> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.planeconnection.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Use the Executive Dashboard

> Navigate the executive safety dashboard to monitor SMS effectiveness, review pending approvals, and track compliance progress.

By the end of this tutorial, you will have toured every section of the Executive Dashboard, reviewed pending approvals, and checked your organization's progress toward the Declaration of Compliance deadline.

<Info>
  **Who should do this tutorial?** Accountable executives (AE) and safety managers.

  **Time to complete:** About 10 minutes.

  **Prerequisites:** Accountable Executive or Safety Manager role in your workspace.
</Info>

## Before you start

Make sure you have:

* An active PlaneConnection account with access to the Safety module
* Accountable Executive or Safety Manager role assigned (see [User Roles](/en/reference/user-roles))

## Touring the Executive Dashboard

<Steps>
  ### Step 1: Open the Executive Dashboard

  Navigate to the **Safety** module using the module switcher at the top of the sidebar. In the sidebar, click **Executive Dashboard**. You should see the page load with live data from your workspace.

  <Tip>Bookmark this page for daily review.</Tip>

  ### Step 2: Review the DOC Deadline Countdown

  Look at the top of the dashboard. You should see a countdown card showing the number of days remaining until the **May 28, 2027** Declaration of Compliance deadline. Notice the card color -- blue means on track, amber means time is tightening, and red means urgent.

  <Warning>
    **FAA 14 CFR Part 5 compliance deadline: May 28, 2027.** All Part 135 operators must develop and
    implement a Safety Management System and submit a Declaration of Compliance by this date.
    PlaneConnection provides the tools you need to meet every requirement.
  </Warning>

  ### Step 3: Read the KPI stat cards

  Below the countdown, locate the four stat cards: **SMS Effectiveness Score**, **Compliance %**, **Open Items**, and **Reporting Rate**. You should see each card displaying a current value.

  <Note>
    The SMS Effectiveness Score requires at least one completed DCT assessment. If this card is empty,
    see [Conduct a DCT Assessment](/en/how-to/sms/conduct-dct-assessment).
  </Note>

  ### Step 4: Review the pillar performance radar chart

  Look at the radar chart below the stat cards. You should see two data series: a **Design scores** line and a **Performance scores** line. If there is a gap between them in any dimension, that area needs attention.

  ### Step 5: Check the pending approvals queue

  Locate the **Pending Approvals** card. You should see a list of items requiring your action -- each row shows the item type (CPA Closure, Investigation Finding, Risk Acceptance, Policy Change, or MOC Approval), identifier, submitter, and date.

  Click **Review** on any item to open it, or click **Approve** to approve it inline.

  <Tip>Process pending approvals promptly -- delays in the queue slow down the entire SMS cycle.</Tip>

  ### Step 6: Review the management review card

  Locate the management review card. You should see the last review date, next scheduled date, and count of open action items from prior reviews.

  <Note>
    Management reviews are a Safety Assurance requirement under 14 CFR 5.73. See [The Four Pillars of
    SMS](/en/explanation/four-pillars) for details.
  </Note>

  ### Step 7: Check the safety culture snapshot

  Scroll to the **Safety Culture Snapshot** card. You should see five metrics: Reporting Rate Trend, Reporter Participation %, Mean Triage Time, CPA On-Time Closure %, and Anonymous Report %. Review each value and note any that need attention.

  ### Step 8: Review DCT readiness

  Locate the **DCT Readiness** card. You should see three radial progress bars: **EP** (Existing Processes), **ED** (Existing Documentation), and **SP** (Special Emphasis).

  <Note>
    For 135D (sole individual) operators, only the EP bar appears. See [Peer Groups and
    Exemptions](/en/explanation/peer-groups) for details.
  </Note>

  ### Step 9: Review the implementation timeline

  Locate the five-phase stepper showing your SMS implementation progress: Planning, Development, Implementation, Validation, and Declaration. You should see the active phase highlighted with a completion percentage. Click any phase to see the relevant compliance elements.

  ### Step 10: Check the fleet base map

  Scroll to the map card. You should see your aircraft home bases plotted on the map, color-coded by safety status (green = clear, yellow = open reports, red = overdue CPAs). Click any base marker to see the open items associated with that location.

  ### Step 11: Verify the safety accountability org chart

  Scroll to the bottom of the dashboard. You should see a compact org chart with the **Accountable Executive** at the top and lines to the Safety Manager, Director of Operations, Chief Pilot, and Director of Maintenance. If any position is highlighted in red, it is unfilled -- address this in **Settings > Organization**.
</Steps>

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="SMS Compliance Timeline" href="/explanation/compliance-timeline">
    Key dates and the seven-phase implementation approach.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Track Part 5 Compliance" href="/how-to/sms/track-compliance">
    Monitor compliance elements and upload evidence.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Prepare Your Declaration of Compliance" href="/tutorials/prepare-doc">
    Walk through the DOC wizard when you are ready to declare.
  </Card>

  <Card title="FAA 14 CFR Part 5 Overview" href="/explanation/faa-part-5">
    Plain-language overview of the regulation driving these requirements.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>