Recent blog posts

Sofema Online Considers the Technical Records & Documentation Management

Requirements are driven by EASA Part 21 Regulatory requirements

Introduction – New Major Repair

Relevant substantiation data associated with a new major repair design and record keeping should include:

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key elements related to the management of Recurrent Defects.

Introduction

The complexity of the Maintenance Control Administrative system which is used to control defects, including rectification and deferral, will vary according to the type of aircraft operated and the size and nature of the operation.

The same will apply to the methodologies related to the identification & handling of recurrent defects:

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at the format & structure of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual.

Introduction

The Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) is a manual developed by the manufacturer that provides detailed technical maintenance instructions for a specific type of Aircraft.

» The content of the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) is part of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) that the Type Certificate Holder is required to provide and maintain.

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Sofema Online (SOL)  www.sassofia.com reviews key aspects of Cabin Certification Requirements.

Introduction - Reference the following requirement:

» Aisle widths must meet requirements set forth in CS 25.815

» Emergency exits must be accessible per CS 25.813

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers optimising techniques to get your message across and accepted. 

Introduction

Delivering a Persuasive Message requires focus and the ability to follow a clear path to ensure a call to action. At all costs to avoid any vague or weak references, your message must be clear concise, and compelling.

Start by ensuring you have thought through your message and have a clear understanding of how you are going to deliver this message, in a way that will resonate with your audience.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes a look at the structure and development of Practical Training.

Introduction

Whilst EASA Does NOT specify the use of the Training Needs Analysis (TNA) Process to Develop and serve as a Control for Practical Training it can be considered as “best practice” as it ensures a framework for effective management.

Training Procedures

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the options to ensure compliance with AMC1 CAMO.A.310(a)(3) Airworthiness review staff qualifications (ED Decision 2020/002/R)

» Sofema Online Training for Airworthiness Review Staff
» EASA Airworthiness Review Staff Training Courses

Summary of General Qualifications for Airworthiness Review Staff

» At least 5 years of experience in continuing airworthiness;
» Acquired an appropriate license in compliance with Annex (III) Part-66 or an aeronautical degree or a national equivalent; 

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

Introduction

The SAFA programme started in 1996 and is focused on assessing the level of compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards of the airlines operating at the various airports which are within the jurisdiction of the European Aviation Authorities.

» The objective is to raise the overall safety level of airlines by requiring correction and prevention of identified discrepancies with ICAO standards.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers best practices to support supply chain optimization.

Introduction

The supply chain is a key element within the Maintenance Repair Organisation (MRO), correctly managed it may contribute to the overall efficiency of the process, if it is not controlled in the best way the supply chain may easily contribute to unnecessary overhead.

When we talk about the aviation supply chain we are essentially talking about all stages which are involved in delivering the parts and materials where they are needed, when they are needed at the best possible cost. Moreover, consideration is given to transportation and logistics both within the organisation and external to the organisation, cost, quantity, and lead time being of relevance to the understanding.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com reviews SMS objectives to comply with EASA Part 145 requirements.

Introduction

Point 145.A.200 introduces the following as key safety management processes; these are further specified in the related AMC and GM:

» Hazard identification

» Safety risk management

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at typical descriptors for Defenses that reduce or mitigate the risk related to a particular hazard.

Introduction

Consider the Term “As Low as Reasonably Practicable” (ALARP). Not all risks are manageable to the extent that they are either no longer a factor or they are economically impractical to mitigate means the cost outweighs the benefit.

Hazard Identification / Risk Assessment is carried out in order to identify the hazards in the organizational systems and operational environment. It also supports the risk assessment where we consider the probability of occurrence and the severity of the hazard effects are analyzed and where the magnitude of the risk and its acceptability are determined.

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Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com considers the role, purpose, and applicability of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 8.

Introduction

ICAO SARPS (Standards and Recommended Practices) for each area of ICAO responsibility are contained in 19 Annexes. Each Annex deals with a particular subject area. All are subject to regular amendments and the detail in respect of many of them is contained in publications in the numbered ICAO Document Series.

Annex 8

Annex 8 Concerns the Airworthiness of Aircraft specifically related to the design, construction in accordance with the requirements of the State of Design and Operation in compliance with the appropriate airworthiness requirements of the State of Registry of the aircraft.

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

ICAO Current Status Regarding Recommendations

Please see here

» As the response of the ICAO Medical Section indicates, the subject of the carriage of AEDs on board passenger aircraft, has been, and is under active consideration in ICAO.

What is the purpose of an AED?

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the process of reviewing the system’s effectiveness following the completion of a Base Maintenance Check.

Introduction

An ideal time to optimize the various processes occurs following each maintenance check, an investment in this opportunity will typically reap benefits in overall efficiency & effectiveness.

Consider the typical issues which can be looked at following the completion of a maintenance check:

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Sofema Online (SOL) (www.sofemaonline.com) considers the information issued by EASA concerning the various implementation deadlines for compliance with EASA Part 145 Safety Management System Requirements.

» When do I need to Implement SMS within my Part 145 Organisation?
» What are the SMS Deadlines Regarding EASA Part 145 Approval?
» Implementation of Safety Management System in Part-145 Maintenance Organisations in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2021/1963.

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Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com considers the obligations & responsibilities of the Accountable Manager.

Introduction – Guidance related to ICAO Annex 19

The organisation (service provider) is responsible to identify the accountable executive who, has ultimate responsibility and accountability, on behalf of the organisation, for the implementation and ongoing maintenance of the SMS.

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes a detailed look at the Aviation Safety Management Risk Management Landscape.

Introduction – What is Risk Management

Risk Management, being a central component of the SMS, plays a vital role in addressing the risk in practical terms.

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

Introduction – What do we mean by ALARP?

We typically accept within aviation that it is not possible for all risks to be eliminated which is why we use the term ALARP (As low as reasonably practicable).

The principle of the ALARP approach which includes a Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA):

»  Essentially all efforts should be made to reduce safety risks to the lowest level possible.

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Aviation Training is the specialty of Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com and Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com

Continuing Airworthiness is a critically important task whether it is related to EASA Part M & Part CAMO (Continuing airworthiness Management Organisation) or EASA Part 145 Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO).

More About the Importance of Aircraft Technical Records

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Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at the process for managing MCAI within the UK CAA as part of the UK CAA / EASA Bilateral Agreement Technical Implementation Procedures (TIP).

Introduction

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) defines MCAI as “mandatory requirements for the modification, replacement of parts, or inspection of aircraft and amendment of operating limitations and procedures.”

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