Which aviation document serves as the global standard for airline safety management?

The document that serves as the global standard for airline safety management is ICAO Annex 19: Safety Management. This annex, established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), outlines the requirements for states and aviation service providers to implement safety management systems (SMS). It provides a framework for developing a systematic approach to managing safety, which includes processes for risk management, safety assurance, and safety promotion.

ICAO Annex 19 is integral because it standardizes safety management practices across the international aviation community, ensuring that all member states have a consistent approach to safety. This is crucial for enhancing safety performance and minimizing risks associated with aviation operations globally. The implementation of the standards and recommended practices laid out in Annex 19 can lead to significant improvements in overall aviation safety.

In contrast, FAA Advisory Circulars are guidance documents from the Federal Aviation Administration that provide information on regulatory compliance, but they are specific to U.S. operations and do not have the same global standardization as ICAO documents. The Airline Operations Manual is a document specific to each airline detailing operational procedures, but it does not serve as a global safety management standard. The Aviation Safety Handbook is intended for providing safety information and guidance, but it is not a regulatory standard like ICAO Annex 19