New ESPN-R SMS Manual for the Rotorcraft Community, May 2026 Edition
The new ESPN-R Safety Management System (SMS) Manual and toolkit is now available to support helicopter operators in strengthening their safety frameworks.
Developed by the ESPN-R Operations & SMS Specialist Team, led by Capt. Stefano Burigana, Elifriulia, this updated manual builds on the former EHEST SMS Manuals and has been thoroughly revised and augmented to reflect current best practice in safety management processes and procedures.
This new Manual supersedes and replaces the following material (which may, however, still be used or adapted by operators who elect to do so):
- EHEST Safety Management Toolkit for Complex Operators | EASA (published in May 2013), and
- EHEST Safety Management Toolkit for Non-Complex Operators, 2nd Edition | EASA (published in October 2024).
Its aim is to provide practical, structured guidance to help organisations meet SMS regulatory requirements effectively and efficiently.
The manual incorporates the principles and provisions of ICAO Annex 19 and aligns with the guidance contained in ICAO Doc 9859 (Safety Management Manual), ensuring a solid and internationally recognised foundation.
It also supports compliance with the latest applicable European regulatory requirements, including:
- Regulation (EU) 748/2012 – Design & Production
- Regulation (EU) 1321/2014 – Continuing Airworthiness (Part-CAMO and Part-145 Maintenance)
- Regulation (EU) 1178/2011 – Aircrew Training
- Regulation (EU) 965/2012 – Air Operations
- Regulation (EU) 2023/203 – Part-IS – Information Security
A practical, flexible and ready-to-use safety resource
The new ESPN-R SMS Manual is designed as a comprehensive, ready-to-use safety management resource. To ensure effective implementation, organisations should review and tailor the material to reflect their specific structure, operational context, procedures and level of complexity.
The manual is intentionally scalable and adaptable. While developed with rotorcraft operations in mind, it is equally suitable for fixed-wing operators, general aviation, aerial work providers, and any organisation operating within an SMS framework. It supports both small operators and larger, more complex organisations.
What the SMS tool includes
The SMS package provides a complete set of materials to support both strategic safety management and day-to-day operational safety activities:
1. SMS Manual
A fully structured, ready-to-adapt manual covering all key SMS elements, including:
- Safety policy and objectives
- Safety organisational structure and responsibilities
- Hazard identification and risk management processes
- Occurrence reporting and investigation management
- Safety performance monitoring and oversight
- Safety training guidance
- Safety promotion initiatives
- Safety documentation and record management
2. Supporting tools and templates
A comprehensive suite of working documents designed to facilitate practical SMS implementation:
- Annual audit plan
- SMS audit tools (e.g. Safety Recommendation Effectiveness, Tolerable Consistency)
- Safety recommendations register and forms
- Annual safety report template
- Investigation final report template
- Management of Change tools
- Risk assessment templates
- Safety reporting forms
- Safety Performance Indicators (SPI/SPO)
- Safety Review Board meeting minutes template
- SMS trainer authorisation and approval forms
- External SMS training provider approval forms
- SMS training effectiveness and feedback evaluation tools
Supporting continuous safety improvement
Safety management is a continuous and evolving process. The effectiveness of SMS relies heavily on operational experience and real-world application.
Helicopter operators and all SMS users are therefore invited to share their feedback, experience and suggestions. Your input will support the ESPN-R working team in further enhancing these tools, ensuring they remain practical, relevant and aligned with operational needs, while contributing to a stronger safety culture across the aviation community.
See also the PowerPoint presentation delivered at the Rotorcraft Safety Zone of EUROPEAN ROTORS 2025, attached at the bottom of this article.
Material available in Word (for customisation)
Material is available in Word format here to allow operators to add their logo and customise it to their specific needs and operations:
https://www.aeronauticalsafety.com/#Downloads.
It may be used freely. However, users are kindly invited to retain the ESPN‑R reference.
Note: Although this manual has been carefully developed to meet the regulations applicable to safety management, automatic approval by national authorities cannot be assumed.
Feedback welcome
Please send you feedback to SafetyPromotion@easa.europa.eu and s.burigana@aeronauticalsafety.com.
Acknowledgements
Warm thanks to Capt. Stefano Burigana and the ESPN-R Ops & SMS Specialist Team for this valuable material.
Please log in or sign up to comment.