Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Flight Safety Officer

🎯 Role Definition

As our Flight Safety Officer, you will be the designated authority and principal advocate for the management and continuous improvement of all aviation safety programs. You will proactively identify operational hazards, analyze and mitigate risks, and foster a world-class safety culture that permeates every level of our organization. This strategic role is pivotal in ensuring our operations not only meet but consistently exceed the highest standards of safety set by regulatory bodies like the FAA, EASA, and ICAO. You will serve as the primary advisor to senior leadership on all safety-related matters, driving continuous improvement through data-driven analysis, robust safety assurance processes, and effective communication.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Commercial Airline Pilot (Captain or First Officer)
Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) / Licensed Aircraft Engineer
Air Traffic Controller
Military Aviation Safety Officer

Advancement To:

Manager or Director of Safety
Vice President of Safety & Regulatory Compliance
Chief Safety Officer (CSO)

Lateral Moves:

Quality Assurance Manager
Flight Operations Manager
Aviation Compliance Manager

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Oversee, manage, and continuously improve the company's Safety Management System (SMS) in full compliance with FAA Part 5, ICAO Annex 19, and other applicable national and international regulations.
Lead and conduct thorough investigations into accidents, incidents, and safety events to determine root causes and contributing factors, ensuring unbiased and comprehensive analysis.
Develop, implement, and monitor the effectiveness of corrective and preventative action plans stemming from safety investigations, audits, and hazard reports.
Manage the corporate aviation safety reporting system (ASRS/ASAP), ensuring all submitted reports are analyzed, de-identified, categorized, and addressed in a timely and confidential manner.
Perform proactive hazard identification and safety risk assessments across all flight, ground, and maintenance operations to mitigate risks before they result in an event.
Develop and deliver recurring and initial safety training, awareness programs, and educational materials for flight crews, maintenance personnel, dispatchers, and ground staff.
Chair and facilitate regular Safety Review Board (SRB) and Safety Action Group (SAG) meetings, preparing agendas, recording minutes, and tracking action items to closure.
Conduct and coordinate a schedule of internal and external safety audits and operational inspections to ensure continuous compliance with all company policies and regulatory standards.
Maintain, manage, and analyze flight safety data using the Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) or Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) program to identify adverse trends and systemic risks.
Serve as the primary point of contact and liaison with regulatory bodies such as the FAA, NTSB, and EASA on all matters pertaining to aviation safety and compliance.
Develop, maintain, and test the company's Emergency Response Plan (ERP), conducting regular drills and exercises to ensure organizational readiness for any contingency.
Publish regular safety communications, including newsletters, safety bulletins, and incident summaries, to promote a positive safety culture and share key learnings.
Review and provide safety-focused input on operational changes, including the introduction of new aircraft, opening of new routes, and modifications to procedures.
Manage and oversee the Fatigue Risk Management Program (FRMP) for flight and cabin crew, ensuring compliance with duty time regulations and promoting fatigue awareness.
Liaise with aircraft manufacturers, MROs, and other third-party vendors to address safety-of-flight issues and ensure alignment with our safety standards.
Actively monitor industry safety trends, best practices, and upcoming regulatory changes to ensure the company’s SMS remains current, relevant, and effective.
Provide expert safety guidance, analysis, and support to senior leadership to inform strategic decision-making and resource allocation.
Establish, track, and report on Safety Performance Indicators (SPIs) and Safety Performance Targets (SPTs) to measure the health and effectiveness of the SMS.
Foster a "Just Culture" environment that encourages open, non-punitive reporting of safety concerns, hazards, and human errors.
Analyze operational data from a variety of sources (reports, audits, FDM) to identify precursors to incidents and accidents, enabling proactive safety interventions and risk controls.

Secondary Functions

Act as a subject matter expert and representative during external regulatory audits and inspections.
Support the development, review, and revision of operational manuals and documentation (e.g., GOM, FOM, MEL).
Collaborate with the training department to integrate safety principles and human factors concepts into all initial and recurrent training curricula.
Participate in industry safety forums, conferences, and working groups to represent the company and share best practices.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

In-depth knowledge of Safety Management Systems (SMS) theory and practical implementation.
Expertise in aviation regulations (e.g., 14 CFR Part 121/135/91, ICAO Annexes, EASA).
Proficiency in formal accident and incident investigation techniques and root cause analysis methodologies.
Experience with Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) / Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) software and analysis.
Trained and experienced in aviation safety auditing principles (e.g., IOSA, IS-BAO standards).
Skilled in developing and managing an Emergency Response Plan (ERP).
Strong understanding of aviation human factors (HFACS) and fatigue risk management principles (FRMS).
Familiarity with aviation safety reporting software and databases (e.g., WBAT, Vistair, IQSMS).
Excellent technical writing skills for creating reports, manuals, and safety communications.
Comprehensive knowledge of Safety Risk Management (SRM) and Safety Assurance (SA) processes.

Soft Skills

Exceptional analytical and data-driven problem-solving abilities.
Superior verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
Strong leadership and interpersonal skills to influence and build consensus across all levels of the organization.
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High level of discretion, confidentiality, and professional integrity.
Meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills.
A proactive and forward-thinking mindset focused on prevention.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
Unquestionable objectivity and the ability to conduct impartial investigations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university.

Preferred Education:

Master’s Degree in a relevant field.
FAA/EASA Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) License or Aircraft Maintenance Technician (A&P) Certificate.
Formal safety certification (e.g., USC Safety & Security Certificate, IS-BAO Auditor accreditation).

Relevant Fields of Study:

Aviation Management
Aeronautical Science / Engineering
Aviation Safety or Safety Science
Human Factors

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

5-7+ years of progressive experience within an aviation environment, with at least 3-5 years in a dedicated aviation safety role.

Preferred:

Experience in a Part 121, 135, or large Part 91 flight department.
Prior experience as a pilot, licensed aircraft mechanic, or air traffic controller.
Formal training from a recognized institution in aircraft accident investigation (e.g., NTSB Academy, Embry-Riddle, Cranfield University).
Demonstrated experience directly managing or playing a key role in an ICAO-compliant Safety Management System.