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Offering a broad range of consulting services in aviation, regulatory affairs, and training, PAI is well-equipped to develop long-term business relationships and provide customized client-focused solutions. Located in Fairfax, Virginia, PAI serves clients worldwide.

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[H1] BLOGS |  FYI FROM PAI

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May 12, 2026

SMS Quick Takes - SRM in Action: A Ridgeline Air Case Study

May 12, 2026

In the most recent post in our SMS Quick Takes, we have been walking through each step of Safety Risk Management (SRM) under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 5, Subpart C: describing systems, identifying hazards, assessing risk, developing controls, and accepting residual risk. In this post, we bring those steps together in an example scenario to illustrate how the full SRM cycle works in practice.

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May 12, 2026

[H2] SMS Help
[H2] Try our free online Flight Risk Assessment Tool
[H2] Contact us to be notified of new SMS tools.

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May 26, 2026

Paper Airplanes and the Long Arc of Aviation Safety

May 26, 2026

May 26 is National Paper Airplane Day in the United States: an unofficial celebration of the simplest flying machine most of us will ever build. It’s also the day after Memorial Day, arriving when the country is marking 250 years of American independence. These three points of reflection share a thread that weaves through aviation safety: every flying thing, from a folded sheet of notebook paper to a commercial airliner, succeeds or fails for the same reasons.

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May 26, 2026

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May 19, 2026

Choosing the Right Meeting Location

May 19, 2026

Choosing the right meeting location boosts productivity. Learn how purpose, accessibility, technology, and informal spaces shape successful meetings.

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May 19, 2026

[H1] Government Client Services

With the Private Sector? Click here.

These Services Can be Purchased Using Your Government Purchase Card (P‑Card)Click here for our NAICS codes and contract vehicles.Editing and ProductionMeeting SupportSafety Management System (SMS) Consulting & TrainingAerospace Safety Services Coming SoonConference Planning Coming Soon

PAI provides comprehensive services tailored to meet the unique needs of government agencies and organizations. With decades of experience supporting federal, state, and local government entities, we offer specialized expertise in editorial services, regulatory drafting, rulemaking support, report and white paper development, meeting support, and conference planning.Our team of subject matter experts ensures all deliverables meet the highest standards of accuracy, clarity, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. We prioritize understanding each client's distinct requirements to provide customized solutions that facilitate efficient operations and effective communication with stakeholders and the public.

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Questions about Government Client Services? Contact us.

[H1] Private Sector Services

With the Federal Government? Click here.

Document Editing and Production Meeting Support Safety Management System (SMS) Consulting & TrainingMEL Development and Support Coming SoonAerospace Safety Services Coming SoonConference Planning Coming Soon

PAI has provided complete planning services and meeting support for a number of large‑scale public hearings and meetings as well as meetings held under the Federal Advisory Committee Act and as part of the regulatory process. As a result, our team is well versed in the detailed planning that successful meetings require.PAI's editors are experts in various editorial styles, including the U.S. Government Publishing Office Style Manual, plain language, and house style guides. PAI will make your documents crisp, clean, and concise.

Questions about Private Sector Services? Contact us.

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[H2] Safety Management Systems Quick Takes

[IMG: SMS Quick Takes - SRM in Action: A Ridgeline Air Case Study]

Christa Brolley
5/12/26

Christa Brolley
5/12/26

[H1]

SMS Quick Takes - SRM in Action: A Ridgeline Air Case Study
In the most recent post in our SMS Quick Takes, we have been walking through each step of Safety Risk Management (SRM) under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 5, Subpart C: describing systems, identifying hazards, assessing risk, developing controls, and accepting residual risk. In this post, we bring those steps together in an example scenario to illustrate how the full SRM cycle works in practice.
Read More

[IMG: SMS Quick Takes: SMS Documentation and Recordkeeping: What to Document, What to Keep, and For How Long]

Christa Brolley
4/21/26

Christa Brolley
4/21/26

[H1]

SMS Quick Takes: SMS Documentation and Recordkeeping: What to Document, What to Keep, and For How Long
Effective documentation makes safety risk management (SRM) traceable, safety assurance verifiable, and continuous improvement sustainable. It also provides the foundation for demonstrating compliance, whether during routine FAA surveillance or when submitting a declaration of compliance.
Read More

[IMG: Safety Assurance: Closing the SRM Loop]

Christa Brolley
3/17/26

Christa Brolley
3/17/26

[H1]

Safety Assurance: Closing the SRM Loop
Safety Risk Management reduces risk. Safety Assurance verifies that risk stays reduced.In the previous post, we developed safety risk controls and evaluated residual risk under Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) § 5.55(c)–(d). Now that controls are implemented and residual risk is accepted, we can transition to safety assurance: the set of processes used to monitor performance and verify those controls remain effective over time.
Read More

[IMG: SMS Quick Takes: Selecting Risk Controls and Accepting Residual Risk]

Christa Brolley
2/24/26

Christa Brolley
2/24/26

[H1]

SMS Quick Takes: Selecting Risk Controls and Accepting Residual Risk
In previous posts, we described systems and identified hazards under §5.53, then assessed safety risk under §5.55(a)–(b). Next, under §5.55(c)–(d) organizations must develop safety risk controls and evaluate whether risk will be acceptable with those controls applied. This is where Safety Risk Management (SRM) moves from analysis to action.
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[IMG: SMS Quick Takes: How to Assess Safety Risk]

Christa Brolley
2/3/26

Christa Brolley
2/3/26

[H1]

SMS Quick Takes: How to Assess Safety Risk
Risk assessment is often misunderstood as a mathematical exercise. In reality, it’s a structured decision‑making process designed to support sound safety judgments using a consistent, repeatable approach.
Read More

[IMG: Explore SMS Through Our Quick Takes Blog Series]

Christa Brolley
1/13/26

Christa Brolley
1/13/26

[H1]

Explore SMS Through Our Quick Takes Blog Series
This post is a graphic that illustrates the four core components of an effective SMS — Safety Policy, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance, and Safety Promotion — and ties each to a relevant post in our series. Use this visual to explore how SMS creates feedback loops that help your team adapt, improve, and sustain safety gains over time.
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[IMG: Happy New Year!]

