Safety and Risk Management in Aviation Business (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

H-5

Schedule

20.10.2025 - 12.12.2025

Implementation methods, demonstration and Work&Study

- RPL for experienced professionals as exam.

- For basic students an exam and self reflection.
- Methods include powerpoint lectures, movies, practical exercises, kahoot quarterly quiz, visitors

Intro

This course will provide participants with a basic knowledge of aviation safety regulatory framework, basic SMS (Safety Management System) concepts and aviation risk management. Attendees will also understand the responsibilities and processes concerning the safety of commercial flight operations and the impact of those on the surrounding ecosystem. The course can be recommended for persons planning on working almost in any role within aviation industry. The aim is to improve participants understanding of aviation safety, the significance of managerial decisions and every individual`s role in building the safety culture.

Materials

Class materials, a variety of academic and media sources, articles, literature related to the topic. Materials provided by teacher.

Teaching methods and instruction

This course will provide participants with a basic knowledge of aviation safety regulatory framework, basic SMS (Safety Management System) concepts and aviation risk management. Attendees will understand the responsibilities and processes concerning the safety of commercial flight operations.

Topics covered include e.g. human factors, human error, safety culture, SMS requirements, SMS policy, organizational structure and responsibilities, Safety Risk Management, Safety Assurance and Safety Promotion.

The course can be recommended for persons planning on working almost in any role within aviation industry.

Learning objectives
Upon completion of the course, the student:
• is familiar with aviation safety regulatory framework
• recognizes the distinctive features of safety, security and quality in aviation
• is familiar with the basic elements of aviation safety management system
• understands the basic principles of aviation risk management

Contents
• Evolution of threats in aviation
• Basic safety regulations guiding the operations of European airlines
• Introduction to safety, security and quality in aviation
• Aviation safety management system(s)
• Risk management in airline flight operations

Execution methods
The learning goals of this course can be reached in the following way
• Lectures and related assignments as full-time studies
• Recognition of a student's prior learning.

Teacher responsible
Ari Etelävuori

Starting level and linkage with other courses
No previous studies needed and no binding connections to other courses

Working life connections

Lecturer's own 34 years of experience in the field and visiting lecturers.

Exam dates and re-exam possibilities

TBD

Internationality

International cases and versatile content.

Completion alternatives

Recognition of prior learning:
To be agreed with the teacher separately

Learning assignments

Case exercises, an exam and a short learning analysis report.

Assessment methods

Assessment criteria - grade 1
The students understanding of key concepts concerning specific regulatory framework, aviation safety and risk management is limited. Student’s attitude towards learning through participation in teamwork and conducting assignments, is below average. Student`s capability to analyze basic causalities in aviation safety and risk management is limited.

Assessment criteria - grade 3
The student has good understanding of key concepts concerning specific regulatory framework, aviation safety and risk management. Student has a good attitude towards learning through participation in teamwork and conducting assignments. S/he has a good self- and group critical thinking. Student can objectively analyze basic causalities in aviation safety and risk management.

Assessment criteria - grade 5
The student has excellent understanding of key concepts concerning specific regulatory framework, aviation safety and risk management. Student has an excellent attitude towards learning through self-initiative and continuous and supportive participation in teamwork and in conducting assignments. Student has an excellent ability to analyze basic causalities in aviation safety and risk management.