Quality Management Systems
(QMS) Course

Delivery Mode

In-Person
Interactive Physical Class

Duration

4 Days
32 Contact Hours

Individual Fee

USD 650
Excl. of VAT

Refreshment Break

Tea, Coffee & Snacks
a moment to refresh and connect

Course Overview & Strategic Objectives

The Quality Management Systems (QMS) Course is designed to equip aviation professionals with the knowledge and practical skills required to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve Quality Management Systems within aviation organizations. The course is delivered in accordance with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA) regulatory requirements and aligns with ICAO quality management principles and international aviation best practices.

Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of quality management concepts, regulatory compliance, process-based management, documentation control, internal audits, corrective and preventive actions, and continuous improvement. The course emphasizes the practical application of QMS principles to enhance operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and safety performance across aviation organizations.

Detailed Course Curriculum

8 Master Modules – 32 Interactive Hours & Hands-on Labs

  • Introduction to Aviation Quality Management Systems
  • Quality concepts and definitions
  • Evolution of quality management in aviation
  • ICAO requirements for quality systems
  • Relationship between QMS, SMS, and Compliance Monitoring
  • Core Principles of Quality and Customer Satisfaction
  • Eight principles of quality management
  • The Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle
  • Senior leadership commitment and responsibilities
  • Building a positive quality and just culture within the workforce
  • The Structure and Control of Aviation Documentation
  • Designing and drafting the Corporate Quality Manual
  • Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work instructions
  • Document control workflows and amendment processes
  • Mandatory record-keeping and retention under EASA and KCAA regulations
  • Process Mapping and Risk-Based Thinking
  • Identification and mapping of core operational processes
  • Quality risk management and proactive hazard tracking
  • Developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and quality metrics
  • Monitoring process stability and standard operational tolerances
  • The Audit Lifecycle and Inspector Methodologies
  • Audit programming, scheduling, and planning objectives
  • Creating effective checklists and auditor working documents
  • On-site audit execution, interviewing, and evidence gathering
  • Classification of findings (Observations, Minor and Major Non-Conformances)
  • Structural Problem Solving and Finding Resolution
  • Root cause analysis tools (The 5 Whys, Fishbone diagrams, Pareto charts)
  • Developing comprehensive Corrective and Preventive Action plans
  • Human factors considerations in systemic quality failures
  • Verification techniques for assessing CAPA effectiveness over time
  • Dual Governance and System Convergence
  • Commonalities and operational distinctions between SMS and QMS
  • Data sharing protocols between safety databases and quality registries
  • The role of the Accountable Manager in overseeing dual systems
  • Achieving an Integrated Management System (IMS) for unified compliance
  • Business Assurance and Regulatory Enforcement Oversight
  • Preparing and executing inputs for the Management Review meeting
  • Managing continuous improvement initiatives and strategic change control
  • Understanding KCAA enforcement procedures, sanctions, and regulatory actions
  • Overseeing external subcontractors and evaluating third-party suppliers

Course Objectives

Instructional Methods

Target Group

Prerequisites

Tailored Across Aviation Sectors

Designed specifically for key operational categories under KCAA CARs

AOC Air Operators

Commercial airlines, bush charters, and cargo operators subject to Part 9 & 12 compliance.

AMOs (Maintenance)

Approved Maintenance Organizations integrating human factors and tool control hazard logs.

ATOs (Training)

Flight academies and simulator centers building safety habits into ab-initio pilot instruction.

Aerodromes & Ground

Ground handling agents, apron safety officers, and airport management teams.

UAS / Drone Operators

Commercial drone fleets implementing risk mitigation for BVLOS and urban operations.

Civil Aviation Authorities

Regulatory inspectors seeking advanced insights into SSP/SMS auditing standards.

Assessment & Official Credential

Certificate of Competency in QMS

Delegates undergo evaluations, including hazard matrix exercises and a final exam (70% pass mark). Upon completion, delegates are awarded an official Think Aviation Training Certificate of Completion recognized by KCAA for fulfilling mandatory safety post-holder training requirements.

Executive Alumni Feedback

What post holders say about Think Aviation’s SMS Training
★★★★★

“The practical BowTie risk exercise and SPI dashboard design completely transformed how our airline handles hazard logs. KCAA accepted our updated SMS manual on the first audit review.”

Capt. Christian Strebel
Accountable Manager, Yellow Wings Aviation

★★★★★

“QMS training on Just Culture and post-holder legal liability gave our executive team clear clarity. Highly recommended for any newly appointed Quality or Safety Manager.”

Susan Njeri
Quality Manager, Kasas Aviation Ltd

Training Standards

Recognised training satisfying ICAO, EASA, and KCAA post-holder standards.

Manual Templates & Toolkits

Includes Hazard Logs, Risk Assessment Matrices & SPI models.

Wilson Airport Facility

Modern classrooms at DLCO Hangar, Wilson Airport, Nairobi.

Catering & Networking

Each Training, delegates are served with tea + snacks, and break time for peer network before resuming training.

SMS Practical Toolkit Vault

Complimentary executive downloads provided during the course

Hazard Log & Risk Register

Excel Matrix Template (ICAO Aligned)

Safety Policy Statement

Sample CEO Commitment Letter

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Think Aviation is a certified non-flying Aviation Training Organization (ATO No. 22) approved by KCAA. The Safety Management Systems course aligns with ICAO Annex 19 and Kenya Civil Aviation Regulations.

Yes. Think Aviation provides customized in-house training for airlines, ground handling companies, maintenance repair organizations (AMOs), and airport authorities across Africa. Corporate group rates and tailored dates can be arranged.

Course fees can be paid in Kenyan Shillings (KES 45,000) or USD ($700 Excl. VAT) via direct bank transfer, corporate cheque, or M-PESA. Pro-forma invoices are issued upon enrollment registration.

Register for the Next SMS Cohort

For Corporate Training, ATO, AOC, AMO – Wilson Airport, Nairobi

Details to Consider

Limited Executive Seats Available

USD 650

per delegate
(Excl. VAT)

Reserve your seat or request a corporate invoice.