From compliance to capability
About KEA Safety Consulting
At KEA Safety Consulting, we specialise in helping aviation organisations mature, strengthen, and operationalise their Safety Management Systems (SMS). We are dedicated to turning safety theory into practical, embedded systems that improve reporting culture, human performance, leadership decision-making, and operational resilience.
Services
We offer tailored solutions to help aviation organisations progress from compliance to capability, ensuring that safety systems are operationally embedded and culturally supported.
We can provide specialised advice for recurring incidents, or issues that are difficult to resolve. As an external provider, we bring fresh perspective to problems that have become familiar — seeing what has been overlooked, and challenging what has been accepted as normal.
Every assessment follows our GRADE Framework — a structured five-phase methodology that identifies the root cause, not just the symptom. You receive a professional written report with prioritised, practical recommendations your team can act on immediately.
What's included:
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On-site consultation and structured information gathering
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Root cause analysis using HFACS, Bow-Tie, or 5 Whys methodologies
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Gap analysis against current procedures and industry standards
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Prioritised recommendations using the Hierarchy of Controls
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A professional report
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A follow up meeting to confirm implementation is on track
This option is most commonly used for recurring safety incidents. However, we can also review SMS performance and safety culture.
Safety Assessment & Advisory
Virtual Safety Manager
For operators who need ongoing safety expertise without the cost of a full-time hire. As your Virtual Safety Officer, we provide the consistent, expert oversight that keeps your SMS healthy.
Whether that means reviewing your SMS, analysing safety data, investigating an incident, or guiding your team through a period of growth, we focus on what your organisation actually needs.
This option is well-suited to operators building or maturing their SMS.
Practical, operations-focused training for flight crews and management teams. We cover the fundamentals of safety management and turn theory into practice. Workshops are tailored to your operation type — helicopter, fixed wing, flight training, or mixed fleet.
Training can be delivered on-site across New Zealand or online.
Topics available:
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SMS fundamentals
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SMS for Leaders
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Aviation Risk Management
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Just culture & reporting
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Human factors
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Investigation techniques
SMS Workshops
Approach & Method
At KEA Safety Consulting, our approach is structured, measurable, and outcomes-focused. We diagnose system weaknesses, identify root causes, design practical solutions, and implement, embed, and review safety improvements.
Our methodology is built on the core values of operational credibility, academic depth, and practical implementation, ensuring that our clients progress from compliance to capability in their safety systems.
Anna produced a simple and effective analysis of the safety issue that we had identified, as we were unsure if our current controls were enough. We wanted to see if there were any further opportunities for improvement. After just over an hour of conversations and information sharing, she then produced a detailed but easily understandable report including root cause analysis and recommendations of additional measures that can be implemented, drawing on an apparent wealth of knowledge from RNZAF operations and safety management, which our safety team have found very useful and will look to proceed with. Having an external set of eyes look over the problem also assured us that there we were seeing every option and control available.
Massey University, School of Aviation
Our
Story
Behind KEA Safety Consulting
KEA Safety Consulting was founded by Anna Quinn, a RNZAF pilot, flight instructor, and Aviation Safety Manager. She has operated aircraft both within New Zealand and internationally, and managed Safety Management Systems across airport operations, rotary, and fixed-wing environments. Her qualifications include a MSc in Psychology, PGCert focusing on Human Factors, and the US Navy Aviation Safety Officers course.
Her work focuses on strengthening safety culture, integrating human factors into operational systems, and leading practical safety improvement initiatives that move organisations from compliance to capability.