# PlaneConnection Documentation > Aviation flight department management platform for Part 135 charter and commuter operators. Safety Management System (SMS), Flight Operations, Maintenance, and FBO facility management. PlaneConnection is a unified platform for managing aviation safety compliance (FAA 14 CFR Part 5), flight operations, aircraft maintenance, and fixed base operations. It serves Part 135 operators who must implement an SMS by May 28, 2027. ## Tutorials Learning-oriented guides that walk you through real tasks step by step. - [Welcome to PlaneConnection](/tutorials/welcome): Platform overview, modules, and navigation. - [Quickstart](/tutorials/quickstart): Log in, explore your workspace, navigate between modules. - [Onboarding](/tutorials/onboarding): Complete initial workspace setup and user onboarding. - [Convention Quick-Start](/tutorials/convention-quick-start): Conventions and best practices for new teams. - [Submit Your First Safety Report](/tutorials/first-safety-report): Report submission form, non-punitive reporting, risk assessment, tracking. - [Run Your First Investigation](/tutorials/first-investigation): Open investigation from report, findings, root cause analysis, recommendations. - [Conduct Your First Risk Assessment](/tutorials/first-risk-assessment): ICAO 5x5 matrix, severity and likelihood, risk zones, controls, residual risk. - [Track Your First CPA](/tutorials/first-cpa): Create corrective action, assign owner, track progress, verify effectiveness, close. - [Set Up Your SMS](/tutorials/setting-up-sms): Safety policy, risk matrix, compliance elements, user roles. - [Monitor Safety Performance with SPIs](/tutorials/monitor-spis): SPI dashboard, indicator cards, alert levels, review cycles. - [Run a Safety Committee Meeting](/tutorials/safety-committee-meeting): Schedule SRB/SAG meeting, agenda, attendance, votes, action items. - [Prepare for a Compliance Audit](/tutorials/prepare-compliance-audit): Part 5 elements, gaps, evidence upload, compliance report, DOC preparation. - [Prepare Your Declaration of Compliance](/tutorials/prepare-doc): DOC preparation, evidence packaging, submission workflow. - [Use the Executive Dashboard](/tutorials/executive-dashboard): KPIs, safety trends, compliance status, fleet utilization. - [Use My Safety Dashboard](/tutorials/my-safety-dashboard): Personal safety dashboard, assigned items, training status. - [Set Up Your Fleet](/tutorials/setting-up-fleet): Aircraft registration, types, certifications, maintenance tracking. - [Create Your First Trip](/tutorials/first-trip): Trip wizard, aircraft, crew, passengers, route, scheduling. - [Manage Your Crew](/tutorials/managing-crew): Add crew, roles, certifications, schedule availability. - [Use the Command Center](/tutorials/command-center): Operations dashboard, KPI strip, flight timeline, crew availability, command palette. - [Get Started with Training](/tutorials/training-getting-started): Training program setup, assignments, tracking. - [Get Started with Maintenance](/tutorials/maintenance-getting-started): Maintenance module setup, dashboard, fleet health, due items, discrepancies, MEL deferrals. - [Create Your First Work Order](/tutorials/first-work-order): Work order creation, line items, technician assignment, sign-off, inspector verification. - [Get Started with Your FBO](/tutorials/fbo-getting-started): Units, bookings, POS products, tills, staff, billing setup. - [FBO Dashboards](/tutorials/fbo-dashboards): FBO analytics, revenue tracking, occupancy metrics. ## How-to Guides Goal-oriented recipes for accomplishing specific tasks. ### Safety Management - [Submit a Safety Report](/how-to/sms/submit-safety-report): Standard, confidential, anonymous, and natural language reporting. - [Manage Investigations](/how-to/sms/manage-investigations): Kanban/list views, RCA tools, approval workflow, AI Copilot. - [Create and Track CPAs](/how-to/sms/create-cpa): Corrective/preventive actions, priority-based due dates, verification. - [Conduct a Risk