Christa Brolley
12/31/25

Christa Brolley
12/31/25

[H1]

Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
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[IMG: SMS Quick Takes: Hazard Identification]

Christa Brolley
12/23/25

Christa Brolley
12/23/25

[H1]

SMS Quick Takes: Hazard Identification
Hazard identification is where SRM starts to take shape.
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[IMG: Understanding Systems & Operating Environments in Safety Risk Management]

Christa Brolley
12/2/25

Christa Brolley
12/2/25

[H1]

Understanding Systems & Operating Environments in Safety Risk Management
Whether your organization operates aircraft, maintains them, or designs and manufacturers aviation products, SRM always starts with the same question: what system are we evaluating, and under which conditions does it operate?This post breaks down these concepts and prepares you for the next step: hazard identification.
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[IMG: Insurance Benefits of SMS for Small Operators and Manufacturers]

Christa Brolley
11/11/25

Christa Brolley
11/11/25

[H1]

Insurance Benefits of SMS for Small Operators and Manufacturers
A compliant Safety Management System (SMS) doesn’t just enhance safety—it demonstrates measurable risk reduction that insurers recognize and reward with lower premiums.
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[IMG: Turn Your Safety Policy Into a Power Tool for Everyday Decision Making]

Christa Brolley
10/28/25

Christa Brolley
10/28/25

[H1]

Turn Your Safety Policy Into a Power Tool for Everyday Decision Making
The right Safety Policy can make the difference between checking boxes and building a safety culture that truly protects you, your passengers, and your reputation.
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[IMG: SMS: Now and Into the Future]

Christa Brolley
9/30/25

Christa Brolley
9/30/25

[H1]

SMS: Now and Into the Future
In 2024, the U.S. saw 45,000 flights per day. Imagine when millions of drones join that airspace—will today’s SMS still hold? Not long ago, Safety Management Systems (SMS) were seen as something “only big airlines have.”
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[IMG: SMS: The Safety Feedback Loop]

Christa Brolley
9/9/25

Christa Brolley
9/9/25

[H1]

SMS: The Safety Feedback Loop
SMS isn’t paperwork. It’s a cycle that keeps improving safety, flight after flight.
Read More

[IMG: Single Safety Manager Strategies for Small Operators]

Christa Brolley
8/19/25

Christa Brolley
8/19/25

[H1]

Single Safety Manager Strategies for Small Operators
In this SMS Quick Take, we outline five practical strategies that align with FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 120–92D and meet the requirements of part 5.
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[IMG: SMS for Small UAS Cargo Operators — What You Need to Know (and Do) Now]

Christa Brolley
7/29/25

Christa Brolley
7/29/25

[H1]

SMS for Small UAS Cargo Operators — What You Need to Know (and Do) Now
In this SMS Quick Take, we break down what the SMS rule means for sUAS cargo operators, what the FAA expects, and how to get started—without stifling innovation or overwhelming your team.
Read More

[IMG: Measuring SMS Effectiveness]

Christa Brolley
7/1/25

Christa Brolley
7/1/25

[H1]

Measuring SMS Effectiveness
When you combine thoughtful SPIs with frontline insights and leadership accountability, you strengthen the feedback loops that make your SMS meaningful, measurable, and sustainable.
Read More

[IMG: The New SMS Rule: One Year Later]

Christa Brolley
6/10/25

Christa Brolley
6/10/25

[H1]

The New SMS Rule: One Year Later
May 28, 2025, marks one year since the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published significant updates to Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 5 and Advisory Circular (AC) 120–92D. Now is an ideal time to assess the impacts, evaluate new resources, and clarify essential next steps.
Read More

[IMG: FRATs in Action: Strengthening Safety Culture and SMS]

Christa Brolley
5/22/25

Christa Brolley
5/22/25

[H1]

FRATs in Action: Strengthening Safety Culture and SMS
For small Title 14, Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) parts 91, 135, 145, or 121 operators, implementing and maintaining your Safety Management System (SMS) with a small team can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s layered on top of existing duties.
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[IMG: Understanding SMS Requirements: ICAO Doc 9859 vs. 14 CFR Part 5]

Christa Brolley
4/15/25

Christa Brolley
4/15/25

[H1]

Understanding SMS Requirements: ICAO Doc 9859 vs. 14 CFR Part 5
A practical comparison of ICAO Doc 9859 and 14 CFR Part 5.
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[IMG: Safety Culture in Aviation SMS]

Christa Brolley
3/11/25

Christa Brolley
3/11/25

[H1]

Safety Culture in Aviation SMS
Safety culture is a critical component of aviation safety and a fundamental element of an effective Safety Management System.
Read More