Who should read this: Safety managers, accountable executives, and
system administrators who prepare for FAA surveillance visits.Prerequisites: Safety manager, accountable executive, or system
administrator role with
compliance:export permission. Your
organization should have active SMS data (reports, hazards, CPAs,
policy records) to produce a meaningful evidence package.What Is the Evidence Package?
The evidence package is a structured summary of all SMS artifacts that demonstrate compliance with 14 CFR Part 5. The system automatically scans your workspace and categorizes evidence by SMS pillar and regulatory subpart. Each evidence item shows whether it is available, partially available, or missing. The package covers eight evidence categories:Review Evidence Readiness
Generate the Export Package
Format and Contents
The exported evidence package is a JSON file containing:The evidence package is a summary and status report, not a full data export. It documents what
evidence exists and where gaps remain. The actual evidence records (reports, investigations,
policies) remain in PlaneConnection and can be presented to auditors directly through the
application.
Retention Requirements
Per 14 CFR 5.97, SMS records must be retained as long as they remain relevant to the safety management system. Evidence packages should be retained alongside your compliance documentation:- Evidence exports: Retain at least one per quarter and before each FAA surveillance visit.
- Underlying records: Reports, investigations, CPAs, and policy documents are retained within PlaneConnection per the configured data retention policy.
- Audit trail: All changes to SMS records are logged and retained automatically.
Related
Track Compliance
Monitor compliance status across all Part 5 subparts.
Hazard Register
Hazard records that contribute to SRM evidence.
Investigation Workflow
Investigation records included in the evidence package.
CPA Lifecycle
CPA completion and verification evidence.