Assessment](/how-to/sms/conduct-risk-assessment): ICAO 5x5 matrix, risk zones, initial vs residual risk. - [Manage Hazards](/how-to/sms/manage-hazards): Hazard register, categorization, controls, risk matrix, Bowtie barrier analysis. - [Track Part 5 Compliance](/how-to/sms/track-compliance): Compliance dashboard, elements, gaps, evidence, DOC progress. - [Manage Documents](/how-to/sms/manage-documents): Rich text editor, version control, approval workflow, classification. - [Run a Safety Committee Meeting](/how-to/sms/run-safety-committee): SRB/SAG scheduling, agenda, attendance, voting, action items. - [Manage Change](/how-to/sms/manage-change): Management of Change requests, screening, risk assessment, emergency timelines. - [Set Up Emergency Response](/how-to/sms/set-up-erp): Contact directory, document library, exercises, readiness score. - [Configure SPIs](/how-to/sms/configure-spis): Targets, thresholds, alert levels, review cycles, data sources. - [Use Just Culture](/how-to/sms/use-just-culture): Behavior types, decision tree, case documentation, statistics. - [Assess Safety Culture](/how-to/sms/assess-safety-culture): Culture surveys, scoring, trend analysis. - [Use Safety AI](/how-to/sms/use-safety-ai): ALI chat, citations, action suggestions, pattern analysis, natural language reporting. - [Submit a Natural Language Report](/how-to/sms/submit-natural-language-report): Voice and text-based report submission via AI. - [Review the Activity Log](/how-to/sms/review-activity-log): Module activity feed, user actions, audit trail. - [Manage Training](/how-to/sms/manage-training): Training programs, assignments, completion tracking, certificates. - [Conduct a DCT Assessment](/how-to/sms/conduct-dct-assessment): Data-driven compliance testing. - [Conduct a Root Cause Analysis](/how-to/sms/conduct-rca): RCA tools, fishbone diagrams, 5-why analysis. - [Verify CPA Effectiveness](/how-to/sms/verify-cpa-effectiveness): Effectiveness verification, follow-up assessments. - [Manage SmartScore](/how-to/sms/manage-smartscore): Safety scoring, fleet aggregation, trend interpretation. - [Manage Training Analytics](/how-to/sms/manage-training-analytics): Training completion rates, gap analysis, compliance reports. - [Configure Safety Settings](/how-to/sms/configure-safety-settings): Module configuration, defaults, notification rules. - [Manage ASAP](/how-to/sms/manage-asap): Aviation Safety Action Program setup, submissions, ERC review. - [Monitor Anomalies](/how-to/sms/monitor-anomalies): AI-powered anomaly detection, alerts, investigation triggers. - [Manage Safety Bulletins](/how-to/sms/manage-bulletins): Safety bulletin creation, distribution, acknowledgment tracking. - [Conduct a Bowtie Analysis](/how-to/sms/conduct-bowtie-analysis): Create bowtie diagrams, identify threats and consequences, add barriers, assess effectiveness. - [Export Compliance Evidence](/how-to/sms/export-compliance-evidence): Generate evidence packages for FAA surveillance readiness, review evidence status by SMS pillar. - [Prepare a Management Review](/how-to/sms/prepare-management-review): Prepare quarterly and annual management reviews using safety performance data and CPA status. ### Flight Operations - [Create a Trip](/how-to/ops/create-trip): Trip wizard, scheduling, aircraft and crew assignment. - [Manage Trip Requests](/how-to/ops/manage-trip-requests): Customer trip requests, quoting, approval workflow. - [Manage Aircraft](/how-to/ops/manage-aircraft): Fleet registration, statuses, hours and landings, maintenance tracking. - [Manage Crew](/how-to/ops/manage-crew): Crew profiles, roles, certifications, duty time, scheduling. - [Manage Crew Intelligence](/how-to/ops/manage-crew-intelligence): Currency tracking, qualification matrix, proactive alerts. - [View the Logbook](/how-to/ops/view-logbook): Flight log entries, times, landings, notes. - [Use the Dispatch Board](/how-to/ops/use-dispatch-board): Fleet status, active flights, trip management. - [Use the Dispatch