaining certification.

On Day One, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of regulations and standards, the ICAO model, and the phases of SMS establishment. This session will also cover the SMS framework and the significance of having auditable processes. Attendees will also explore the entire Risk Management Process, including Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA), risk mitigation, monitoring and measurement, continuous improvement, and safety cases.

Day Two focuses on cultivating a robust safety culture, emphasizing proactive and reactive reporting, and the obligations of the operator. Participants will learn about effective incident investigation, root cause analysis, and establishing corrective action plans. On Day Three, we will explore training and development, covering roles and responsibilities, mandatory training, and human factors for airports. The final day, Day Four, highlights continuous improvement through quality assurance, audits, and performance enhancement strategies. Each day will include knowledge checks to reinforce learning, culminating in a comprehensive test to ensure participants leave with actionable insights and practical skills.

Who should take this course?

Well, SMS Managers of course, but anyone who has a role to play in contributing to the safety of an aviation organization - from operational and administrative personnel to the Accountable Executive will find it beneficial. Those having already established Safety Management Systems will benefit through learning from guest speakers, other participants and by identifying ways to improve their existing systems - continuous improvement!

Evaluation: A final evaluation will take place at the end of the course. 80% is required for successful completion.


Certificate: Certificates will be issued electronically shortly following successful course completion.

Instructor: Currie Russell, A.A.E.

As President of Acclivix Inc., Currie brings his experience, expertise and an evidence-based approach to airport operations, safety management and training. Through more than 16 years with the Region of Waterloo International Airport, he developed the airport’s Safety Management System (SMS) and implemented a number of operational and safety-related improvements. He has also spent time as Manager of Safety Programs with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and as a sessional instructor with Georgian College’s Aviation Management program for courses which included Aviation Security and Airport Planning.

In addition to providing training, consulting and regulatory audit services, Acclivix is the Canadian representative of OTW Safety, manufacturers of the highest-quality safety barricades on the market for airports, crowd control, construction, security and other applications and Hali-Brite, manufacturers of innovative airfield equipment and lighting systems.

Other courses from Acclivix Inc. include Introduction to SMS and Human Factors for Airports and Hazard Identification Risk Assessment (HIRA) and Safety Case.

To save these details, download our SMS Manager Course Overview

Registration and Cancellation

Seats are limited so register and pay for the course through our website today!

Regular Rate: $1,950 + HST (Ontario 13%)

Early-Bird Rate: $1,750 + HST (Ontario 13%) - Use code EARLY2025 at checkout through January 15, 2025

Cancellation more than 30 days prior to the course - 100% refund

Cancellation 15 to 29 days prior to the course - 50% refund

We are unable to provide a refund for cancellations within 14 days of the course start date.

Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch and morning and afternoon breaks. Dinner will be on your own but there are plenty of options nearby.

Travel

Participants can travel directly to the hotel or book your flight to the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) on WestJet, Flair Airlines and now Air Canada in partnership with The Landline Company - they will bus you from Toronto Pearson to Waterloo - just select YKF as your destination airport when booking!

The hotel is located a short cab or rideshare trip from YKF. Or let us know when you’re arriving and we’ll pick you up if we’re available.

Location

DoubleTree by Hilton Kitchener, 30 Fairway Rd S, Kitchener, ON Phone: 519-893-1211

Room Rate: $189/night - Group Code: VIX (Cut-off date for preferred rate is February 22, 2025)

Includes Executive Tower King and Executive Double Queen room types


Confirmed reservations may cancel 72 hours prior to arrival to avoid the penalty of 1 night’s room and tax.

Room rates are subject to the following tax:

Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) 13%

Municipal Accommodations Tax (MAT) 4% plus HST

Please note that the above taxes and fees may change without notice.

• Complimentary High Speed Internet access throughout the hotel [wireless]

• Complimentary use of the fitness centre for all registered guests

• Complimentary Parking for daytime and overnight guests

• Indoor Pool

• Access to on-site full service restaurant and lounge “Arbor Kitchen and Bar”

Details

In-Person Delivery

We can’t wait to see you at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Kitchener, Ontario

This course will be held over four and a half days.
Continental breakfast, lunch and breaks are included.

Duration

Evaluation

A final evaluation will take place at the end of the course. 80% is required for successful completion.

Certificate

Upon successful completion of this course, a certificate will be sent by email for printing if desired.