Introduction by Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the essential steps to deliver an effective and repeatable process.

Introduction - What Is a Sales Process?

Essentially a sales process is a structured approach to achieve our sales objectives and to be able to repeat this approach with multiple persons following the same guidance. A sales process acts as a roadmap as well as a guide for the sales team.

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com considers the Maintenance Annex Guidance Procedures (MAG change 8) related to Air Carrier Obligations.

Definitions

Part 121 carrier is a regularly scheduled air carrier. Typically large, U.S.-based airlines, regional air carriers, and cargo carriers operating under 14 CFR Part 121 must be certified as such through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the purpose and use of FAA 8130-3.

Introduction

The 8130-3 form is an FAA-required document that is primarily used to verify parts and components within the global aviation system.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers key features within the IPC.

Introduction

The IPC can be considered as a primary ancillary reference document specific to aircraft type, published by manufacturers, which describes in comprehensive detail, along with illustrations and part numbers, every component on the aircraft.

Review by Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looking at the process which drives Safety Risk Management (SRM).

Introduction related to general principles of safety risk management:

» All system operations represent some degree of risk.
» Recognize that human interaction with elements of the system entails some element of risk.
» Keep hazards in proper perspective.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the responsibilities of EU-based AMOs holding a 14 CFR Part 145 approval. Ref Maintenance Annex Guidance Change 8 Section C.

Introduction – Certification Process for EU-based Approved Maintenance Organizations

Initial Certification Process

Sofema Online (www.sofemaonline.com) considers the role and purpose of Aviation Safety Management System (SMS) - Safety Performance Indicators (SPI) within an EASA Part 21 G Organisation.

Introduction – Key Performance Indicator (KPI)

Typically measures how well your operation is doing at achieving its maintenance goals, for example reducing downtime or costs. KPIs can be used as a benchmark to understand your organisations current position as well as to facilitate the development of Key Performance goals.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the regulatory requirements related to the management of Defect Control & Reliability.

Introduction – AMC M.A.301(b) Continuing airworthiness tasks (ED Decision 2020/002/R)

» The operator should have a system to ensure that all defects affecting the safe operation of the aircraft are rectified within the limits prescribed by the approved minimum equipment list (MEL), configuration deviation list (CDL) or maintenance data, as appropriate.
» Also, that such defect rectification cannot be postponed unless agreed by the operator and in accordance with a procedure approved by the competent authority.

Sofema Online (SOL) (www.sofemaonline.com) considers the regulatory responsibilities placed on the operator by EASA.

Introduction - What are the responsibilities of the AOC holder required to implement a management system in accordance with ORO.GEN.200 in regards to continuing airworthiness management and contracted maintenance?

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at the process of delivering assurance within an FAA - EASA Compliant Safety Management System.

Introduction - Considering the Definition of Safety Assurance

» EASA – Safety assurance – all planned and systematic actions necessary to afford adequate confidence that a product, a service, an organisation, or a functional system achieves acceptable or tolerable safety.
» FAA – Safety assurance – Processes within the SMS that function systematically to ensure the performance and effectiveness of safety risk controls and that the organization meets or exceeds its safety objectives through the collection, analysis, and assessment of information.

The purpose of the Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) is to serve to reduce, as far as practicably reasonable, workplace fatigue and its associated risks, to ensure a safe and error-free work environment for employees, contractors, and clients.

Driven by ICAO EASA, FAA & Transport Canada are promoting effective FRMS within the maintenance environment.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the changes which will be applicable following the introduction of EU regulation 2021/1963.

Introduction

According to EASA the main change introduced in the regulation is the required implementation of a Safety Management System for maintenance organisations will require the following:

» To implement hazard identification, risk management, and safety assurance processes.
» The designation of a safety manager.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes a look at the challenges HR face in the Conflict Zone as Part of our Aviation Leadership Development Program.

See here for details of our Aviation Leadership and Management Skills Development Diploma.

Introduction

To start by understanding the point where a disagreement becomes a conflict, moreover to consider that it is seldom necessary for a disagreement to require mediation. However, once the engagement moves to the personal (either by specific behaviour – rude or anti-social) or even borderline aggression it becomes time to act.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key risks to be considered as part of the ERP interface with the Safety Management System (SMS).

Introduction

Organizations can never anticipate the next crisis so they must try to the most likely crisis scenarios as well as those potential anomalies that pose a risk or existential threat to the organization.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the process to manage safety performance within the organisations Safety Management System (SMS).

Introduction – Safety Performance and Safety Performance Monitoring

Safety Performance is a balance between the safety system achievements of the organisation, and the effectiveness of the mitigations which are implemented to enable the safety achievements.

SMS General Understanding of Terms:

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the Maintenance Control Centre (MCC) – Defect Control Procedure related to the treatment of MEL applicable defects.

Terminology 

DCE - Defect Control Engineer

Introduction - For aircraft operated with an MEL the following procedures apply:

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the basic process involved with implementation of a Defect Control process within the Maintenance Control Centre (MCC).

Introduction

The complexity of the MCC Systems used to manage defects, including the organisation of rectification downtime and deferral using MEL procedures, as well as identifying and handling recurring defects will vary according to the type of aircraft operated and the size and nature of the operation.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the primary responsibilities of an MCC Defect Control Engineer

Introduction Roles & Responsibilities

The Defect Control Engineer (DCE) is expected to be a subject matter expert with the ability to provide immediate real-time expert advice and guidance to operational pilots on the interpretation of the MEL dispatch and technical troubleshooting. The role is often the primary interface between the maintenance department and the flight crew, with duties including the support for any Aircraft on Ground (AOG) recovery process.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the best practice related to the use of the Aircraft Minimum Equipment List (MEL).

Introduction

The MEL is a commonly used tool allowing for the safe and continuous operation of the aircraft until rectification of certain inoperative equipment or unavailable system functions that are not adversely affecting the airworthiness of the aircraft. Understanding the principles and rules for correctly applying MEL items is crucial for both maintenance personnel and flight crews

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at the various terms related to the codes or other certification specifications governing the design and performance of civil aeronautical products and articles.

“Amended Type Certificate (ATC)” means a design change made by the TC holder that requires an amendment to the TC and the Type Certification Data Sheet (TCDS).

“Appliance” means any instrument, mechanism, equipment, part, apparatus, appurtenance, or accessory, including communications equipment, that is used or intended to be used in operating or controlling an aircraft in flight, is installed in or attached to the aircraft, and is not part of an airframe, aircraft engine, or propeller.