New Rule Applies to Bermuda Flights

Flying to Bermuda? Better make sure your privately registered or corporate aircraft (FAR Part 91 or Part 125 or equivalent) has a safety management system (SMS) in place. Starting November 18, Bermuda will require aircraft weighing more than 12,500 pounds to have such a system.

As evidence of compliance, the Bermuda Department of Civil Aviation will accept IS-BAO registration; Air Charter Safety Foundation registration; an ARG/US Platinum rating; or proof of intent to produce an SMS (such as a contract with a vendor who is enabling IS-BAO registration). It will also accept an SMS manual "deemed acceptable by the State of Registry" but this alternative is currently unavailable to U.S. operators, as the FAA hasn't released a final rule for SMS. Note, too, that the Air Charter Safety Foundation and ARG/US options don't apply to Part 91 operators.

Bermuda will enforce its SMS rule via random ramp checks, and aircraft found not to be in compliance will be refused entry to the country.