Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the regulatory requirements related to the management of Defect Control & Reliability.

Introduction – AMC M.A.301(b) Continuing airworthiness tasks (ED Decision 2020/002/R)

» The operator should have a system to ensure that all defects affecting the safe operation of the aircraft are rectified within the limits prescribed by the approved minimum equipment list (MEL), configuration deviation list (CDL) or maintenance data, as appropriate.
» Also, that such defect rectification cannot be postponed unless agreed by the operator and in accordance with a procedure approved by the competent authority.

Sofema Online (SOL) (www.sofemaonline.com) considers the regulatory responsibilities placed on the operator by EASA.

Introduction - What are the responsibilities of the AOC holder required to implement a management system in accordance with ORO.GEN.200 in regards to continuing airworthiness management and contracted maintenance?

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at the process of delivering assurance within an FAA - EASA Compliant Safety Management System.

Introduction - Considering the Definition of Safety Assurance

» EASA – Safety assurance – all planned and systematic actions necessary to afford adequate confidence that a product, a service, an organisation, or a functional system achieves acceptable or tolerable safety.
» FAA – Safety assurance – Processes within the SMS that function systematically to ensure the performance and effectiveness of safety risk controls and that the organization meets or exceeds its safety objectives through the collection, analysis, and assessment of information.

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 considers the primary responsibilities of an MCC Defect Control Engineer

Introduction Roles & Responsibilities

The Defect Control Engineer (DCE) is expected to be a subject matter expert with the ability to provide immediate real-time expert advice and guidance to operational pilots on the interpretation of the MEL dispatch and technical troubleshooting. The role is often the primary interface between the maintenance department and the flight crew, with duties including the support for any Aircraft on Ground (AOG) recovery process.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the best practice related to the use of the Aircraft Minimum Equipment List (MEL).

Introduction

The MEL is a commonly used tool allowing for the safe and continuous operation of the aircraft until rectification of certain inoperative equipment or unavailable system functions that are not adversely affecting the airworthiness of the aircraft. Understanding the principles and rules for correctly applying MEL items is crucial for both maintenance personnel and flight crews

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com looks at the various terms related to the codes or other certification specifications governing the design and performance of civil aeronautical products and articles.

“Amended Type Certificate (ATC)” means a design change made by the TC holder that requires an amendment to the TC and the Type Certification Data Sheet (TCDS).

“Appliance” means any instrument, mechanism, equipment, part, apparatus, appurtenance, or accessory, including communications equipment, that is used or intended to be used in operating or controlling an aircraft in flight, is installed in or attached to the aircraft, and is not part of an airframe, aircraft engine, or propeller.

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 (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the key aspects of Cabin Crew Operational Suitability Data.

Reference - Certification Specifications for Cabin Crew Data (CS-CCD) - Issue 2 - 10 December 20201 (Annex to ED Decision 2020/015/R).

Introduction

In accordance with the requirements of GM1 CCD.400 It is necessary to identify Cabin aspects of special emphasis.

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the specific tasks which require a QC input to ensure the production process integrity.

Introduction

With effect from 7th March 2023 EASA Part 21G - 21.A.139 Quality System is being renamed 21.A.139 Production Management System, however the functional requirements which can be considered as Quality Control Activities essentially remain the same.

Consider the following elements which are required to support the production planning process:

Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com reviews features related to OSD.

Introduction

Operational Suitability Data (OSD) refers to a suite of data which is required to be established by aircraft manufacturers under the control and oversight of EASA Part 2. OSD is considered as Data which is important for the safe operation of aircraft type.

Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com considers in detail the forthcoming changes to Initial Airworthiness Regulation 748/2012, their applicability, and regulatory obligations.

Introduction - Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/201

This regulation applies to management systems and occurrence-reporting systems to be established by design and production organisations.

Ref also EASA Basic Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 and (EU) No 376/2014

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.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

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

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 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.

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:

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.