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SMS Survey

Are You Ready ... for SMS?

For many US helicopter operators, the clock is ticking toward the May 2027 safety management system (SMS) mandate.

But the real question isn’t if you’ll get there, it’s how prepared you are right now.

We’re taking a quick pulse check across the industry to better understand where operators stand in their SMS journey, including areas where progress may be meeting resistance.

This brief, one-question survey is completely anonymous. No report cards, no second-guessing, just an honest snapshot to help us focus our efforts where they matter most and ensure that the right support is in place for everyone moving forward.

So if you can take just a few moments to let us know where you stand, we’d be most grateful.
1.The FAA has mandated that Part 135 operators, some Part 91 air tour operators, and Part 21 certificate holders must have a safety management system (SMS) in place by May 28, 2027. Where are you in the compliance process?
Implementing an SMS can seem overwhelming, but VAI has lots of resources to help. We’ve partnered with six leading SMS providers so you can choose the system that best fits your operation, from straightforward to complex. Best of all, each provider offers significant savings to VAI members. Learn more at verticalavi.org/safety/sms.