The VAI Safety Industry Advisory Council (IAC) developed these resources for the VERTICON 2026 SMS Workshop. The guides reflect the actionable tips and tactics the Safety IAC members and other industry experts leading the workshop shared to support operators throughout the SMS lifecycle, whether you’re at the point of implementation, maturation, or sustaining your program.
The nine SMS workstation topics presented during the VERTICON 2026 SMS Workshop are listed here with links to their downloadable guides. Select the topics you wish to review to help focus and guide your SMS efforts. A comprehensive guide that includes all focus areas can be downloaded here: SMS Workshop Guide.
Focus: Leadership commitment, safety accountabilities, roles, and governance.
Focus: Right-sized documentation that supports operations rather than burdens them.
Focus: Practical, executable emergency response planning.
Focus: Identifying hazards, assessing risk, and selecting effective controls.
Focus: Monitoring performance and ensuring SMS effectiveness over time.
Focus: Training, communication, and reinforcement of safety expectations.
Focus: Building trust, encouraging reporting, and responding consistently to behavior.
Focus: Understanding regulatory expectations and demonstrating SMS compliance & maturity.
Focus: Tools and technologies that support SMS without adding unnecessary complexity.
Does all this information still seem a bit overwhelming? We got you! You can connect with a host of experts who do this for a living and can help you set your course to a fully operational and effective SMS implementation and regulatory compliance. Learn more at VAI’s SMS Software and Solutions and Support page or click on any of the links below for more information about each of our SMS partners and how they can tailor their support to meet your needs.
Note: During the workshop, our partner providers supported attendees by answering questions and sharing practical insights. The resource links provided here are not intended to promote specific products or services. Operators are encouraged to evaluate solutions independently and select the tools and providers that best fit your operational needs.
The resources provided above are intended to get you started without overwhelming you—but they only scratch the surface. If your SMS program is mature and you’re ready to dive in deeper, check out these aviation safety websites to locate just about anything related to SMS or safety management in general.
VAI is the world’s leading membership association for the vertical aviation industry, providing connection, advocacy, safety, education, and support for its members’ success for more than 75 years.
© 2026 Vertical Aviation International. All Rights Reserved. | Contact Us | Privacy Policy
At VAI, highlighting safety is a key initiative. Our tips and stories from VAI staff and members make it easy to stay informed and safe.
Read More >
