EASA Part 147 Performing a Practical Assessment
Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com reviews a typical process for the performance of EASA Part 147 Type Training Practical Assessments
Introduction
Practical assessments are conducted to evaluate the knowledge and skills level of the trainee required to perform safe maintenance and required in support of aircraft-type practical training.
>> Practical assessment is used to measure the trainee’s competence by evaluating his/her knowledge, skills level and attitude.
>> It is aimed to establish whether a person is competent in performing safe maintenance, inspections, and routine work according to the relevant documentation or relevant instructions and tasks as appropriate for the type of aircraft/engine/component.
>> It includes the ability to use technical literature and documentation for the specific aircraft, engine or component, the use of specialist/special tooling and test equipment.
Practical Assessors are responsible for all aspects of the practical assessment related to the types for which the 147 is approved.
>> Practical assessment must be conducted only in workshops/maintenance facilities that comply with the requirements established in Training Procedures
>> Practical Assessors should be familiar with the content of EASA Part 66 Appendix III of the Acceptable Means of Compliance of Part 66, Evaluation of the Competence. Any doubt should be >> discussed with the Training Manager.
The Practical Assessment The assessment should focus on the individual competencies relevant to the aircraft type and its maintenance including, but not limited to:
o Environmental awareness (act safely, apply safety precautions)
o Systems integration (understand, identify, describe, explain, plan, execute)
o Knowledge and understanding of the aircraft systems especially those unique to the aircraft type
o Using reports and indications (the ability to read and interpret)
o Aircraft documentation finding and handling (identify the appropriate aircraft documentation, navigate, execute and obey the prescribed maintenance procedures)
o Tooling and special equipment.
o Perform maintenance actions (demonstrate safe handling of aircraft, engines, components, and tools).
o Aircraft final/close-up and report (apply close-up, initiate appropriate actions/follow-up/records of testing, establish and sign maintenance records/logbooks).
The assessment can be performed at the end of the practical training as a single unit or subdivided into two or more units, however, no practical assessment should be performed if at least 50% of the practical training has not been covered.
The nominated practical assessor will select, based on the aircraft, engine, component availability and/or conditions, a suitable maintenance task (or tasks) from the practical logbook to be assessed.
>> It is recommended that the maintenance task (or tasks) selected be realistic with the condition of the aircraft/engine maintenance, equipment, and tooling availability.
>> The assessor will liaise with the contacting maintenance organization, when possible, to match the selected practical task to be assessed with the actual maintenance task required to be done on the aircraft/engine.
Once the task(s) is selected, the assessor will document the relevant information in the Practical Assessment Form
>> A copy of the form is included in the Practical Logbook and should remain with the Practical Logbook at all times.
>> The trainee should be fully informed of what is expected from him on the assessment, the time to complete the task and what the evaluation method will be.
Marking and Records
Practical assessment records shall be documented and will be marked as PASS or FAIL.
>> If the trainee failed the assessment, the assessor must complete an assessment report detailing the reasons for the failure.
>> If a remedial plan is agreed it should be also documented for record purposes before retaking a practical assessment.
o Any required remedial actions (if any) will be coordinated with the Training Manager, Assessor and Trainee. The reasons for a failure should be discussed with the trainee in a clear and honest way.
Next Steps
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