The Foundation of Quality Assurance / Compliance within an EASA Part 145 Organisation

Sofema (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers optimum best practices related to Quality Assurance / Compliance within EASA Part 145.

 

Introduction

The framework set by EASA Part 145 for Quality Assurance and Control is meticulously designed to ensure the highest levels of safety and reliability in aircraft maintenance operations.

• • By emphasizing the roles of the Accountable Manager, Quality Manager, and Postholders and advocating for a comprehensive and independent quality system, EASA Part 145 aims to cultivate a culture of quality that permeates every level of an Aircraft Maintenance Organization.
• • This structured approach ensures compliance with regulatory standards and facilitates continuous improvement and operational excellence in the ever-evolving aviation industry.

Quality Assurance (Compliance) is Fundamental within the EASA System

Quality Assurance (QA) within the context of EASA Part 145 regulations is fundamental to ensuring aircraft maintenance operations' safety, reliability, and airworthiness.

These regulations establish a comprehensive framework for Aircraft Maintenance Organisations (AMOs) to adhere to, incorporating a wide range of quality management principles and practices to uphold the highest standards of aircraft maintenance and safety.

EASA Part 145 Regulations play a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and airworthiness of aircraft maintenance operations.

Accountable Manager's Responsibility:

At the core of the EASA Part 145 quality system, the Accountable Manager holds ultimate responsibility for the entire Quality System, signifying the importance of leadership and accountability in maintaining quality standards. This accountability ensures that the organization's quality policies are not only established but also effectively implemented and maintained.

Role of Quality Manager- QM (Compliance Manager- CM) and Nominated Post Holders - NPH:

A critical element of the QA system's integrity is its independence. Regulations mandate independent audits to monitor compliance with aircraft and component standards, ensuring that maintenance practices result in airworthy and safe aircraft, free from undue operational pressures.

• • This independence is crucial for objective assessment and continuous improvement.
• • The Quality Manager / Compliance Manager and the Nominated Post Holders play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation and maintenance of quality standards.
• • They report directly to the Accountable Manager, ensuring a streamlined flow of information and accountability throughout the organization.
• • The NPH decentralization of quality control emphasizes that each area within the organization must proactively adhere to established standards, fostering a culture of accountability and quality at every level

The comprehensiveness of the Quality System:

The term 'Quality System' within EASA Part 145 is broad, encapsulating Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC), and Quality Improvement (QI). This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of quality management are addressed, from preventive measures and oversight (QA) to operational checks (QC) and continuous improvement (QI).

Key Principles of QA in EASA Part 145

Independence of the Quality Assurance System - Critical to the integrity of the QA system is its independence.

• • The regulations mandate independent audits to monitor compliance with aircraft and component standards, ensuring that maintenance practices yield airworthy and safe aircraft without any undue influence from operational pressures.
• • The regulations also outline the responsibility of business area owners, or Postholders, to ensure their teams comply with regulatory and organizational requirements.
• • Emphasizing the decentralized nature of quality control, each area within the organization must proactively adhere to established standards.

 Operationalizing Quality Control

• • Quality Control as Everyone's Responsibility: In EASA Part 145, Quality Control is not just the domain of a specific department but a responsibility shared by everyone within the organization.
• • This democratization of quality control ensures that maintaining standards is a collective effort integrated into the daily activities of all personnel.

The Role of QC Departments

• • Whilst not generally required as part of the EASA system (QC is a shared responsibility), establishing a separate Quality Control Department within an organization can offer benefits, provided it is optimized within the organizational structure.

Important Note - However, such departments should report directly to the business area manager they support, reflecting that QC activities are an integral part of managing each business area effectively.

Challenges and Considerations

• • Quality Assurance should focus on identifying deficiencies and supporting corrective actions rather than directing operational activities.

o   This preserves the authority of business area managers and ensures QA's role as an independent oversight function.

• • Quality Control efforts must be appropriately focused to support, not undermine, the authority of business area managers.

o   A well-functioning QC department empowers managers by providing them with the tools and data needed to manage their areas effectively.

The Evolution of QA post Regulation 2021/1963

• • Regulation 2021/1963 introduces enhanced requirements for implementing Safety Management Systems within EASA Part 145-approved organisations.
• • This marks a pivotal shift towards a more systemic approach to safety, requiring organisations to comprehensively integrate SMS into their existing quality management frameworks.
• • Central to Regulation 2021/1963 is the requirement for AMOs to incorporate a Safety Management System into their operational framework.
• • This system aims to systematically address safety risks and ensure the continuous improvement of the safety performance of the organisation.
• • With the introduction of SMS requirements, an additional layer of compliance oversight is necessary within the QA framework.

o   This oversight is crucial for ensuring that the SMS is not only implemented but also effectively managed and integrated with existing quality assurance and control processes.

 Next Steps

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) and Sofema Online (SOL) offer both classroom-based and online regulatory training courses that comply with EASA Regulations. For additional details, please see the websites or email [email protected]