Textron Aviation Customer Support Leads the Way in Elevating Aviation Safety Standards With FAA Acceptance for Safety Management System

Textron Aviation announced today during the 2023 National Business Aviation Association Convention and Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) that its Customer Support organization received acceptance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its Corporate Enterprise Safety Management System (SMS) at its Wichita and Indianapolis locations. This recognition reinforces Textron Aviation’s commitment to high quality standards in the aviation industry.

Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker customers receive factory-direct support, maintenance and modifications by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, through its global network of service and part centers, mobile service units and 24/7 1CALL AOG support.

Corporate Enterprise SMS is a comprehensive and systematic approach to managing safety within aviation, encompassing a robust framework of policies, processes and procedures for the identification, analysis and control of potential hazards. The primary objective is to implement a structured management plan that effectively mitigates risks, creating a collaborative aviation ecosystem for all stakeholders involved. Textron Aviation is a voluntary participant in the FAA’s Corporate Enterprise SMS program, which is not yet mandated for repair stations.

“Our customers can have full confidence that Textron Aviation is leading the way in adoption of safety management systems in the general aviation industry,” said Brian Rohloff, senior vice president of Customer Support. “With FAA acceptance of our Safety Management System, this milestone reflects our dedication to ensuring up-to-date, high standards of safety, offering our customers peace of mind and uncompromised trust in our services.”

Textron Aviation’s 11 US-based company-owned service centers have fully embraced the SMS procedures for more than a year, with Wichita and Indianapolis facilities already evaluated and accepted by the FAA. The remaining service centers are on track for evaluation, with FAA acceptance anticipated by the end of the year.

Once FAA acceptance is secured, annual oversight audits will be conducted to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.