CAAThe UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is holding a Safety Management Systems (SMS) seminar in London on 21 September. The event is aimed at CEOs, managing directors and those involved in SMS to help prepare industry for International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) SMS standards that come into force on 1 January 2009.

Industry speakers will present sessions on the safety and business benefits of SMS to air traffic control, aerodrome and aircraft operators, and an overview of their experiences of SMS implementation. Speakers from the CAA will describe the regulator’s view of SMS, legislation emerging from Europe and how the CAA is preparing to support industry to adopt and implement the systems. A list of speakers is on the programme at www.caa.co.uk/smsconference

Ben Alcott, Head of Safety Investigation and Data Department at the CAA, said: “The evidence from across the world is clear: without drive and direction from the very top of an organisation, the full benefits of SMS cannot be achieved. Safety Management Systems are essential for the sustainable development of the industry. It is imperative that the industry is fully prepared to meet the ICAO standards by 1 January 2009 and this seminar will provide invaluable insight and guidance to help achieve that.”

To register for the conference, which is free of charge, complete the online registration form at www.caa.co.uk/smsconference. Places are limited and will be confirmed nearer the time.

The seminar is being held at 4 Hamilton Place, London on 21 September. Registration begins at 0900 and the seminar concludes at 1615.

For media information contact James Hotson on 020 7453 6025.

Speakers: John Guselli (Managing Director, JCG Aviation Services), Mike Bell (Group Director Safety Regulation, UK CAA), Gretchen Burrett (Director of Safety, NATS), Danny Ho (Director Flight Safety Division, Eva Air), Paul Bishop (Managing Director, DHL Air UK), Rupert Britton (Chief Legal Advisor, UK CAA), David Chapman (Head of Flight Operations Division, UK CAA)