Here we consider a broad overview of EASA regulations, focusing on the European Plan for Aviation Safety (EPAS) main objectives, priorities, and how they shape quality assurance efforts within the aviation sector.

EASA Regulations Overview

EASA regulations are comprehensive, covering all facets of aviation safety and enabling the demonstration of compliance with the relevant ICAO Standard and recommended practices. These regulations are divided into several annexes, referred to as "Parts," each addressing different areas of aviation:

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 managing MCC Defect Processing and Actions

Introduction - Development of a Defect Control Procedure – Example Short Content

A description of the defect rectification and control procedures, including details of:

o The methods used to detect and report recurring defects.
o The procedures for scheduling the rectification of defects whose repair has been deferred..."
o Procedures for recording and rectification of defects, including the identification of recurring defects.
o The complexity of the system used to control defects, including rectification and deferral, 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 applicability of EASA Part CAMO & Part CAO

Introduction - When is EASA part CAMO applicable and when is EASA Part CAO applicable consider EASA Annex V Applicability Selecting the right airworthiness oversight for your aircraft

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has different regulations and oversight protocols depending on the specific needs and operations of an aircraft.

The two main oversight protocols are Part CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization) and Part CAO (Combined Airworthiness Organization).

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the Maintenance Check Flight (MCF) Requirements to comply with GM CAR M.301(i) Continuing airworthiness tasks

Introduction - MAINTENANCE CHECK FLIGHTS (MCFs)

The definition of and operational requirements for MCFs are laid down in the Air Operations Regulation and are carried out under the control and responsibility of the aircraft operator. During the flight preparation, the flight and the post-flight activities as well as for the aircraft handover, the processes requiring the involvement of the maintenance organisations or their personnel should be agreed in advance with the operator.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the Continuing Airworthiness Requirements to ensure compliance with GM M.A.301(i)  ED Decision 2020/002/R.

Introduction Maintenance Check Flights (MCFs)

The definition of and operational requirements for MCFs are laid down in the Air Operations Regulation and are carried out under the control and responsibility of the aircraft operator.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com – considers the specific requirements driven by EU 2023/203 (Information Security and Cyber Risks)

Introduction & Background

» Continuing airworthiness management organisations and maintenance organisations are to implement and maintain a management system to manage safety risks. (ref Annex II, point 3.1(b), to Regulation (EU) 2018/1139)
» Pilot training organisations, cabin crew training organisations, aero-medical centres for aircrew and operators of flight simulation training devices are to implement and maintain a management system to manage safety risks. (ref Annex IV, point 3.3(b) and point 5(b), to Regulation (EU) 2018/1139
» Air Operators are to implement and maintain a management system to manage safety risks. (Ref Annex V, point 8.1(c), to Regulation (EU) 2018/1139, air operators are to implement and maintain a management system to manage safety risks.)

General Overview of Changes to GCAA CAR 145 presented by Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com 

This revision of Gulf Civil Aviation Authority Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) - CAR V - Airworthiness Regulations contains multiple changes and the following is a summary only – for full details please see the specific content.

UAE GCC CAR 145 sets out the requirements for the maintenance organization's approval of an aircraft or aircraft component. The regulation ensures that the maintenance organization has the appropriate procedures, equipment, personnel, and facilities to perform maintenance, repair, and overhaul of aircraft or aircraft components in compliance with applicable airworthiness requirements.

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com considers the route to FAA certificate of UAS equipment.

Introduction - Certification for Advanced Operations Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

What is Airworthiness?

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.

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 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:

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; 

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.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com reviews the applicable material related to EASA Initial Certification.

Introduction

EASA Part 21 regulates the approval of aircraft design and production organisations and the certification of aircraft Products, Parts and Appliances.

AMC & GM 14/07/2021 AMC & GM to Part 21 — Issue 2, Amendment 13
Reference - Issue 2 (full) originally dated 30/10/2012 (AMC & GM to Part 21 — Issue 2) with 13 amendments.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the changes which are introduced to the structure and format of the MOE to ensure compliance with Regulation 2021/1963

Note: All Transitional Activities must be complete by 2 December 2024.

» If not fully in compliance by 2 December 2024 then the approval certificate shall be revoked, limited, or suspended in whole or in part.

Introduction - EASA Part 145.A.70 concerns The Structure & Format of the MOE – The following points shall be complied with:

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com Considers the applicable repair criteria – ref Implementation Procedures for Airworthiness Revision 1 March 29, 2019.

Introduction - Design Data for Repairs

Acceptance of Design Data Used in Support of Repairs.

» Design data used in support of repairs must be approved or accepted, as appropriate, by the Exporting Authority (EA) / State of Design (SOD).

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

Airworthiness Directives (ADs) are legally enforceable rules issued by the FAA in accordance with 14 CFR part 39 to correct an unsafe condition in a product.

• 14 CFR part 39 defines a product as an aircraft, aircraft engine, propeller, or appliance