System Approach for Safety Oversight Program (SASO)

Current FAA oversight processes have contributed to an outstanding safety record. However, as we strive to make the skies as safe as possible and anticipate future needs and challenges, the FAA must re-evaluate its approach to safety oversight. Implementing a Safety Management System (SMS) will create a positive culture of prevention that actively promotes safety in all business activities. An SMS approach reduces risk by controlling processes to identify and prevent problems before they start, instead of problem-solving after an accident.

To support Flight Standards (AFS) through this transition, AFS established the System Approach for Safety Oversight (SASO) Program Office (AFS-30) to develop and implement a comprehensive system safety approach to the oversight of all aviation entities.

The goal of the SASO Program Office is unlike many other major programs, in that it is not solely characterized by the procurement of hardware, software, telecommunication capabilities, or other physical assets. Instead the focus is to evaluate and potentially reengineer existing AFS business processes to incorporate system safety practices, and ensure that business process changes are facilitated by the transfer of knowledge, skills, tools, processes, systems, and methods for all stakeholders involved in the changes.