Textron Aviation received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval to implement its new Safety Management System plan, to support design and manufacturing of Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft. The manufacturer noted the approval follows a previously accepted and approved SMS program covering maintenance and support of those two brands.
“This FAA approval is a testament to our commitment to product safety at every level of operation,” according to Todd McKee, Textron’s senior vice president, Integrated Supply Chain.
The SMS is a system for managing product safety, involving organizational structures, accountabilities, policies, and procedures – and Textron has adopted a voluntary reporting tool that allows employees, customers, or suppliers to report aircraft quality risks or hazards anonymously, directly to the company’s SMS Committee.
That committee will evaluate risks based on the information provided, investigate causes, and plan a response. Based on the findings, processes and tools are updated to promote continuous improvement in safety and quality. Textron stated.
“By integrating the insights and expertise of our employees, customers and suppliers into our SMS, we not only enhance our ability to identify and mitigate risks but also strengthen the collaborative continuous improvement of our products and services,” according to Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering.
