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Dronelife
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Beyond Compliance: How Industry Leaders Are Shaping SMS for Scalable and Safe Drone Operations
- At XPONENTIAL 2025, industry leaders highlighted the importance of Safety Management Systems (SMS) for drone operations, emphasizing scalability from startups to major carriers.
- The Four Pillars of SMS include Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion, as defined by the FAA.
- SMS is transitioning towards being an expected standard, particularly for operators under Part 135, with a shift towards self-validation and FAA surveillance.
- Companies like Causey Aviation Unmanned, Amazon Prime Air, and UPS Flight Forward are actively integrating SMS into their drone operations with tailored approaches.
- Amazon Prime Air embeds SMS deeply into operations and manufacturing processes, viewing audits as opportunities for improvement.
- UPS Flight Forward voluntarily adopted SMS and focused on building a safety culture from the start for successful drone logistics operations.
- Industry experts advocate for 'right-sizing' SMS to suit the complexity of operations, stressing the need for proactive hazard identification and a culture of safety.
- As drone programs mature and align with aviation standards, SMS will be vital for safe and scalable operations, providing a strong foundation for businesses.
- Investing in SMS is crucial for both single drone operators and fleet managers to enhance safety and operational efficiency in the evolving drone industry.
- SMS is seen as a key element that not only protects businesses but also strengthens them, contributing to the overall success and sustainability of drone operations.
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