FAQs
Are you just another SMS provider or software system?
We are not software or another SMS platform. We provide a real live person, your Safety Specialist, to handle the administrative support, encouragement, timeliness, and documentation of your SMS. We utilize your existing online SMS platform and processes.
Why would I hire Safety Standup over other safety consulting providers?
We were the first in business and private aviation to offer a contract SMS support service, which came from years of safety consulting experience and listening to the needs of flight departments. Safety Standup is not affiliated to any other products; we are not going to push you towards joining a program or buying a software. Working with us will not conflict or jeopardize results of a certificate audit. We are a select team of industry experts and safety specialists that want to help your organization.
WHY do you charge different amounts for your service based on number of EMPLOYEES or aircraft?
Our fees are based upon the anticipated level of administrative manpower it takes to keep your SMS up-to-date. The bigger the flight department or company, the more paperwork. Larger departments with more aircraft, means more personnel, more flights, which simply leads to more reports being submitted and more interaction necessary from us.
I don’t have an SMS yet / we don’t like our current SMS. How can you help?
We help you shop for a different SMS platform or help you develop and implement an SMS for you in conjunction with whatever third-party online SMS platform you wish that is within your budget. Including any free options available. Even if you have been using paper forms (or Word docs or similar), we help set you up with digital versions of the same forms on an online platform. This is included within our basic service initial setup fee.
Do you work only with Part 91 operators?
We work with any type of operator that wants to use the benefits of an SMS and have the extra support. We work with Part 91 operators and Part 135 Air Carriers. We also work with training companies, maintenance facilities, and FBOs.
We are just short-handed without a Safety Officer for awhile, can you help?
Absolutely! We can be your contract Safety Officer until such time you are ready to take it all back in-house. Our minimum commitment is 3 months.
OUR Safety Officer IS NEW. HOW CAN you help?
We have a program to train and mentor new Safety Officers and monitor their progress. We provide the safety expertise until your Safety Officer is ready to solo.
How do we communicate with you?
During the initial setup, we will be communicating mostly via email and phone. Shortly afterwards when we are on track with your SMS processes, we will be communicating primarily via your third-party online SMS platform. These platforms all have a means of communicating within your group. Meetings will be conducted by web-conferencing. Of course we will always be available at any time by phone and email to assist.
do you ever come onsite to our hangar?
Our basic service is provided remotely. We will come onsite to your location at your request for an additional fee. This would normally occur if you want us onsite to moderate a safety meeting, perform an internal audit, or assist during an external audit.
Am I allowed to have an outside person doing our SMS?
Within the aviation industry, we are regularly using outside vendors to provide support, such as weather briefers, training companies, aircraft maintenance facilities, contract personnel, and others. We provide you the administrative support for your SMS, to keep you up-to-date with your commitments, reporting, and documentation. The IS-BAO and BASC programs both recognize that the Safety Manager can be a contracted position (IS-BAO Guidance Manual section 3.1.3.1). With our help, YOU are still responsible for all aspects of the SMS such as reporting, root cause analysis, and corrective actions; whatever is required in your SMS policy. You decide the corrective actions to take and to implement them. We write it all down and keep you on track, as well as provide you an outside perspective. We are not going to tell you how to run your department.
I like my SMS online platform, do we have to switch to your platform?
We do not have a SMS platform to sell. What is great about our service is we utilize your existing online SMS platform. No need to switch. No need to learn to use a new platform.
Who are your Safety Specialists?
We continue to add Safety Specialist from the aviation industry. Each has received advanced SMS training with practical SMS administrative experience. Most importantly, they have received our own Safety Standup intensive training in providing the best in safety management and customer service. Click here to see our team.
do you work with non-usa aviation organizations and flight departments?
We work with any operator that wants to use the benefits of an SMS and have the extra support. That includes operators anywhere in the world. Currently we have only English-speaking safety specialists but can add additional specific language safety specialists, if requested.
how secure is our information?
Any information you provide directly to us is treated as confidential. You own this data. We will not share or divulge it to anyone to the extend of the law. Data that you provide to your third-party online SMS platform is treated in accordance to your terms of services with that provider.
will you tell the faa about our mishaps?
We will not share or divulge the information you provide us to anyone, including the FAA. We are helping you to improve safety. We have no reason, motivation, or obligation to tell the FAA about anything that you tell us, except if required the law.
do you work with fatigue management programs?
Yes. After enrolling in our basic service for an additional fee we provide administrative support to manage your Fatigue Management Program, including performing an annual evaluation of the effectiveness of your program.
Do you work with FOQA, ASAP, ASIAS, or faa smsvp?
After enrolling in our basic service, for an additional fee we provide added services to establish and/or support your FOQA or ASAP programs. Click here to see our Programs & Pricing.
What is Safety Standup’s affiliation with AeronomX?
Safety Standup was inspired from the needs of AeronomX clients. Both companies were founded and are run by Walter Kraujalis. AeronomX has served the business aviation industry with consulting, auditing, and sales & acquisition services for over 20 years.