Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers core terms and definitions familiar within EASA European Aviation Domains.

Aviation Cybersecurity: The protection of aviation systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, disruption, or modification.

Cybersecurity Incident: Any unauthorized or malicious activity that poses a threat to the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of aviation systems and data.

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI): Information about potential or current attacks that threaten an organization. CTI in the aviation industry often includes threats to aviation security systems and infrastructure.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the major challenges related to the need to address Cyber Security.

Aviation Cyber Security Strategy Introduction

The civil aviation sector is increasingly reliant on the availability of information and communications technology systems, as well as on the integrity and confidentiality of data.

The threat posed by possible cyber incidents to civil aviation is continuously evolving, with threat actors focusing on malicious intents, disruptions of business continuity and the theft of information for political, financial or other motivations.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the requirements introduced following the release of Annex VI to ED Decision 2023/010/R ‘AMC and GM to Part-145 — Issue 2, Amendment 6’

Background

According to EASA  - The current European aviation safety regulatory framework contains a series of requirements which are aimed at reducing the likelihood of an accident happening.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the use of the ICAO 5 x 5 Matrix as a Risk Assessment Tool.

Introduction

ICAO 5 x 5 Risk Assessment is a widely used risk assessment methodology in the aviation industry. It involves the assessment of the likelihood and severity of a potential risk and assigning a score to each based on a five-point scale. The scores are then multiplied to give an overall risk score.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the terms, definitions, and differences related to Practical Assessment from an EASA perspective.

Introduction

 Appendix III 4.2.

• Practical Assessment is performed by Part-147 within an approved maintenance environment.

>>  (Part-145, with A rating, manufacturer) under the Part-147 approval

>>  Defined maintenance environment as described in the directly approved procedure by the competent authority (66.B.130) - Reference: Appendix III 1(b)

Sofema Online (SOL) considers best practices and procedures related to Aircraft Lavatory Servicing.

Introduction

Aircraft toilet servicing is a vital aspect of aircraft maintenance. Ensuring that the vacuum toilet system operates flawlessly is essential for the well-being and comfort of passengers as well as health and sanitation.

By adhering to these health and safety standards, airlines and maintenance providers can ensure the well-being of their employees, passengers, and the environment

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes into consideration the exposure which is presented by Foreign Object Debris (FOD)

The Menace of Foreign Object Debris in Maintenance Overhaul Facilities: An Exploration of Safety Exposure

>> Foreign Object Debris (FOD) refers to a substance, debris, or particle which is alien to the component or system and therefore has the potential to cause damage.
>> Foreign Object Debris in maintenance overhaul facilities is a significant concern due to the potential damage to aircraft, associated safety risks, and considerable financial implications.
>> A comprehensive approach is required to address this problem, encompassing technological solutions, rigorous procedures, continuous training, and a robust FOD awareness culture.
>> Preventing FOD in these facilities is not just about maintaining efficiency or reducing costs but is crucial for ensuring the safety of operations.

Sofema Online (SOL)  reviews best practices for a routine Aircraft Cabin Cleaning Operation – Consider the Following Example Work Instruction

Introduction & Safety Precautions

• Ensure an organized approach to cleaning. Utilize the right tools, technology, and cleaning solutions for optimal results.
• Always wear appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves and masks.
• Ensure the aircraft is properly ventilated during cleaning.
• Store cleaning chemicals in a safe location, away from children and pets.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions for all cleaning equipment and solutions.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the role of CPCP ADs and the responsibility for updating the Aircraft Maintenance Program (AMP)

Introduction

Each CPCP, whether originally mandated by AD or later incorporated into the MPD for an aircraft, includes certain definitions to lay the groundwork and baselines for the programs.

Corrosion is a progressive condition and generally becomes more serious as it moves deeper into the grain of the affected metal. Therefore, different levels of corrosion are defined: Level 1 being the least serious, Level 2 being increasingly problematic, and Level 3 being the highest. However, these definitions were never standardized, although they are largely well-understood by CAAs, manufacturers, and the industry.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com reviews the development of CPCP from Standalone to incorporation within the MRB process

Introduction “Corrosion Prevention and Control Programme” (CPCP)

This means a document reflecting a systematic approach to prevent and control corrosion in an aeroplane’s primary structure, consisting of basic corrosion tasks, including inspections, areas subject to those tasks, defined corrosion levels and compliance times (implementation thresholds and repeat intervals).