Dashboard](/how-to/ops/use-dispatch-dashboard): Dispatch KPIs, flight timeline, resource overview. - [Use the In-Flight Display](/how-to/ops/use-in-flight-display): Real-time flight information, crew view, passenger info. - [Manage the Schedule](/how-to/ops/manage-schedule): Calendar views, scheduling conflicts, availability. - [Manage Passengers](/how-to/ops/manage-passengers): Passenger profiles, manifests, catering, special requests, visas. - [Track Due Items](/how-to/ops/track-due-items): Maintenance items, inspections, certifications, expirations. - [Manage Discrepancies](/how-to/ops/manage-discrepancies): Maintenance discrepancy tracking, MEL items, deferrals. - [Use Fleet Health](/how-to/ops/use-fleet-health): Fleet-wide maintenance status, utilization trends, health scoring. - [Handle Accounting](/how-to/ops/handle-accounting): Revenue tracking, cost allocation, financial reporting. - [Manage Owners](/how-to/ops/manage-owners): Aircraft owner profiles, cost sharing, reporting. - [Log Expenses](/how-to/ops/log-expenses): Trip expenses, receipts, categories, reimbursement. - [Run Operational Reports](/how-to/ops/run-reports): Report categories, filters, date ranges, CSV/PDF export. - [Conduct a FRAT](/how-to/ops/conduct-frat): Flight Risk Assessment Tool, risk factors, go/no-go decisions. - [Use FOQA](/how-to/ops/use-foqa): Flight Operational Quality Assurance data analysis. - [Use Operations Analytics](/how-to/ops/use-analytics): Operational KPIs, trend charts, fleet utilization. - [Use Weather](/how-to/ops/use-weather): Weather briefings, METAR/TAF, radar, forecasts. - [Manage the Trip Binder](/how-to/ops/manage-trip-binder): Digital trip binder, flight plan, W&B, documents. - [Use the Trip Map and Live Tracking](/how-to/ops/use-trip-map): Route visualization, real-time tracking, position updates. - [Manage Trip Catering](/how-to/ops/manage-catering): Catering orders, vendors, menus, dietary restrictions. - [Use the Release Checklist](/how-to/ops/use-release-checklist): Pre-departure checklist, crew quals, airworthiness, dispatch release. - [Manage Trip Cost Estimates](/how-to/ops/manage-trip-estimates): Cost estimation, rate cards, aircraft comparison, owner/customer quotes. - [Use the Charter Marketplace](/how-to/ops/use-charter-marketplace): Charter bids, pilot applications, awards, messaging. - [Manage Travel Services](/how-to/ops/manage-travel-services): Hotel and ground transport booking via Amadeus integration. - [Use the Messaging System](/how-to/ops/use-mail): In-platform messaging, trip communications, crew coordination. - [Use the Calendar](/how-to/ops/use-calendar): Shared scheduling, event management, availability views. - [File an eAPIS Manifest](/how-to/ops/file-eapis): Electronic Advance Passenger Information System (eAPIS) filing to US CBP before international departures and arrivals (19 CFR 122.49a/49b). - [File a CARECOM Manifest](/how-to/ops/use-carecom): CARICOM advance passenger information filing for Caribbean Community member state destinations. - [File a Canada CBSA Advance Notification](/how-to/ops/use-cbsa): Canada Border Services Agency advance notification for private and charter aircraft arriving in Canada. - [Create Custom Reports](/how-to/ops/create-custom-reports): Build custom reports, apply filters, and export data in the operations reports module. - [Import Trips](/how-to/ops/import-trips): Import trips in bulk from CSV files, validate data, and handle errors. - [Manage MEL Deferrals](/how-to/ops/manage-mel-deferrals): Create MEL deferral records, track deferred items, manage resolution workflow. - [Manage Work Orders](/how-to/ops/manage-work-orders): Create maintenance work orders, assign technicians, track progress, complete sign-off. - [Manage Vendor Scorecards](/how-to/ops/manage-vendor-scorecards): Evaluate vendor performance with scorecards, define scoring criteria, conduct reviews. ### Maintenance - [Manage Work Orders](/how-to/maintenance/manage-work-orders): Create, assign, track, and close maintenance work orders through