Safety Management Systems (SMS) are integral to aviation safety, and require that an organization’s people, processes, and technology are all working together. CBRANDS exemplifies how a commitment to continuous improvement in these areas can significantly enhance safety outcomes. This case study explores the transformative journey of CBRANDS’ safety program under the leadership of Mary Vitter, a seasoned pilot and captain who assumed the role of Safety Manager in early 2023.

Mary Vitter, with over seven years of experience as a captain with the company, took over a safety program already certified to ISBAO Stage 3 standards. Despite inheriting a robust system, Vitter's goal was to push beyond mere compliance and foster a culture of continuous improvement in safety.

Approach to Improvement

Vitter's approach involved a careful assessment of existing procedures and the implementation of targeted enhancements. Her focus was on optimizing three key areas: internal audits, publishing lessons learned, and safety documentation.

Enhancing Internal Audits

The Challenge:  

Previously, aircraft document and equipment audits at CBRANDS were conducted using spreadsheets, having the checklist holder enter their initials once they looked over the items in the checklist, then save and share the spreadsheet internally. This method lacked consistency and did not promote thoroughness among pilots.

The Solution:

Vitter introduced VOCUS's digital checklist feature. This upgrade allowed pilots to complete audits directly via a mobile app, with results automatically recorded and tracked. The new system included automated reminders and task management, significantly improving the consistency and effectiveness of the audit process.

Safety Program Benefit:  

The transition to a digital checklist system made the process more efficient and user-friendly for pilots. The improved methodology not only streamlined operations but also contributed to a safer operational environment. Pilots reported a more satisfying experience, reflecting the system's successful integration into daily practices.

Publishing Lessons Learned

The Challenge:

The existing procedure for communicating resolved Safety Reports was infrequent and lacked transparency, with only 1-2 lessons learned published per year.

The Solution:  

Mary Vitter enhanced the process by utilizing the VOCUS Lessons Learned utility. This tool enabled the publication of comprehensive lesson learned documents detailing the problem, root causes, and corrective actions. The new procedure ensured timely feedback to the original report submitters and the broader team.

Safety Program Benefit:

The frequency of published lessons learned increased to nearly 20 per year, with the Read and Acknowledgement rate rising from 87% to 97%. This improvement underscored the value of timely and transparent communication, fostering a culture that actively engages with safety information and continually seeks to improve.

Improving Safety Documentation

The Challenge:  

Existing safety documentation was disorganized, with inefficient naming conventions that hindered searchability and process execution.

The Solution:  

Vitter implemented a new naming convention for safety documents, reports, issues, and audits. This standardized approach enhanced the relevance and ease of finding documents within VOCUS.

Safety Program Benefit:

The new naming convention significantly improved document retrieval efficiency. This subtle but impactful change streamlined access to critical information, benefiting both department personnel and the safety team.

Phased Implementation and Culture Building

Mary Vitter's approach to implementing these changes was deliberate and phased. By introducing one improvement at a time, she avoided overwhelming the team and demonstrated the incremental benefits of each enhancement. This strategy not only facilitated smoother transitions but also built confidence in Vitter’s leadership and the overall improvement process.

Under Mary Vitter's leadership, CBRANDS' safety program has evolved from a compliant system to a dynamic, continuously improving SMS. The enhancements in internal audits, lesson dissemination, and documentation have collectively contributed to a safer and more efficient operational environment. Vitter’s dedication to advancing the safety program reflects the philosophy that SMS is not merely something to have but something to actively engage with and improve.

CBRANDS’ experience underscores the importance of a proactive and evolving approach to safety management. Their commitment to continual enhancement exemplifies how a well-executed SMS can drive significant safety improvements and foster a culture of excellence.