Reaches Highest Level Of FAA Approved Safety Management System

Louisiana-based helicopter services company PHI, Inc. has achieved the highest level (Level 4) of the FAA’s voluntary Safety Management System (SMS) pilot program, the company said in a news release. SMS is rapidly becoming a worldwide standard throughout the aviation industry and is recognized by the Joint Planning and Development Office (JPDO), International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA) as the next step in the evolution of safety beyond aviation.

PHI is proud of not only our safety culture, but also our demonstrated commitment to the highest levels of safety,” explained Lance Bospflug, President and Chief Operating Officer of PHI. “This is a significant milestone that is celebrated by all the men and women who comprise our workforce and drive safety with their actions and beliefs. I am proud of their and our accomplishment.”

Over the past 10 years, PHI’s use of an integrated SMS proved instrumental in entering the FAA’s voluntary program under “Option 2,” which recognizes service providers with active SMS programs already in place. Working in partnership with Flight Standards District Office Certificate Management Team members over the past 12 months, PHI was able to successfully demonstrate to the FAA the requirements necessary to exit Level 3 of the program. PHI is one of the first operators to enter and reach Level 4 through this Option 2 process.

“Achieving Level 4 status provides additional assurances that we are positioned to continuously improve our efforts in safety, quality, efficiency and customer service. These are the core values that define PHI,” continued Bospflug. “And while we have achieved the highest level designated by the FAA, we will continue to work with all of our partners in safety to drive safety performance at PHI and our industry to necessarily higher levels. Achieving Level 4 is also a testament to the support we receive from our customers and strengthens our pledge to our strategic customer alliances to provide daily flight services that meet and surpass their expectations.”

(Image provided by PHI. Pictured: (L-R): Marty Slebodnik (FAA SMS Program Office), Pat Attaway (PHI, Dir., Operations), Arnold “Terry” Turner (CMT-PMI), Keith Kibodeaux (CMT), Ed Brock (CMT-POI), Robert Bouillion (PHI, Director HSEQ), Lance Bospflug (PHI, Pres./COO), Timothy Liddle (FAA SMS Program Office), Paul Perkins (PHI, Chief Pilot), Manuel Gonzalez (PHI, Dir., Maintenance and FAR 145), and Joe Pocher)

FMI: www.phihelico.com