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

Quality Assurance within the context of EASA Part 145 regulations plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and airworthiness of aircraft maintenance operations. These regulations mandate a comprehensive framework for Aircraft Maintenance Organisations (AMOs) to adhere to, encompassing a wide range of quality management principles and practices designed to uphold the highest standards of aircraft maintenance and safety.

The Foundation of QA in EASA Part 145

>> Accountable Manager's Responsibility: At the core of the EASA Part 145 quality system, the Accountable Manager holds ultimate responsibility for the entire Quality System, signifying the importance of leadership and accountability in maintaining quality standards.

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

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.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers a brief summary of what each element of the required Safety Management System will be documented within the Maintenance Organisation MOE.

Introduction – Consider the following elements (required)

>> 3.1 Hazard identification and safety risk management schemes
>> 3.2 Internal safety reporting and investigations
>> 3.3 Safety action planning
>> 3.4 Safety performance monitoring
>> 3.5 Change management
>> 3.6 Safety training (including human factors) and promotion
>> 3.7 Immediate safety action and coordination with the operator’s emergency response plan (ERP)

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the requirements introduced following the release of Annex VI to ED Decision 2023/010/R ‘AMC and GM to Part-145 — Issue 2, Amendment 6’

Background

According to EASA  - The current European aviation safety regulatory framework contains a series of requirements which are aimed at reducing the likelihood of an accident happening.

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 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 Reviewing Manual Workplace Hazards, Considering Challenges and Best Practices.

Introduction – Identifying Workplace Hazards

The workplace presents multiple challenges and hazards which can increase the risk of a personal injury occurring.

A detailed process, including requirements for identifying hazardous manual handling and implementing risk controls, should be documented and available to the stores and stores inspection staff.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the primary issues that need to be addressed to ensure the effective implementation of a fully viable Safety Management System within the EASA Part 145 Organisation.

Introduction

Transitioning from a Pre SMS compliant EASA Part 145 organization to the introduction of a Safety Management System (SMS) can pose several challenges. However, with practical implementation and the employment of best practices and optimization, the process can help overcome these challenges and reap the benefits of an effective SMS.

Sofema Online (SOL)  (www.sofemaonline.com) identifies the appropriate DG Awareness Training for EASA Part 145 Staff and in particular Stores and Stores Inspection Staff.

Introduction

For staff working in warehouses dealing with the handling of aircraft spare parts and aircraft consumables, the applicable training is the Sofema Online course - Competency Based DG Training - Personnel Responsible for Handling in a Warehouse, Load and Unload.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the various challenges which are faced by Part 145 Maintenance Organisations as well as the role of online training to provide initial and ongoing support.

Introduction

As an EASA Part 145 aviation maintenance company, there can be several pain points or challenges and these will of course vary depending on the size of the company, its resources, and the complexity of the aircraft being maintained.

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 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

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.

Guidance information to support your EASA Part 145 Implementation Objectives

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com takes a look at forthcoming changes to the EASA Part 145 Environment and How Sofema Online can help you achieve your objectives.

Introduction

Regulatory Drivers for SMS in EASA Part-145 approved organisations

Sofema online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers changes which are taking place within the EASA Part 145 Environment.

Introduction

Regulation 2021/1963 amends Continuing Airworthiness Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014 as regards safety management systems in maintenance organisations and correcting that Regulation.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the changes made to Part 145.A.55 following the introduction of Regulation 2021/1963 which amends Continuing Airworthiness Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014.

Introduction - Maintenance records

The organisation shall record the details of the maintenance work that is carried out within the scope of its approval.

» As a minimum, the organisation shall retain all the records that are necessary to prove that all the requirements have been met for the issue of the certificate of release to service, including, if any, subcontractor's release documents.

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com reviews the forthcoming requirements which will apply to EASA Part 145 Organisations in respect of Certification and Issue of Certificate of Release to Service (CRS).

Introduction

Regulation 2021/1963 amends Continuing Airworthiness Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014 as regards safety management systems in maintenance organisations and correcting that Regulation.

Concerning New Text – (see italics)