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.

Overview by Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com

Validation of Design Certificates (Typically None Minor)

The Technical Agents have established two paths for validation:

» Streamlined validation; or

Overview by Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com

Introduction – TIPs provide specific procedures related to the following:

»  Airworthiness certificates and monitoring of civil aeronautical products;

» Environmental certificates and testing of civil aeronautical products;

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key aspects of Cabin Crew Operational Suitability Data.

Reference - Certification Specifications for Cabin Crew Data (CS-CCD) - Issue 2 - 10 December 20201 (Annex to ED Decision 2020/015/R).

Introduction

In accordance with the requirements of GM1 CCD.400 It is necessary to identify Cabin aspects of special emphasis.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the specific tasks which require a QC input to ensure the production process integrity.

Introduction

With effect from 7th March 2023 EASA Part 21G - 21.A.139 Quality System is being renamed 21.A.139 Production Management System, however the functional requirements which can be considered as Quality Control Activities essentially remain the same.

Consider the following elements which are required to support the production planning process:

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com reviews features related to OSD.

Introduction

Operational Suitability Data (OSD) refers to a suite of data which is required to be established by aircraft manufacturers under the control and oversight of EASA Part 2. OSD is considered as Data which is important for the safe operation of aircraft type.

Introduction by Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com

To consider the Role of the Aviation Auditor in Risk Management?

Whilst it is the responsibility of the leadership team ultimately to assume control of the organisation's risk appetite, the actual day-to-day accountabilities related to specific tasks are usually delegated to other persons within the organisation.

» Considerations Related to Building Trust in Sales with Improved Communication
» Building Trust in Business Relationships

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers key aspects of building strong & effective communications with corporate and private customers.

Introduction