capture the safety findings from the SRM panel meeting in an SRM document, and ensure that the SRM document is recorded in SMTS. 

Note: The safety case approver should not be a panel member. 

SRM Panel Facilitator/Co-Facilitator:  A trained expert on the SRM process who moderates the deliberations of the SRM panel members from a neutral position. 

Functional Description: Refer to Section 5.2.2.1. 

SRM Panel Member:  A selected FAA employee or FAA bargaining unit representative who objectively performs the safety assessment using the SRM process. 

Functional Description: An SRM panel member represents the program, facility, organization, or constituency potentially affected by the safety risk, the safety requirements associated with the proposed NAS change, and/or the existing safety issue. Among other responsibilities, SRM panel members evaluate the change / existing safety issue objectively, thoroughly, and fairly; make determinations on safety risk in the NAS; and review the document describing the safety findings of the SRM panel meeting. 

Subject Matter Expert:  An FAA employee or third-party stakeholder who serves as a technical expert on the NAS change, procedure, hardware or software system, or proposed solution undergoing SRM. 

Functional Description: SMEs share data, detailed information, and experience on the topic being discussed during the SRM panel meeting. An SME is not a panel member and does not participate in the safety assessment, and his or her consensus on the safety implications is not sought. 

Note: In other areas of the SMS Manual, the term “Subject Matter Expert” is used generically. Each SRM panel member is expected to have technical knowledge in a subject area that would suggest his or her participation in the panel meeting is appropriate. 

SRM Panel Observer:  An individual present during the proceedings of the SRM panel meeting who is not part of the SRM panel. 

Functional Description: An observer is someone attempting to gain a better understanding of the SRM process, not the specific NAS change being assessed. He or she is not an active member of the SRM panel meeting, does not provide input during the deliberations, and may not use electronic recording devices during the panel meeting. The presence of panel observers is permitted at the discretion of the change proponent. 