full lifecycle. - [Manage Due Items](/how-to/maintenance/manage-due-items): Track maintenance items, inspections, ADs by aircraft with time/cycle-based tracking. - [Manage Discrepancies](/how-to/maintenance/manage-discrepancies): Create, track, and resolve aircraft squawks, snags, and defects. - [Manage MEL Deferrals](/how-to/maintenance/manage-mel-deferrals): MEL deferral management per 14 CFR 91.213, categories A-D, expiration tracking. - [Track AD/SB Compliance](/how-to/maintenance/track-ad-sb-compliance): Airworthiness Directive and Service Bulletin compliance tracking. - [Manage Component Tracking](/how-to/maintenance/manage-component-tracking): Component TSN, TSO, TSMOH, life limit tracking by serial number. - [Manage Part Passports](/how-to/maintenance/manage-part-passports): Birth-to-retirement component traceability per 14 CFR 91.417. - [Manage Tool Calibration](/how-to/maintenance/manage-tool-calibration): Tool calibration status, due dates, certificates per 14 CFR 43.13(a). - [Manage Technician Attestations](/how-to/maintenance/manage-technician-attestations): Maintenance releases with technician certificates and digital attestations. - [Use Reliability Analysis](/how-to/maintenance/use-reliability-analysis): Reliability program per 14 CFR 135.421(e), PIREPs, MAREPs, ATA chapter trends. - [Use Maintenance Forecast](/how-to/maintenance/use-maintenance-forecast): Upcoming maintenance, calendar events, overdue/critical items. - [Manage Maintenance Billing](/how-to/maintenance/manage-maintenance-billing): Labor rates, parts markup, estimates, billing lifecycle. - [Use Work Order Templates](/how-to/maintenance/use-wo-templates): Reusable templates for recurring maintenance tasks. - [Use the Compliance Dashboard](/how-to/maintenance/use-compliance-dashboard): Fleet compliance status, RII catalog, compliance documents. - [Verify Record Integrity](/how-to/maintenance/verify-record-integrity): Cryptographic hash chain verification for maintenance records. ### FBO Management - [Manage FBO Bookings](/how-to/fbo/manage-bookings): Booking lifecycle, check-in/out, payment status. - [Manage FBO Units](/how-to/fbo/manage-units): Hangars, tiedowns, ramp spaces, maintenance. - [Use the FBO Point of Sale](/how-to/fbo/use-point-of-sale): Orders, products, CSV bulk product import, inventory, tills. - [Manage FBO Staff](/how-to/fbo/manage-staff): Time clock, shifts, recurring schedules. - [Handle FBO Billing](/how-to/fbo/handle-fbo-billing): Invoices, rates, contracts, transactions, customers. - [Manage the Customer Portal](/how-to/fbo/manage-customer-portal): Self-service portal configuration, client access, magic link login, notification preferences. - [Manage FBO Safety](/how-to/fbo/manage-fbo-safety): FBO-specific safety reporting and compliance. - [Manage FBO Fuel Operations](/how-to/fbo/manage-fuel): Fuel tanks, deliveries, QC inspections, fuel sales. - [Manage FBO Contracts](/how-to/fbo/manage-contracts): Hangar leases, fuel programs, service agreements. - [Manage FBO Campaigns](/how-to/fbo/manage-campaigns): Marketing campaigns, promotions, customer targeting. - [Manage FBO Reward Cards](/how-to/fbo/manage-reward-cards): Loyalty program, points, redemption, analytics. - [Manage FBO Returns](/how-to/fbo/manage-returns): Product returns, refunds, restocking. - [Manage FBO Customer Groups](/how-to/fbo/manage-customer-groups): Customer segments, group discounts, bulk billing. - [Manage FBO Purchase Orders](/how-to/fbo/manage-purchase-orders): PO creation, vendor assignment, status tracking, receiving. - [Manage FBO Vendors](/how-to/fbo/manage-vendors): Vendor directory, contact info, activation/deactivation. - [Run FBO Reports](/how-to/fbo/run-fbo-reports): Revenue, sales, EOD, occupancy, payments, returns, discounts, payroll, products, owner statements. - [Manage the FBO Flight Board](/how-to/fbo/manage-flight-board): Aircraft arrivals, departures, movement tracking, service order assignment. - [Manage FBO Ramp Services](/how-to/fbo/manage-ramp-services): Service