Dutch aviation regulator adopts new safety tool to enhance risk-based oversight in 2026
Starting in 2026, the ILT Aviation Authority will use the MSAT tool to assess how effectively aviation organizations manage safety risks. This shift toward risk-based oversight aims to improve aviation safety for passengers, workers, and businesses across the sector.
| Key Data Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Tool | Management System Assessment Tool (MSAT) |
| Developer | European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) |
| Implementation Start | 2026 |
| Target Organizations | AOC holders, maintenance companies, production firms, airport operators |
| Minimum Expected Maturity | "Operating" level ("Effective" for AOC holders' risk management) |
| Assessment Focus | Effectiveness of safety management systems in practice |
| Inspectorate | ILT Aviation Authority (Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate) |
The ILT Aviation Authority, part of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate, is responsible for overseeing aviation safety in the Netherlands. Its role includes monitoring compliance with regulations, assessing safety management systems, and collaborating with the sector to enhance aviation safety standards.
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ILT Aviation Authority to Use MSAT Moving Forward
Starting in 2026, the aviation authority of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (ILT Aviation Authority) will use the Management System Assessment Tool (MSAT). Developed by EASA, this method enables the aviation authority to assess how effectively aviation organizations implement their management systems in practice.
MSAT helps evaluate, in a consistent and objective manner, the extent to which organizations apply and continuously improve their safety management systems. The ILT Aviation Authority will not only examine whether procedures have been documented but, more importantly, whether these procedures are effective in practice and contribute to managing safety risks.
Toward More Risk-Based Oversight
By implementing MSAT, the ILT Aviation Authority takes another step toward more risk-based and performance-oriented oversight. The MSAT assessments will reveal where organizations stand in developing their management systems and highlight opportunities for further improvement.
Assessments
In 2026, the ILT Aviation Authority will conduct MSAT assessments for most aviation organizations required to have a Safety Management System (SMS). This includes AOC holders and other organizations such as maintenance companies, production firms, and airport operators.
The goal of the assessment is to evaluate the maturity of the management system. Additionally, it provides organizations with concrete starting points to further strengthen their systems. The ILT Aviation Authority expects aviation organizations to achieve at least the "operating" level after the first oversight cycle. For AOC holders, the safety risk management process must also function at the "effective" level.
Insight into Improvement Opportunities
The assessment results will not only provide insights at the organizational level but also at the domain level. Combined with domain profiles , this will help identify sector-wide development points and opportunities for further enhancing aviation safety.
Collaborating to Improve Aviation Safety
With MSAT, the ILT Aviation Authority supports organizations in strengthening their safety management systems. In doing so, it works alongside the sector to further improve aviation safety.