Jaime Taylor’s path to aviation safety
It’s often said that aviation safety managers wear many hats, and Jaime Taylor is no exception. A recipient of one of CASA’s 2023 safety manager scholarships, Jaime balances dual roles as both safety manager and head of flying operations (HOFO) at Flinders Island Aviation.
Based in the scenic coastal town of Bridport in Tasmania, Jaime oversees operations for the small general aviation business which is primarily focused on freight and charters to and from Flinders Island. ‘We’re a pretty small operation,’ he explains. ‘Our bread and butter are those charters and freight services.’
Flinders Island, part of the Furneaux Group scattered across Bass Strait, lies in an area known as The Roaring Forties, where strong westerly winds create challenging flying conditions. It’s here that Jaime’s expertise in safety management becomes vital.
Jaime began his aviation journey leaning to fly at the Australian Wings Academy on the Gold Coast (now Flight One). However, it was during an operations role in Canberra that he found his path in safety management. ‘Safety management systems (SMS) is a bit of a niche area in aviation,’ he says. ‘I’d dabbled in safety before, but when I saw an opportunity, I jumped at it because there’s a big gap in SMS knowledge within general aviation.’
Jaime also credits a nearly six-year stint as a safety advisor in the lifestyle section of his local Bunnings store with helping to further his safety career.
‘I used to do the pallet audits, which doesn’t sound like a lot, but when they hold a tonne of gear and you’re putting them up on the retail racks, it’s easy for injuries and incidents to occur,’ he says.
‘I did take safety very seriously at Bunnings, but safety management is on a whole other level in aviation,’ he emphasises.
Having experienced the power of safety management first-hand during a minor incident, Jaime’s passion grew. ‘I had to activate certain parts of the SMS, and it just clicked for me. I realised how crucial it was. Seeing it in a larger business made me determined to bring that same level of safety to smaller operations. You never know when it will be needed.’
Balancing the responsibilities of both HOFO and safety manager, Jaime recognises the importance of risk assessment, particularly when training new pilots. ‘Safety management is so tied to everything we do here. When new pilots come on board, especially with the weather and wind challenges in this part of the world, risk assessment becomes key.’
For Jaime, the challenge lies in scaling SMS to fit the unique demands of smaller businesses. ‘You have to recognise everything, but it’s about stepping back and making sure your risk register reflects your actual operations. It’s easy to get bogged down in details like a rock on the concrete, but you need to look at the bigger picture – benchmark it against regulations and implement it in a way that’s relevant.’
Reflecting on his decade in the industry, Jaime encourages those considering a career in aviation. ‘There’s no better time to get into the industry. The two biggest gaps right now are safety managers and pilots. If you can combine both, you’ll be invaluable. The industry is craving a culture where people speak up when they see something. But you’ve got to be driven and passionate. The connections you make along the way are invaluable.’
On receiving the CASA scholarship, Jaime says he was both a little shocked and humbled. ‘It’s not all about recognition, but for CASA to say: “this is an industry need” and offer this kind of support means a lot. There isn’t a lot of formal training in safety management, and it’s often something you pursue out of pocket or for passion. So, these scholarships are really vital.’
Jaime plans to use the scholarship funds for a safety and lead auditor’s course, preparing him for the increasing demand for safety managers. ‘Safety management is only going to grow, especially with Part 135 operators. We’re lucky to have a head start, but the whole industry is about to open up, and safety managers will be needed across the country.’
Apply now
If you’re an aviation safety manager or you know someone who is, why not apply for one of this year’s CASA safety manager scholarships, or encourage a colleague to put their name in the running.
Get in quick, as applications close this Sunday 27 October! Find out more on the CASA website.