orders for fuel, GPU, lavatory, de-icing, catering, detailing. - [Configure FBO Settings](/how-to/fbo/configure-fbo-settings): Tills, stations, service fees, tax codes, deposit policies, payment gateways. ### Administration - [Manage Users](/how-to/admin/manage-users): Invitation, role assignment, key safety personnel. - [Configure Workspace](/how-to/admin/configure-workspace): Organization profile, notifications, email, SSO (OIDC/SAML), 2FA. - [Set Up Integrations](/how-to/admin/set-up-integrations): QuickBooks, ForeFlight, TaxxAll Aviator, Safety webhooks, ASAP Gateway, Slack, and other external connections. - [Configure Flight Settings](/how-to/admin/configure-flight-settings): Defaults, duty time, airports, tripsheets. - [Manage Billing](/how-to/admin/manage-billing): Subscription, payment methods, plan changes. - [Export Data](/how-to/admin/export-data): Tenant export, list exports, CCPA compliance. - [Manage Privacy and Data Compliance](/how-to/admin/manage-privacy): Data deletion requests, retention policies, GDPR/CCPA. - [Manage Platform Modules](/how-to/admin/manage-modules): Enable/disable modules, feature configuration. - [Manage File Storage](/how-to/admin/manage-file-storage): Upload, organize, share, and control access to workspace files. ## Reference Technical descriptions of data structures, statuses, workflows, and configurations. ### SMS Reference - [Report Types](/reference/report-types): Hazard, Incident, Near Miss, Audit Finding, Suggestion. - [Report Statuses](/reference/report-statuses): Lifecycle from Submitted through Closed. - [Investigation Workflow](/reference/investigation-workflow): Status transitions, approval gates, findings. - [CPA Lifecycle](/reference/cpa-lifecycle): Draft through Closed, verification process. - [Risk Matrix](/reference/risk-matrix): ICAO 5x5 severity/likelihood matrix, risk zones. - [Hazard Register](/reference/hazard-register): Hazard categories, controls, monitoring. - [Management of Change Workflow](/reference/moc-workflow): MOC categories, screening, timelines. - [Just Culture Framework](/reference/just-culture-framework): Behavior types, decision tree, documentation. - [Hazard Notifications](/reference/hazard-notifications): Structure, statuses, and tracking for hazard notifications under 14 CFR 5.57. - [Bowtie Analysis](/reference/bowtie-analysis): Bowtie risk analysis methodology, threats, barriers, and effectiveness assessment. - [AI Safety Features](/reference/ai-safety-features): AI capabilities in the safety module, copilot assistance, NLP report submission. ### Operations Reference - [Trip Statuses](/reference/trip-statuses): Trip lifecycle from Draft through Completed. - [Aircraft Statuses](/reference/aircraft-statuses): Active, Maintenance, AOG, Retired. - [Crew Roles](/reference/crew-roles): PIC, SIC, Flight Attendant, Engineer, Dispatcher, Ground Staff. - [SPI Definitions](/reference/spi-definitions): 5 categories, alert levels, review cycles, indicators. - [SmartScore Methodology](/reference/smartscore-methodology): Scoring components, fleet aggregation, interpretation. - [Charter Marketplace](/reference/charter-marketplace): Request/application statuses, bid lifecycle, messaging. - [Notification Channels](/reference/notification-channels): Email, SMS, push, in-app notification configuration. - [Dispatch Statuses](/reference/dispatch-statuses): Real-time dispatch states for aircraft and FRAT assessment statuses. - [MEL Deferrals](/reference/mel-deferrals): Minimum Equipment List deferral statuses, categories, and lifecycle workflow. ### FBO Reference - [FBO Statuses](/reference/fbo-statuses): Booking, payment, unit, maintenance, till, invoice, contract statuses. - [FBO Point of Sale Reference](/reference/fbo-pos-reference): Orders, products, inventory, tills, transactions, customers. - [FBO Fuel Operations Reference](/reference/fbo-fuel-reference): Fuel types, tank statuses, QC inspections, pricing models. ### Maintenance Reference - [Work Order Statuses](/reference/work-order-statuses): Lifecycle