On 1 July 2024, the Aviation Safety (Amendment) Regulation 2023, Statutory Instrument (SI) 2023 No 588 came into force, amending UK Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014, Annex II (Part 145). This amendment introduces a requirement in Part 145 for approval holders to implement a Safety Management System (SMS) by 1 July 2026.
This page provides information to existing UK Part 145 approval holders on the requirements and application process necessary to implement an SMS into their approval to ensure compliance with UK Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014, within the required timescale.
Pre-Requisites
Organisations must hold and existing Part 145 approval issued by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
How do I apply?
Organisations are required to complete the SMS Application for Part 145
How much does it cost?
Currently there is no fee for the implementation of SMS into an existing Part 145 approval.
What do I need to send with my application?
- A completed application form submitted by an Authorised Representative of the Company.
- Completed SRG1769: UK CAA – Details of Nominated Personnel in an Airworthiness Organisation for all nominated postholders as per 145.A.30(b).
- A revised MOE pursuant to 145.A.70, detailing the key safety procedures and processes.
- A copy of the Organisation's Safety Management Manual, if the key safety procedures and processes are not included within the MOE.
- A completed SRG1776: CAA SMS Evaluation Tool V7
Part 145 Maintenance Organisation Exposition Guidance (CAP2375) includes more information on the procedures necessary to implement an Safety Management System.
What else do I need to know?
To assist organisations with understanding the changes to Part 145 resulting from SI 2023 No 588, and the requirements for the implementation of an SMS into their approval, the CAA has published the Implementation guide for the introduction of Safety Management Systems into Part 145 approvals (CAP2998).
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
The implementation of SMS into the organisations Part 145 approval will be signified by approval of the MOE and any associated documents. The timescale for this is dependent on several factors, including the quality of the submission by the organisation.
What happens next?
After receipt of a correctly completed application form and associated documents, the Organisation Approvals team will forward them to the allocated Airworthiness Surveyor within 20 working days.
The allocated Surveyor will review the documents as a desktop review and when acceptable, approve the Maintenance Organisation Exposition (MOE). Following approval of the MOE, the organisation’s SMS transition will be considered to be complete.
An onsite verification of the Part 145 approval will be planned within the next 2 years, as part of routine oversight to include an evaluation of the SMS.
How long is it valid for?
Once granted, an approval requires a recommendation for continuation every 24 months (unless otherwise agreed) from the date of issue. This is raised by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Surveyor following a satisfactory audit programme.
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