Hawker Beechcraft Leads Industry in Developing Company-Wide Safety Management System

Company moves beyond safety compliance, adds product value in preparation for EASA standards

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation (HBC) is taking another step as an industry leader in safety through its implementation of a Safety Management System (SMS). HBC is taking the lead in preparation for European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) requirements scheduled to begin in 2013 that mandate an SMS be in place in order to do business in European countries. The company-wide effort not only improves safety at HBC, but increases value to the customer by assuring a safer, higher quality aircraft through integration of safety processes at each step of aircraft design, assembly and operation.

“A Safety Management System requires a commitment from everyone across the organization,” said David Bernstorf, vice president, Hawker Beechcraft Safety and Certification. “It means more than personal safety. It means looking at the risks in everything we do, having pride in the work we do and developing an attitude of being more than just compliant to rules. This is an opportunity to generate change and also be a leader in the industry.” A Safety Management System focuses on continuous improvement of personal, product and process safety. Its implementation involves changes in corporate philosophy, policy, procedures and practices related to the personal safety of individuals, the safety of the aircraft produced and the processes used to build them, and the continued operational safety of aircraft in service.

Hawker Beechcraft’s efforts to create an enhanced safety-focused culture began more than a year ago when a select group of employees was assembled to develop a systematic, comprehensive, integrated and explicit set of processes to manage risks to safety. The group, called the Safety Management Team, worked to create the framework for an SMS that emphasizes commitments to integrated safety processes, boosts company pride and moves HBC well beyond compliance.The Safety Management Team has worked on a variety of projects since its formation, all of which have focused on improving the quality and safety of HBC products while engaging every employee. Over the next three years, the Safety Management Team will continue working to bring change throughout the company.

Hawker Beechcraft Corporation is a world-leading manufacturer of business, special- mission and trainer aircraft – designing, marketing and supporting aviation products and services for businesses, governments and individuals worldwide. The company’s headquarters and major facilities are located in Wichita, Kan., with operations in Salina, Kan.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Chester, England, U.K. The company leads the industry with a global network of over 100 factory-owned and authorized service centers. For more information, visit www.hawkerbeechcraft.com.