Recent blog posts

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key aspects related to the need to manage organisational change.

Managing organisational change in aviation requires careful planning, communication, and involvement of employees and stakeholders. Safety, regulatory compliance, and competency aspects must also be considered when implementing any change.

Introduction

In the aviation industry, managing organizational change is particularly important due to the constantly evolving landscape of the industry, driven by factors such as advances in technology, changes in regulations, and shifts in consumer demand. Managing change can be challenging due to the complexity of the industry, regulations, safety concerns, and the need for high competence levels.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the type of defects that may be encountered during the Inspection of Aircraft Composite Material.

Introduction

The significance of composite damage is dependent upon the function of the structure and the type and extent of the damage.

>> The most likely cause of damage, approximately 80%, is impact, often the result of ground handling. This may produce many of the damage types discussed here.
>> The most significant damage types are

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the relationship between ANNEX II of CAR-PART I-CAR-BR and CAR AIR OPS

Introduction

Within the GCAA, the Basic Regulation, also known as CAR-PART I-CAR-BR, establishes the fundamental regulatory framework for air operations in the UAE.

>> ANNEX II of CAR-PART I-CAR-BR outlines the Essential Requirements for Air Operations. These requirements set the standards and guidelines that operators, pilots, and other aviation stakeholders must adhere to in order to maintain safe and efficient air operations in the UAE.

>> GCAA CAR AIR OPS play a crucial role in regulating and overseeing air operations in the UAE. By establishing clear guidelines and standards.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers key aspects of the management of Instructional Competence

  

Introduction

Competence is the ability of an individual to perform a task correctly

>> Typically a set of defined elements provides a structured guide enabling the identification, evaluation and development of the behaviors in the individual employees

>> Competence may be considered as a combination of is a combination of individual skills, practical and theoretical knowledge, attitudes, training, and experience.

>> Delivering effective training relies on a complex mix of Subject Knowledge, familiarity with Processes and procedures, Human Factors and the impact of the Safety Culture within the workplace.

>> Competence can be negatively affected by aspects of physical, medical or mental fitness which should also be considered on an ongoing basis.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at the various elements within a CAR AIR OPS-approved organisation.

Introduction - AMC1 ORO.GEN.200(a)(6) Management system - Compliance Monitoring — General

Compliance monitoring

>> The operator should specify the basic structure of the compliance monitoring function applicable to the activities conducted.
>> The compliance monitoring function should be structured according to the size of the operator and the complexity of the activities to be monitored;

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers how we can generate improvements related to Audit Performance Delivery During EASA Compliance Audits including purpose, overview and challenges.

Introduction

Measuring effective performance delivery during EASA compliance audits provides an enhancement to the basic “prescriptive” compliance audit and helps to ensure that aviation organizations are meeting EASA's safety standards.

Effective performance delivery refers to the ability of an organization to deliver its services or products consistently and efficiently while adhering to EASA regulations.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the fundamentals concerning regulatory oversight of an EASA compliant Reliability Program

 Aviation Regulatory Authorities face several challenges in auditing and ensuring effective oversight of operator Mandatory Aircraft Reliability Programs. These challenges include

>> The complexity of the programs

>> The need for specialized technical expertise

>> The limited resources of regulatory agencies

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Posted by on in Regulatory

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at the use of Risk-Based Oversight in support of the Aviation System

Introduction - ICAO Drivers for Risk-Based Oversight

ICAO recognizes the importance of risk-based oversight systems in aviation and has developed a set of drivers to support their implementation. These drivers are designed to help aviation authorities and operators understand the benefits of risk-based oversight and to provide guidance on how to implement such a system effectively.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers oversight fundamentals related to the assessment of an EASA Compliant Quality Assurance System (QAS) / Compliance Management System (CMS)

Introduction – Oversight activities based on looking at how the organisation looks at itself

The Accountable Manager within the EASA system is directly responsible to ensure financing of any aspect of the business which directly contributes to the showing of compliance with regulatory requirements.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the Maintenance Check Flight (MCF) Requirements to comply with GM CAR M.301(i) Continuing airworthiness tasks

Introduction - MAINTENANCE CHECK FLIGHTS (MCFs)

The definition of and operational requirements for MCFs are laid down in the Air Operations Regulation and are carried out under the control and responsibility of the aircraft operator. During the flight preparation, the flight and the post-flight activities as well as for the aircraft handover, the processes requiring the involvement of the maintenance organisations or their personnel should be agreed in advance with the operator.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com Considers the CAMO Personnel obligations to comply with UAE GCAA Continuing Airworthiness Management Exposition (CAME) requirements.

