NATA Statement on Pending Publication of Part 139 SMS Final Rule

The National Air Transportation Association issued the following statement on the FAA’s recent release of its final rule draft requiring certain airport certificate holders to develop, implement, maintain, and adhere to an airport safety management system (SMS).

“As SMS positively impacts all aviation sectors, NATA supports the FAA’s efforts to enhance safety across the entire aviation ecosystem. The final rule on airport SMS will increase interoperability between ground and air operation safety and risk management processes,” stated NATA President and CEO Curt Castagna. “For decades, NATA has been the industry leader in providing safety advocacy, awareness, and education resources and will continue to explore the benefits of connectivity between airport and operator SMS programs.”

The rule will be effective 60 days after date of publication in the Federal Register.