Operational Suitability Data (OSD) Considerations
Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the role and purpose of OSD.
Introduction Operational Suitability Data (OSD)
The European Commission published OSD requirements on 27 January 2014 requiring aircraft (and Helicopter) manufacturers, to submit data that EASA considers important for safe operations.
Operational Suitability Data (OSD)” means data, which are part of an aircraft type-certificate, restricted type- certificate or supplemental type-certificate, consisting of all of the following:
» The minimum syllabus of pilot type rating training, including determination of type rating;
» The definition of "scope" of the aircraft validation source data to support the objective qualification of simulators or the provisional data to support their interim qualification;
» The minimum syllabus of maintenance certifying staff type rating training, including determination of type rating;
» Determination of type or variant for cabin crew and type-specific data for cabin crew;
» The master minimum equipment list. (MMEL).
What data EASA will evaluate against the new rule for approval?
The manufacturer proposes what data EASA will evaluate against the new rule for approval.
OSD is approved as part of the type certificate like the airplane flight manual.
» Since the holder of the type certificate is the owner of OSD, the manufacturer has to keep the data current.
» Users affected by the new rule (operators and training organizations) will find that OSD has both mandatory and recommended elements and national aviation authorities will determine whether users must comply with a recommendation.
Concerning Pilot Training
Pilot qualification is at the heart of OSD. It defines a minimum syllabus for a type rating, as well as training areas of special emphasis.
MMEL Transition
MMELs for in-production models, approved by 18/12/2015, or before the aircraft is operated by an EU operator, whichever is the latest.
The mandatory OSD succeeds the voluntary Operational Evaluation Board (OEB) process.
Note - With the entry into force of Commission Regulation (EU) No 69/2014 on 18 February 2014 the concept of Operational Suitability Data (OSD) was implemented, integrating operational evaluation elements into the certification design process as foreseen in the Basic Regulation. Available operational suitability data are then referenced in the applicable Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS).
OSD Development & History
OSD which is mandatory succeeds the “Voluntary Operational Evaluation Board (OEB) process.
Prior to the introduction of the OSD Regulations, OEB was a Voluntary process with the involvement of manufacturers, operators, NAAs, Agency.
With Unclear responsibilities related to OEB elements the results were not binding, moreover, maintenance training was not included.
With the new OSD Regulations which are approved by the Agency for aircraft type in the TC:
Approval becomes Mandatory and appropriate reference material will be found in EASA Certification Specification (EASA CSs)
OSD Comments & Features:
» OSD is owned by TC holders and made available to operators and NAAs.
» All OSD is property of TC Holder.
» EASA Does Not Publish Data however References are in TCDS
o E.G. type rating, variants are in TCDS (EASA will publish consolidated lists);
» Existing Voluntary OEB transfer to OSD (TC holder to indicate mandatory/non-mandatory)
Regulatory Reference Material for OSD may be found in the following:
» Initial airworthiness, Part 21: Regulation (EU) 69/2014;
» AMC/GM to Part 21: ED 2014/007/R;
» CS FCD;
» CS MMEL;
» CS GEN MMEL;
» CS CCD;
» CS SIMD;
» CS MCSD
» Air Operations: 71/2014;
» Aircrew: 70/2014;
» Continued airworthiness: (not published yet)
Next Steps
Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com provides regulatory training for EASA Part 21, CS 25 & OSD - please see the following:
https://sassofia.com/course/easa-part-21-operational-suitability-data-regulatory-obligations-1-day/
