Delivering Effective EASA Part 145 Aircraft Inspection Roles & Responsibility

The Maintenance process has come a long way over the last decades – however the success of the entire process is dependent on the ability of the maintenance staff not just to perform inspections in the best way but to understand why they are performing inspections. (The criteria by which the object is being measured! It is this knowledge which makes the difference and makes you into an effective inspector.)

The Aircraft Inspector is a critical link in the Continuous Airworthiness Chain which supports the overall integrity of the aircraft. Inspections cover all areas of the aircraft including fuselage, wings, tail, landing gear and wheel well, engines, wiring and all avionic equipments. The Inspector should be trained and competent to ensure the integrity of the aircraft and to look for evidences of corrosion and metal fatigue.

New aircraft maintenance programs are developed by a group known as the maintenance steering groups (MSG). Forming working groups the process is overseen by an Industry Steering Group (ISC) whose task is to develop a document which is known as the Maintenance Review Board Report. The document is constructed in compliance with the process known as MSG3 and becomes the source document for the Maintenance Planning Document. (MPD)

An essential element of Modern Aircraft Inspection techniques is the delivery of Zonal Inspection in accordance with the requirements of MSG3. Such inspections should ensure that the aircraft is fully compliant with the build standard and that any deterioration of shortfall is identified by the inspector and raised as a defect.

Aircraft Inspection is quite possibly one of the most important tasks that you as a certifying engineer will perform. The purpose of this training is to raise awareness regarding best practice and appropriate considerations when performing maintenance inspections. the course also considers the different forms of corrosion which are typically found within the aviation environment, as well as Fuel System Microbiological Contamination.

Whilst the Inspection is typically performed by the EASA 145 organisation ultimately it is the responsibility of the EASA Part M organisation to ensure the maintenance of the integrity of the aircraft inspection program. This is managed as part of the overall continuing airworthiness management program, under the control of the Continuing Airworthiness Manager. Therefore it should be understood that there is a requirement placed on the Part M organisation to ensure the effective oversight of the Inspection Standard which is performed on the operator’s aircraft. (This may be delivered following a successful audit of the EASA 145 organisations competency management system to include the ability to deliver effective aircraft inspections.)
 
For details of available training please see www.sofemaonline.com or email online@sassofia.com