Sofema Online (SOL) takes a deep dive into the QA practices in place at European Airports.

Introduction

In European aerodromes, Quality Assurance serves as the backbone of regulatory compliance and certification. Its role is distinctly separate from that of Quality Control, focusing on the mandatory assessment of compliance through independent verification of QC processes and other operational practices. QA ensures that aerodromes meet the necessary regulatory standards for safety, security, and environmental management, thereby maintaining their certification and operational privileges. This clear delineation of QA's role highlights its importance in the regulatory framework governing European aerodromes, ensuring they adhere to the highest standards of operational integrity and safety.

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 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 relationship between ANNEX II of CAR-PART I-CAR-BR and CAR AIR OPS

Introduction

Within the GCAA, the Basic Regulation, also known as CAR-PART I-CAR-BR, establishes the fundamental regulatory framework for air operations in the UAE.

>> ANNEX II of CAR-PART I-CAR-BR outlines the Essential Requirements for Air Operations. These requirements set the standards and guidelines that operators, pilots, and other aviation stakeholders must adhere to in order to maintain safe and efficient air operations in the UAE.

>> GCAA CAR AIR OPS play a crucial role in regulating and overseeing air operations in the UAE. By establishing clear guidelines and standards.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at the various elements within a CAR AIR OPS-approved organisation.

Introduction - AMC1 ORO.GEN.200(a)(6) Management system - Compliance Monitoring — General

Compliance monitoring

>> The operator should specify the basic structure of the compliance monitoring function applicable to the activities conducted.
>> The compliance monitoring function should be structured according to the size of the operator and the complexity of the activities to be monitored;

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers oversight fundamentals related to the assessment of an EASA Compliant Quality Assurance System (QAS) / Compliance Management System (CMS)

Introduction – Oversight activities based on looking at how the organisation looks at itself

The Accountable Manager within the EASA system is directly responsible to ensure financing of any aspect of the business which directly contributes to the showing of compliance with regulatory requirements.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com Considers the CAMO Personnel obligations to comply with UAE GCAA Continuing Airworthiness Management Exposition (CAME) requirements related to Safety & Compliance.

Safety management and compliance monitoring function - AMC1 S-1.CAMO.305(a)(4);(a)(5)

Safety management

Regardless of the organisational set-up, it is important that the safety manager remains the unique focal point for the development, administration, and maintenance of the organisation’s safety management processes.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the fundamentals of a Risk-Based Oversight System (RBO)

Introduction

An aviation Risk-Based Oversight System is a system that aims to enhance safety in the aviation industry by identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks.

The goal of RBO is to take a proactive and risk-based approach to aviation safety oversight. By identifying potential safety risks and taking appropriate measures to mitigate those risks, regulatory authorities can help ensure the safety of aviation operations.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the roles, responsibilities and obligations to ensure compliance with UAE GCAA regulatory requirements.

Introduction CAR 145.35 Certifying staff and support staff

Shall comply with the following:

» Comply with 145.30(g) and 145.30(h)
» Certifying staff and support staff - understanding of the relevant aircraft and/or components to be maintained
» Understanding associated organisation procedures. (Before the issue or re-issue of the certification authorisation.)

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; 

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.

A Great Question and Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com is pleased to provide the answer!

It’s for anyone who wants to accelerate their personal learning and to be able to demonstrate core competency related to regulatory knowledge. 

Gain access now to over 250 Regulatory Compliant & Vocational Training Courses

Steve Bentley CEO of Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com explains the role of the training material presented by SAS & SOL (Sofema Online) and considers the obligations of the receiving organisation 

Introduction

Sofema Aviation Services was founded back in 2008 – currently, we provide over 550 Classroom & Webinar Courses and over 220 Online courses through our sister site www.sofemaonline.com

Since the beginning of Jan 2020, we have had over 17500 enrollments in our regulatory training.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com – considers the various techniques which can be employed to ensure an effective compliance audit

Introduction EASA OPS Regulation 965/2012 

The issue of OPS regulation 965/2012 moved the emphasis of EASA driven organizational systems further in the direction of assessing compliance related to performance. With adjustments to the audit schedule to include additional attention being given to the effectiveness of the business processes.

Aircraft Maintenance Program Development – Considerations by Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com

Introduction

When dealing with the complex technical systems involved in air transport, the consequences of unreliable services become critical and may include:

Presented by Sofemaonline (www.sofemaonline.com)

Introduction

Part ML is applicable from 24 March 2020 - Here we look at the obligations to ensure compliance with the regulatory obligations.

Note 1: There is no Quality System directly embedded within these regulations so the oversight will come from either a Part CAMO or Part CAO Organisation.

Note 2: There is no Safety Management System (SMS) applicable to Part ML which essentially concerns aircraft operated only for private purposes below the threshold of 2730 kg.

SofemaOnline (www.sofemaonline.com) looks at the challenges which an auditor faces when searching for non-conformities.

Introduction

Compliance Auditing is typically charged with meeting the challenge of ensuring that the organisation always remains fully compliant with both internal and external obligations.

Aviation is a complex environment and the challenge of staying fully aligned with the EASA regulations at all levels requires a proactive approach to maintaining a full understanding of all the applicable regulatory obligations.

So there are essentially 2 elements to this presentation:

a) Considering the Role of Quality Assurance means What does an EASA Quality Assurance Do?
b) Maximising the Return on the Investment (Which Investment? - Essentially the Investment the Organisation makes to deliver the role of Quality Assurance)

Considering the QA - QC connection

One interpretation defines QC as “to check, test, or verify by evidence or experiments” and assurance being defined as “confidence of delivery” (maybe too narrow for our needs).

Review the Following

Details of ageing aircraft system requirements with any specified sampling programmes (if applicable).

Details of specific structural maintenance programmes (if applicable), including but not limited to:

a. Damage Tolerance and Supplemental Structural Inspection Programmes (SSID)

SUPPLEMENTAL STRUCTURAL INSPECTION PROGRAMME (SSIP)

Increased utilisation, longer operational lives, and the high safety demands imposed on the current fleet of transport aeroplanes indicate the need for a programme to ensure a high level of structural integrity for all aeroplanes in the transport fleet.