statuses, transition rules, verification checklist, sign-off requirements. - [MEL Deferral Reference](/reference/mel-reference): MEL categories A-D, rectification intervals, regulatory basis per 14 CFR 91.213. - [Maintenance Billing Reference](/reference/maintenance-billing-reference): Labor rates, parts markup tiers, estimate statuses, billing types, estimate-to-invoice lifecycle. - [Compliance Documents Reference](/reference/compliance-documents-reference): AD/SB tracking, RII catalog per 14 CFR 135.427, FAA Form 337, compliance document types. - [Maintenance API Endpoints](/reference/api/maintenance-endpoints): REST API for work orders, parts, attestations, reliability, forecast, logbook, and billing. ### Operational Reports - [Aircraft Reports](/reference/reports-aircraft): Utilization, hours, landings, status history. - [Crew Reports](/reference/reports-crew): Duty time, certifications, scheduling, qualifications. - [Financial Reports](/reference/reports-financial): Revenue, costs, margins, billing summaries. - [Passenger Reports](/reference/reports-passengers): Manifests, activity, catering, special requests. - [Maintenance Reports](/reference/reports-maintenance): Due items, work orders, compliance, discrepancies. ### Platform Reference - [User Roles](/reference/user-roles): Role definitions, capabilities, assignment. - [Permissions](/reference/permissions): Permission matrix, module access, data scoping. - [Keyboard Shortcuts](/reference/keyboard-shortcuts): Navigation, actions, command palette. - [ERP Components](/reference/erp-components): Emergency Response Plan structure and components. - [Integrations Directory](/reference/integrations-directory): Available third-party integrations. - [Legal Notices](/reference/legal-notices): Regulatory disclaimers, liability limitations, AI advisory, data accuracy, SmartScore and maintenance disclaimers. ## Explanation Background concepts for deeper understanding. ### Safety Concepts - [What is an SMS?](/explanation/what-is-sms): SMS evolution, Swiss cheese model, Heinrich pyramid. - [The Four Pillars of SMS](/explanation/four-pillars): Policy, SRM, SA, and Promotion explained. - [Just Culture](/explanation/just-culture): Why people don't report, behavior categories, building trust. - [Risk Management](/explanation/risk-management): SRM process, ALARP, bow-tie model. ### Regulatory Framework - [FAA 14 CFR Part 5](/explanation/faa-part-5): All 6 subparts, DOC process, single-pilot exemptions. - [ICAO Annex 19](/explanation/icao-annex-19): International SMS standards, SSP, Doc 9859. - [SMS Compliance Timeline](/explanation/compliance-timeline): Key dates, 7-phase implementation approach. - [Peer Groups](/explanation/peer-groups): FAA peer group classification for Part 135 operators. ### Platform Architecture - [Multi-Tenancy and Data Isolation](/explanation/multi-tenancy): Workspace isolation, tenant_id filtering. - [Modules Overview](/explanation/modules-overview): Safety, Operations, Maintenance, and FBO feature map. - [Maintenance Data Model](/explanation/maintenance-architecture): How maintenance data flows between work orders, due items, components, and other modules. - [Safety Performance Monitoring](/explanation/safety-performance): Leading vs lagging indicators, monitoring cycle. - [Flight Operations Data Model](/explanation/flight-ops-data-model): Trip lifecycle, data relationships, ops-to-safety flows. - [Operations Personas](/explanation/ops-personas): Director, Chief Pilot, DO, Dispatcher, PIC roles. - [Operations User Journeys](/explanation/ops-user-journeys): Day-in-the-life workflows by role. - [AI in Aviation Safety](/explanation/ai-in-aviation-safety): Pattern detection, SmartScore, natural language reporting, responsible AI. - [Data Privacy and Compliance](/explanation/data-privacy): Data isolation, encryption, retention, GDPR/CCPA, SSI protections. - [Offline Mode and Data Synchronization](/explanation/offline-mode): Offline capabilities, mutation queue, sync, conflict resolution.