Recent blog posts

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com Considers the key elements contained within an Operational & Maintenance Contract.

Introduction

Aviation Operational & Maintenance Contracts serve a myriad of purposes, essentially acting as a critical foundation for ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of airline operations.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the regulatory requirements related to Aerodrome Operator Management.

Introduction

SUBPART D — MANAGEMENT — AERODROME OPERATORS (ADR.OR.D) ADR.OR.D.005 (Management System) Regulation (EU) No 139/2014

The aerodrome operator shall implement and maintain a management system integrating a safety management system.

The management system shall include:

>>  Clearly defined lines of responsibility and accountability throughout the aerodrome operator, including a direct accountability for safety on the part of senior management;

>>  A description of the overall philosophies and principles of the aerodrome operator with regard to safety, referred to as the safety policy, signed by the accountable manager;

>>   A formal process that ensures that hazards in operations are identified;

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The aviation industry, with its complex and highly regulated nature, presents unique challenges for project management. When we consider engaging in aviation-related project management we typically need to consider a multifaceted approach that addresses its unique challenges through.

>> Strategic planning,
>> Rigorous standards,
>> Stakeholder engagement,
>> and a commitment to safety and quality.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com – dives into the assessment management and overview of projects through the medium of Case Study.

This framework provides a structured approach to exploring a successful aviation project from initiation to conclusion, with a keen focus on stakeholder engagement and the strategic planning process. It ensures a thorough analysis and presentation of the project's complexities, achievements, and learnings.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers detailed exterior cleaning procedures for aircraft 

Introduction - The following elements have been identified as essential in achieving the best outcome related to exterior cleaning.

Preparation:

>> Safety Checks: Before initiating the cleaning process, conduct a thorough inspection to ensure all panels, covers, and access points are securely fastened.

>> Sealing: Ensure all openings, including vents and seams, are sealed to prevent the ingress of cleaning solutions or water which could damage internal components.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the necessary steps to perform a Failure Modes Effect Analysis (FMEA)

Introduction - Establish the context and purpose

The purpose of FMEA is to take actions to eliminate or reduce failures, starting with the highest-priority ones. FMEA is a dynamic tool and should be revisited over time, especially after changes have been made in the design or process.

>> Define the system, subsystem, or process to be analyzed. Determine the scope, the reason for the analysis, and the team who will conduct the FMEA.

o This team should include a cross-section of experts from various fields such as design, manufacturing, quality, and reliability engineering.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the use of FMEA as part of the certification process.

Introduction

Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is a systematic, proactive method for evaluating a process or a system to identify where and how it might fail and to assess the relative impact of different failures in order to identify parts of the process that are most in need of change.

FMEA typically involves cross-functional teams, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among different stakeholders, leading to a more comprehensive analysis.

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Sofema Online (SOL ) www.sofemaonline.com considers the regulatory requirements related to Information Security Management (ISM) and the key compliance audit elements.

What is an EASA Aerodrome Information Security Threat?

  • Information security threat may be any circumstance or event with the potential to adversely

>> Impact the operation, systems and/or constituents due to

  • Human action (accidental, casual or purposeful, intentional or unintentional, mistaken)
  • Resulting from unauthorised access, use, disclosure, denial, disruption, modification, or
  • Destruction of information and/or information system interfaces.
  • This includes malware and the effects of external systems on dependent systems but does not include physical threats.
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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes a deep dive into the subject to understand the merits of an effective safety survey process and the benefits for the organisation.

Introduction

EASA does not mandate a standard for surveys, this is in fact left to the discretion of the organisation to develop.

Unfortunately this creates a challenge for both the organisation as well as the competent authority

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes a look at the potential level of exposure across the Aviation Ecosphere.

Introduction

Cybersecurity risks in the aviation industry are a growing concern, especially as we move forward from 2024 to 2030. These risks encompass various domains within the industry, including air traffic control systems, aircraft avionics, airport operations, and passenger data systems.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes a deep dive into Inventory Control Processes

  • Aviation Supply Chain Management, strategies, techniques, and tools for efficient inventory control, is a multifaceted topic with various challenges and best practices.
  • Consider the following:
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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes a deep dive into Integrated Inventory Management Systems

Introduction - Integrating Lead Time Management and Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory management.

The primary focus is on reducing the time it takes to receive goods once they are ordered. This includes optimizing supplier lead times, internal processing times, and transportation times. Involves understanding and effectively coordinating the two concepts.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers communication best practice to comply with (ARP) 6257A

Introduction

(ARP) 6257A provides standardized communication phraseology for aircraft ground deicing/anti-icing operations, ensuring clear and concise communication between flightcrew and groundcrew. This practice plays a crucial role in the safety of deicing programs and aims to address historical issues of differing communication scripts at multiple airport locations, which have led to unsafe situations. It is an essential document for ensuring safety and efficiency in these operations, helping to prevent miscommunication and its potentially dangerous consequences.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the best practices related to return to service of components recovered from Incidents / Accidents. Refer to AMC2 145.A.50(d) Certification of maintenance ED Decision 2020/002/R

Introduction

The return to service of aircraft items from accidents or incidents is a highly specialized and regulated process. Ensuring compliance with EASA Part 145 and Part 21 is essential for the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Regular updates in technical knowledge, continuous training, and strict adherence to best practices and regulatory requirements are key to successfully managing this challenging task.

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SofemaOnline (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the regulations driving EWIS compliance within the European EASA jurisdiction.

Introduction

The origins of EASA's focus on EWIS can be traced back to various incidents in the aviation industry that highlighted the risks associated with electrical faults leading to in-flight smoke and fire events. These incidents underscored the need for rigorous maintenance and training practices to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com Considers the Training requirements in support of the Aerodrome Management Regulatory Requirements

Applicable to Operations, Rescue and firefighting, and Maintenance Personnel

  • Safety training should address safety responsibilities, including adherence to all operating and safety procedures, and recognizing and reporting hazards;
  • The training objectives should include the organisation’s safety policy and safety management system fundamentals, and overview;
  • The contents should include:
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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the regulatory obligations to comply with EASA regulations related to De-Icing & Anti -Icing requirements.

Reference Documents

>> EASA_SIB_2017-11_1 Global Aircraft De-icing Standards

>> EASA_SIB_2018-12_1 Post De-icing/Anti-icing Checks

>> SAE AS6285 ‘Aircraft Ground Deicing/Anti-Icing Processes’ and ARP6257 ‘Aircraft Ground De/Anti-Icing Communication Phraseology for Flight and Ground Crews’.

>> SAE AS6286 ‘Training and Qualification Program for Deicing/Anti-icing of Aircraft on the Ground’, complemented by subdocuments AS6286/1, AS6286/2, AS6286/3, AS6286/4, AS6286/5 and AS6286/6.

>> SAE AS6332 ‘Aircraft Ground Deicing/Anti-icing Quality Management’.

>> ICAO 9640 ‘Manual of Aircraft Ground

>> Official FAA winter 2023-2024 holdover time guidelines

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key elements of an effective Safety Audit.

Introduction

Performing safety management system (SMS) audits by EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Annex 19 requirements involves a thorough assessment of an organization's safety practices, focusing on risk and performance rather than mere compliance.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the role and differences related to Qualitative and Quantitative Analysis

Introduction

Qualitative and quantitative analysis provides a comprehensive and robust understanding of the subject matter.

By combining both approaches, we can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the type, including its functional aspects, user experience, and performance metrics

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 ICAO Abbreviations and Terms Applicable to Aircraft deicing & anti-icing

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the typical terms and abbreviations compliant with ICAO Document 9640 and SAE AS6285E

Abbreviations and Terms

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