Moving Beyond the Illusion of Safety

At the Air Charter Safety Foundation, we spend a lot of time talking about Safety Management Systems (SMS). They are, after all, one of the most important tools an operator will develop to create a proactive safety culture. 

In a recent article by aviation safety leader and pilot, Kodey Bogart, raised an uncomfortable truth: sometimes SMS becomes more about appearance than action.

The article defines this as the illusion of safety – when policies, manuals, and procedures exist mainly to “check the box” for auditors or regulators, rather than drive safer decisions day-to-day. 

The article comments on certain situations we’ve likely all come across:

  • Manuals that sit on a shelf instead of being referenced
  • Training that meets minimum standards without real understanding
  • Hazard reports submitted but never truly addressed

“When team members and leadership believe that safety is being ‘handled’ simply because systems are in place, they may overlook latent hazards, ignore cultural red flags, and assume a level of risk control that doesn’t actually exist.”

As our single focus at ACSF is safety, we couldn’t agree more. True safety isn’t about the creation of nicely laminated binders or dashboard graphs alone. It’s about culture – the lived behaviors, open communication, and ownership at every level of an organization.

We encourage our members to evaluate their safety initiatives on a regular basis and to ask questions like: Is your SMS an active, breathing part of daily operations, or has it become an administrative task?

Here are a few reminders to keep your SMS real:

  • Integrate safety discussions into every department meeting
  • Treat manuals as living documents to update and use
  • Make sure hazard reports result in action
  • Empower every employee to speak up – without fear

 “True safety is lived, not laminated.”

While writing an SMS is a key and important part of the safety process, it should be seen as the guiding document to living and working with a safety and Just Culture. 

For some, writing it down makes it “real.” At ACSF, we encourage every member of the organization to live, work and operate in the safety culture together – closing the gap between what’s written and what’s real.

The article is certainly worth the read to discover how even well documented safety policies can lead to complacency and often just “check the compliance box” instead of internalized by the ream. 

Read the original article here.

Go Rentals Discount

Go Rentals shall provide the following rates for vehicle reservations to agents, employees and members of

  • ACSF Toyota Corolla: $64.99 Daily Rate 
  • Toyota Camry: $74.99 Daily Rate 
  • Toyota Rav4: $92.49 Daily Rate

Go Rentals’ standard rates shall apply to reservations in Colorado, Montana, Utah and Wyoming.

Go Rentals shall provide the clients and customers of ACSF (collectively, “Clients”) a 20% discount for vehicle reservations applied against the daily rate in effect at the time of reservation.

MedAire Benefit

Ensure comprehensive safety and support with MedAire’s industry-leading solutions, expertly tailored for Business Aviation. As a valued member of the Air Charter Safety Foundation, you are eligible for an exceptional 20% discount on the first-year retail price of MedAire360 Assistance Membership. 

Why MedAire360?

MedAire360 stands at the forefront of aviation risk management and resilience. The program integrates advanced medical, security, and operational support, meticulously developed through nearly 40 years of industry insights, real-world experience, and technological innovation. MedAire360 ensures each flight is safeguarded with proactive risk mitigation, cutting-edge medical diagnostic equipment, and comprehensive safety training resources. 

Key Benefits:

  1. Discount: 20% off the retail price per aircraft tail. 
  2. Eligibility: Available to new customers only. 
  3. Duration: Discount applies to the first year of MedAire360 Assistance Membership. 

How to Redeem:

ACSF members can take advantage of this exclusive offer by presenting proof of current ACSF membership to the MedAire sales team during the enrolment process. 

Why Choose MedAire?

For nearly four decades, MedAire has solidified its reputation as a cornerstone of aviation safety and security. The MedAire360 Assistance Membership is designed to integrate top-tier medical and security assistance, rigorous crew training, and state-of-the-art medical kits for onboard health and safety. The membership provides 24/7 access to aviation medical and security specialists, VIP medical support at destination points, and seamless coordination for essential services worldwide. 

MedAire’s services are crucial in mitigating travel risks and ensuring the highest safety standards. Whether the need is for pre-trip risk assessments, in-flight medical guidance, or emergency support, MedAire360 delivers unmatched expertise and personalised care at every step.