Accountable Manager Statement AMC1 S-1.CAMO.300(a)(1)

>> Part 0 ‘General organisation, safety policy and objectives’ of the CAME should include a statement, signed by the accountable manager (and countersigned by the chief executive officer, if different), confirming that the CAME and any associated manuals will be complied with at all times.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com Considers the CAMO Personnel obligations to comply with UAE GCAA Continuing Airworthiness Management Exposition (CAME) requirements related to Safety & Compliance.

Safety management and compliance monitoring function - AMC1 S-1.CAMO.305(a)(4);(a)(5)

Safety management

Regardless of the organisational set-up, it is important that the safety manager remains the unique focal point for the development, administration, and maintenance of the organisation’s safety management processes.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the various challenges which are faced by Part 145 Maintenance Organisations as well as the role of online training to provide initial and ongoing support.

Introduction

As an EASA Part 145 aviation maintenance company, there can be several pain points or challenges and these will of course vary depending on the size of the company, its resources, and the complexity of the aircraft being maintained.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the fundamentals of a Risk-Based Oversight System (RBO)

Introduction

An aviation Risk-Based Oversight System is a system that aims to enhance safety in the aviation industry by identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks.

The goal of RBO is to take a proactive and risk-based approach to aviation safety oversight. By identifying potential safety risks and taking appropriate measures to mitigate those risks, regulatory authorities can help ensure the safety of aviation operations.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the requirements to implement a competence control system to comply with the AMC1 145.30(e) Personnel requirements

Introduction

>> Competence should be defined as a measurable skill or standard of performance, knowledge and understanding, taking into consideration attitude and behaviour.
>> The referenced procedure requires amongst others that planners, mechanics, specialised services staff, supervisors and certifying staff whether employed or contracted, are assessed for before unsupervised work commences and that competence is controlled on a continuous basis.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the basic elements of business risk and associated change management principles.

Introduction

Organizational change: Aviation businesses must adapt to changing market conditions, technological advancements, and customer preferences. This requires effective change management principles, including communication, training, and leadership support.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the Continuing Airworthiness Requirements to ensure compliance with GM M.A.301(i)  ED Decision 2020/002/R.

Introduction Maintenance Check Flights (MCFs)

The definition of and operational requirements for MCFs are laid down in the Air Operations Regulation and are carried out under the control and responsibility of the aircraft operator.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the roles, responsibilities and obligations to ensure compliance with UAE GCAA regulatory requirements.

Introduction CAR 145.35 Certifying staff and support staff

Shall comply with the following:

» Comply with 145.30(g) and 145.30(h)
» Certifying staff and support staff - understanding of the relevant aircraft and/or components to be maintained
» Understanding associated organisation procedures. (Before the issue or re-issue of the certification authorisation.)

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the elements involved in an effective component replacement program.

Introduction

Effective management of aircraft components is an essential aspect of aircraft maintenance programs and plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of aircraft operations. Proper management of aircraft components helps to prevent unscheduled maintenance, reduce operational downtime, and ensure that aircraft systems and equipment are always in top working condition.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com – considers the specific requirements driven by EU 2023/203 (Information Security and Cyber Risks)

Introduction & Background

» Continuing airworthiness management organisations and maintenance organisations are to implement and maintain a management system to manage safety risks. (ref Annex II, point 3.1(b), to Regulation (EU) 2018/1139)
» Pilot training organisations, cabin crew training organisations, aero-medical centres for aircrew and operators of flight simulation training devices are to implement and maintain a management system to manage safety risks. (ref Annex IV, point 3.3(b) and point 5(b), to Regulation (EU) 2018/1139
» Air Operators are to implement and maintain a management system to manage safety risks. (Ref Annex V, point 8.1(c), to Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, air operators are to implement and maintain a management system to manage safety risks.)

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