Developing Your Own Safety Management System for Drone Programs

This comprehensive program equips RPAS professionals with the theoretical foundations and practical skills to implement effective Safety Management Systems. Developed by Aeria Solutions Ltd., the curriculum integrates ICAO Annex 19, JARUS SORA, and Transport Canada requirements with real-world operational insights from professional drone operations. Unlike basic compliance training, this program builds genuine safety competency. Participants learn the human factors research, accident investigation findings, and organizational theory behind modern aviation safety - including Dr. James Reason's Swiss Cheese Model, Just Culture principles, and the HFACS framework used by investigators worldwide. The course covers SMS architecture and Canadian regulatory requirements, risk management using SORA methodology, Crew Resource Management and Threat and Error Management, incident investigation and root cause analysis, and safety culture development with continuous improvement practices. Eight modules progress from foundational concepts through practical application, combining theoretical context with exercises and case studies drawn from actual operations. This training is designed for Pilots-in-Command, operations managers, safety officers, and organizational leaders responsible for SMS implementation. It's particularly valuable for organizations pursuing SECOR certification or preparing for Complex operations and SFOC applications. The RPAS industry increasingly expects professional safety management from its operators. This course provides the systematic approach that distinguishes professionals and delivers the frameworks that prevent incidents, protect people, and build sustainable operations.