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the procedures for completion and use of the authorized release certificate, FAA Form 8130-3, Airworthiness Approval Tag

General Considerations and Comments (for details please see the order)

Issuance of FAA Form 8130-3 as an airworthiness approval does not constitute an export approval, because compliance with a specific country’s or jurisdiction’s special import requirements may not have been verified.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers best practices and health and safety requirements to ensure the correct management of potable water for use in aircraft

Introduction to Aircraft Portable Water

Maintaining the quality of potable water on aircraft requires regular testing, vigilant monitoring, and adherence to best practices. Proper treatment and handling procedures, combined with a robust testing regimen, can ensure that passengers and crew have access to safe drinking water during their flights.

 Sofema Online www.sofemaonline.com looks at the essential elements of a functioning EASA Part 145 Organisation

Risk management

Risk Management is primarily comprised of two elements.

>> Hazard identification

>> Risk Assessment (and mitigation)

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com Considers the procedures for completion and use of Electronic Authorized Release Certificate, FAA Form 8130-3, Airworthiness Approval Tag

General Procedures for the Use of Electronic FAA Form 8130-3

>> The use of the electronic transfer FAA Form 8130-3 procedures is strictly voluntary when issuing FAA Form 8130-3 for its intended purpose as specified in chapters 2, 3, and 4 of this order.
>> If authorized persons elect to implement the following procedures, it must be understood that both the originator and recipient of the electronic form must comply with the procedures in this chapter. If for whatever reason the data recipient is unable to accept the electronic form, the issuance of the form must be in paper format in accordance with the appropriate chapter of this order.
>> Those authorized persons who elect to issue the electronic FAA Form 8130-3 for products and articles must comply with the standardized set of data formats, the ATA Spec 2000.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the requirements related to manpower within the FAR 145 Organisation

Introduction - FAR 145 Subpart D - Personnel

Each certificated repair station must:

>> Designate a repair station employee as the accountable manager;
>> Provide qualified personnel to plan, supervise, perform, and approve for return to service the maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations performed under the repair station certificate and operations specifications;
>> Ensure it has a sufficient number of employees with the training or knowledge and experience in the performance of maintenance, preventive maintenance, or alterations authorized by the repair station certificate and operations specifications to ensure all work is performed in accordance with part 43; and
>> Determine the abilities of its noncertificated employees performing maintenance functions based on training, knowledge, experience, or practical tests.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at a technique for data analysis

Analytical Techniques to Support MCC Recurrent Defect Analysis - Introduction

>> Pareto analysis is premised on the idea that 80% of a project's benefit can be achieved by doing 20% of the work- or, conversely, 80% of problems can be traced to 20% of the causes.
>> Pareto analysis is a powerful quality and decision-making tool. In the most general sense, it is a technique for getting the necessary facts needed for setting priorities.

Steps of Pareto Analysis

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the reporting process for advising the Federal Aviation Administration regarding the existence of Unairworthy Conditions related to Aircraft, Engines, Propellers or Components thereof

Introduction – Ref FAA 45.63 Reports of Defects or Unairworthy Conditions.

Each certificated domestic repair station shall report to the Administrator within 72 hours after it discovers any serious defect in, or other recurring unairworthy condition of, an aircraft, powerplant, or propeller, or any component of any of them.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the requirements to comply with Maintenance Annex Guidance (MAG) change 8

Introduction      

Contracting to EASA-approved Facilities

If the repair station sends an article to another organization that is EASA-approved and FAA-certificated, and that person or entity exercises the privileges of its certificate by assuming responsibility for approving for return to service each item on which it has worked, that process is not considered contracting (Ensure the contracted organization is properly certificated to perform that work.)

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers best practices for managing the required records and documents related to EASA Part 147 nominated persons.

Introduction

Records of all instructional and exam invigilation staff may be maintained in digital and/or hard copy.

>> The purpose of the records is to support the scope of their authorization.
>> All records are kept up to date and securely stored under the control of the nominated Training Manager.
>> Access to the records is restricted to the Training Manager, Quality Manager and Administration Staff.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the role of a Functional Hazard Assessment as part of the Aircraft Type Certificate Certification Process.

Introduction

A Functional Hazard Assessment (FHA) is a systematic evaluation conducted to identify and assess potential hazards associated with the functions and behaviours of a system or process. It is common to ensure safety and mitigate risks.

>> The FHA focuses on analyzing the functional aspects of a system to identify potential hazards and their potential consequences.