Textron Aviation, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., has taken a significant step towards bolstering safety and quality in its operations. The company announced today that it has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its newly implemented Safety Management System (SMS) plan. This approval marks a crucial step in enhancing the design and manufacturing processes for both Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft.
The new SMS plan builds upon Textron Aviation’s existing FAA-approved SMS program, which has been instrumental in maintaining and servicing these iconic aircraft models for years. This latest achievement underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of product quality across all aspects of its operations.
“With a longstanding commitment to safety and quality in manufacturing, Textron Aviation has been designing and manufacturing industry-leading Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft for more than 95 years,” said Todd McKee, senior vice president, Integrated Supply Chain. “This FAA approval is a testament to our commitment to product safety at every level of operation. Together, we are setting new standards in the aviation industry, ensuring that safety and quality are at the forefront of everything we do.”
The SMS is a structured approach to managing product safety, encompassing organizational frameworks, responsibilities, policies, and procedures. Textron Aviation’s SMS initiative includes a unique voluntary reporting tool that empowers employees, customers, and suppliers to anonymously report potential quality risks or safety hazards related to aircraft. These reports are carefully reviewed by the SMS Committee, which then analyzes the risk, investigates the root causes, and formulates a comprehensive response. The insights gained from these reports lead to process and tool updates, driving ongoing improvements in safety and quality standards.
“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,” said Chris Hearne, senior vice president, Engineering. “This collaborative approach is in line with our mission to empower our collective talent to design and deliver the best aviation experience for customers.”
Textron Aviation recognizes the immense value of harnessing diverse insights and expertise from its employees and stakeholders to address potential challenges, boost safety, and enhance operational efficiency. By cultivating a culture of collaboration and open dialogue, the company encourages everyone to actively participate in identifying risks and hazards, while working together to develop innovative solutions. This collaborative approach serves to strengthen the overall performance and safety of Textron Aviation’s operations.
